Used Audi S3 cars

Introduced as a stylish hot hatch in 1999, the Audi S3 added a sportier flare to the popular A3 on which it was based. With a more aggressive front end, chrome trim around the grille, a broad air intake on the lower bumper and S3 badging, Audi purposefully redefined the hatchback market.

Audi S3 updates and facelifts

Offering eye-catching craftsmanship, turbocharged engine options and ‘Quattro’ four-wheel-drive capabilities, the S3 means business and has continued to impress over four model generations and multiple facelifts.

Today, the S3 comes as a three or five-door Sportback, a four-door Saloon and a two-door Cabriolet. The five-door model was introduced in 2008 as a Mk2 upgrade and in 2013, the Mk3 S3 became the fastest four-cylinder model ever built by Audi. The market progressed significantly over the next decade, resulting in Mk4 models (which launched in 2020) exuding energy and boasting innovative kit. LED daytime running lights, Nappa leather upholstered seats, MMI Navigation, impressive sound systems and smartphone connectivity all became par for the course.

The Audi S3 has been widely recognised for its capabilities. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Turbo engine found at the heart of the Audi S3 won the Best-In-Class honour at the Engine of the Year Awards in 2020 for the third year running. A jury of more than 60 recognised trade journalists from 30 countries came to this conclusion, stating that the engine is ‘not only incredibly versatile and clever but also remarkably powerful’.

Practicality and style of the car

The S3 combines sporty good looks with practicality in abundance. Most models are designed to seat five, apart from the Cabriolet which offers two front and two rear seats. The hatchback offers plenty of leg and headroom for the driver and front passenger, while – like the A3 hatch – its rear seats are best suited to children and smaller adults. In this respect, the S3 offers a similar amount of cabin space as the Mercedes-AMG A35. The two outer rear seats come with ISOFIX anchor points for child seats, allowing for safe family travel with little ones.

The Saloon variant offers more legroom in the rear, although the sweeping roofline restricts headroom a little for taller adults. Boot space in both Sportback and Saloon iterations is good with 340 and 390 litres on offer, respectively. The rear seats in both models also fold in a handy 40:20:40 split when you need to carry more luggage. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the S3 Cabriolet has the smallest boot, with a capacity of 285 litres with the roof up and 245 litres with the roof down. Sacrificing a little boot space is arguably a small price to pay for a luxurious convertible driving experience in a car that’s renowned for its sporting prowess.

Running costs

As for running costs, the S3 isn’t the most expensive sports car on the market to insure. Most versions of the Audi S3 sit in insurance group 39 out of 50, apart from the S3 Cabriolet, which sits in group 42. For S3 models manufactured after April 2017, the annual road tax is £570 for five years after the first year of registration. Thereafter, the payment drops to the standard rate for the vehicle’s fuel type.

How a used Audi S3 drives

As a sports-inspired model from one of the world’s most renowned marques, the S3 was born to perform. With Quattro four-wheel drive and a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged TFSI engine the S3 is responsive, punchy and energetic.

Under the bonnet sits an internationally recognised and award-winning 2.0-litre TFSI petrol turbo powerplant capable of 296bhp and 380Nm of torque. Model rivals include the BMW M135i and Mercedes-AMG A35, as well as the Cupra Leon which shares the same powertrain. This really is a car that stands out within its segment and continues to fend off the toughest of competitors with its sporty accents, exhilarating drive, and premium quality.

Producing 296bhp and 380Nm of torque, the S3 hatchback will go from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds when fitted with the standard six-speed manual transmission. Choose a used S3 with a six-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox, and this time reduces to 4.8 seconds. The Cabriolet takes 5.3 seconds to reach 62mph from a standstill due to the extra weight of the roof and body-strengthening materials. All body styles can reach a top speed of 155mph.

The 2.0-litre engine is surprisingly efficient, claiming a fuel economy of 40.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 158g/km for both the three-door hatchback and five-door Sportback automatic models. Manual alternatives deliver 40.4mpg and 162g/km. The Saloon, meanwhile, offers fuel economy of 39.8mpg irrespective of gearbox, while the Cabriolet – which only comes with S-tronic automatic transmission – claims official figures of 39.2mpg and 165g/km CO2.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official mpg figures.

2013 - 2020

Features you can expect in an Audi S3

The Audi S3 injects a bit of sporty fun into family motoring. It’s a responsive, dynamic and stylish model with enough practicality for everyday use. The cabin is spacious but only opt for the Cabriolet model if you’re comfortable with two seats in the rear. Other body styles accommodate five people with ease.

Interior

The interior has a premium feel, helping you to relax on long and short journeys alike. Impeccable build quality and high-end plastics combine with features such as Nappa leather wingback sports seats to ensure the cabin is a comfy and relaxing place to be. Variants made between 2013 and 2020 all have dials with grey faces and white pointers which are exclusive to the S3, as well as a flat-bottomed steering wheel with multi-functional controls.

Technology

The cabin of the S3 has always delighted thanks to an advanced suite of technology. Enjoy Audi’s MMI Navigation, including MMI Touch as well as a high-quality DAB sound system. The 3D Bang & Olufsen spec comes as standard on range-topping Prestige models and includes subwoofers mounted in the doors. In the used car market, you may find that your preferred model already benefits from different upgrades and modifications.

Other technology highlights include a seven-inch flat screen which can display everything from social media activity to mapping and phone contacts, as well as voice recognition which makes it easy to send text messages on the move.

Enhancing the sporty nature of this athletic vehicle is a speaker in the bulkhead, which pumps artificial engine noise into the cabin for that true performance feel. With a bassy growl that rises as the revs increase, it’s impossible not to enjoy this addition. Meanwhile, the Quattro four-wheel drive delivers exceptional grip and body control through corners, while a responsive throttle packs plenty of punch during acceleration.

Safety

As for safety, Audi never cuts corners. The A3 on which the S3 is based received the highest five-star safety award from Euro NCAP in its 2012 test, boasting a score of 95% for adult protection and 87% for children. The S3 boasts many standard safety measures, from multiple airbags to anti-lock brakes and stability control, while your chosen used S3 may also feature options such as radar-controlled cruise control, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Detection, and Self-Parking Function.

Trims available on the Audi S3

Audi S3 Premium

You’ll get plenty for your money with the Premium trim. Features include 18-inch, platinum finish wheels with a five-arm flag design, full LED headlights and LED taillights with dynamic turn signal, high beam assist and a panoramic sunroof to name just a few. Step inside and discover three-zone climate control, stainless steel pedals, a rearview camera, and the MMI Touch system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. This incorporates Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. You’ll also benefit from LED interior lighting and leather seating with S embossed badging.

Audi S3 Premium Plus

Alongside the features from Premium trim, you can enjoy auto-dimming, electronically adjustable, power-folding heated mirrors with memory function. Other highlights include a body-coloured spoiler, Adaptive Cruise Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Assist, Active Lane Assist with Emergency Assist, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with 360L, and a wireless phone-charging pad.

Audi S3 Prestige

Head to the top of the S3 lineup for the ultimate driving experience. This beautifully crafted, head-turning trim comes with all the above but adds Matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, MMI Navigation plus, Traffic Sign Recognition and – for those who want an elevated musical experience – the Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system. This leverages sound-driving tweeters built into the headboard.

Search our stock of used Audi S3 cars for sale.