The S3 is a bland, inoffensive-looking sedan, but the big changes for 2025 are in the performance.Emily Atkins/The Globe and Mail
What’s the best way to stand out against the competition?
For Audi, the answer is by being unobtrusive – or at least that’s how the German car maker is marketing its 2025 S3 quattro. The small family sedan has been refreshed for this model year with exterior and interior changes barely hinting at the technical and performance enhancements under its skin.
At first glance, the S3, which starts at $55,000, is a bland, inoffensive-looking sedan. But that belies the impressive handling technology and improved performance that Audi has built into the 2025 model.
It seems like the manufacturer has deliberately tried to make the S3 look like a humble sedan, something that will appeal to some affluent buyers.
”The design for S3 focuses on everyday usability and understatement that is able to provide more driving dynamics at the same time,” said Felix Enciso, Audi Canada’s director of product planning.
The S3′s secret is increased horsepower combined with a torque splitter brought in from its performance sedan, the RS3. This year’s new engine provides an extra 22 horsepower compared to the previous model, bringing it to 328. That works with a new turbocharger that improves throttle response along with a quicker seven-speed transmission. The turbo reduces lag by keeping the throttle valve open while the car is coasting, making the maximum torque available through a wider range of RPMs.
When you put that power to the wheels, the new torque splitter and a newly mapped stability system come into play.
As a quattro, the S3 is all-wheel drive, with a 50:50 power distribution between front and rear. The torque splitter senses when the rear wheels need power to aid traction – or create oversteer when the driver is trying to slide – and can put all the available rear torque to a single wheel while maintaining evenly distributed power up front.
From the driver’s perspective, all this adds up to an enjoyable, spirited and controlled ride. Cornering in the Dynamic Plus mode, the car feels planted and sure-footed, while turning the stability control off for a moment allows the torque converter to reveal its rear-wheel bias, allowing for some tail-wagging delight. Wheeling the S3 in all its different modes over some winding California canyon roads during our test yielded big smiles.
Audi is positioning the S3 as one of the few sport sedans available in the Canadian market. The BMW 2 series, which only has two doors, doesn’t fit the family sedan spec and Mercedes-Benz discontinued its A Class in 2022. That leaves the Acura Integra Type S and the Mercedes-Benz CLA 35, both of which are more expensive than the S3, with the CLA 35 starting at $61,500 and the Acura at $57,100. The Acura does, however, offer a manual transmission, giving a broader appeal to those interested in driving. But it also looks the part, giving off a sporty vibe.
“We continue to see a trend of diminishing offerings for small sporty sedans in the market, but there is still an interest in this segment,” Enciso said.
The S3 is positioned to attract new customers to the brand by offering a combination of power and luxury at a reasonable price, he added.
Whether Audi has found the right mixture will depend on buyers’ interest in the segment and their level of appreciation for an understated car. But those who try it will likely be impressed by the sophistication, power and technology they get for a reasonable price in the existing market for sporty family sedans.
Tech Specs
2025 Audi S3 quattro
- U.S. model tested: US$59,545 (this spec not available in Canada)
- Canada Base price / top line: $55,000 / $62,350 plus $3,450 for freight, pre-delivery inspection, AC tax and fees, plus tax
- Engine: Four-cylinder, two-litre turbo
- Horsepower / torque (lb-ft): 328 / 310
- Transmission / drive: Seven-speed automatic / all-wheel drive
- Curb weight: 1,605 kilograms
- Fuel consumption (litres per 100 kilometres): 10.4 city; 7.6 highway; 9.1 combined
- Alternatives: Mercedes-Benz CLA 35 4matic, Acura Integra Type S
Looks
The best description for the S3 is inconspicuous. It’s a well-proportioned, sleek family sedan with a few subtle indicators pointing to its sporty capabilities such as the large air intakes and spoiler up front, a diffuser and quad tailpipes on the rear.
Interior
The cabin is understated and without distractions. The centre console has been redesigned with a new gear shift and control centre that conveniently connects essential functions such as start-stop and drive selectors. Our tester was appointed with comfortable quilted leather seats front and rear, although rear legroom is limited.
Performance
The S3 combines refined road manners with a spunky side that can satisfy the driver’s sedate and thrill-seeking sides. Its all-wheel drive and superb handling capabilities will make it a sure-footed partner even in winter.
Technology
The front seats and dash of the 2025 Audi S3, which comes standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display.Courtesy of manufacturer
The standard 10.1-inch touch screen display is beautifully crisp. New for this model year, the S3 allows apps to be downloaded directly to its multimedia system. Wireless charging is available and four USB charging ports are standard.
Cargo
While the trunk is not massive, offering 235 litres of cargo space, the S3 is adaptable with a rear seat that folds down in multiple configurations. There’s enough room for a growing family to road trip, with a bit of gear.
The verdict
The S3 is a sweet, stealth sportscar. With its innocuous exterior, it passes as a family sedan; only the driver needs to know how much fun it is to put through its paces when nobody is watching.
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
Shopping for a new car? Check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.