Audi S3: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Audi S3 catalogue covers four generations from 1999 onward, including 3-door Hatchback, Cabrio, Sedan and named Sportback versions. Every listed S3 uses Gasoline, Turbo and AWD, so the buying decision is chiefly about output, transmission, performance, consumption and body style.
The Audi S3 catalogue covers four generations from 1999 onward, including 3-door Hatchback, Cabrio, Sedan and named Sportback versions. Every listed S3 uses Gasoline, Turbo and AWD, so the buying decision is chiefly about output, transmission, performance, consumption and body style. The first-generation 1.8 MT offers the lightest historical specification at 1,420 kg, while the fourth-generation restyling’s 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic reaches the catalogue’s highest output at 333 hp and 420 Nm. Buyers prioritizing acceleration should start with that latest version; those wanting a Manual should compare the first three generations; and economy-focused buyers should examine the third-generation restyling, where the best measured combined figure is 6.5 l/100 km.
Audi S3 generations: what changed?
The first generation, produced from 1999 through 2003, is a Hatchback 3-door with two versions, both named 1.8 MT. They use a 1,781 cc Inline 4 Gasoline Turbo engine, a Manual 6-speed gearbox and AWD. The 210 hp version has 270 Nm, while the stronger one has 225 hp and 280 Nm. The latter therefore adds 15 hp and 10 Nm, cuts the measured 0–100 km/h time from 6.9 to 6.6 seconds, and raises top speed from 236 to 243 km/h.
The second generation ran from 2006 through 2012 as a Hatchback 3-door. Its original 2006–2008 range contains two versions: 2.0 S-tronic and 2.0 MT, both with 265 hp and 350 Nm. The 2008–2012 restyling adds eight listed specifications under the same generation, with 2.0 MT and 2.0 S-tronic names producing either 256 or 265 hp. All use a 1,984 cc Inline 4 Gasoline Turbo engine and AWD. Depending on the version, the gearbox is Manual or Robotic, always with 6 speeds. Compared with the 225 hp first-generation 1.8 MT, the 265 hp versions gain 40 hp and 70 Nm.
The third generation covers 2013 through January 2020 and is catalogued as Cabrio, although the version list also explicitly includes S3 Sedan 2.0 TFSI and S3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI. The 2013–2016 range has 12 listed versions, followed by 11 versions in the 2016–2020 restyling. Outputs across the generation span 280–310 hp and 380–408 Nm from a 1,984 cc Inline 4 Gasoline Turbo engine. Manual versions retain a 6-speed gearbox, while Robotic versions move from 6 speeds before restyling to 7 speeds in the restyled range.
The fourth generation has two Sedan versions for February 2020 through March 2024, both named 2.0 TFSI S-tronic. Each produces 310 hp and 400 Nm through an Automatic 7-speed gearbox and AWD. The restyling begins in April 2024 and has two Sedan specifications, both named 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic. Output rises by 23 hp and 20 Nm to 333 hp and 420 Nm, while displacement remains 1,984 cc.
Audi S3 engine specs and version comparison
Repeated names below are distinguished by generation, period, output or other differing catalogue data. Every entry uses Gasoline and AWD.
| Generation and version | Engine specification | Output | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|
| First, 1999–2003 — 1.8 MT | 1,781 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 210 hp, 270 Nm | Manual, 6-speed |
| First, 1999–2003 — 1.8 MT | 1,781 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 225 hp, 280 Nm | Manual, 6-speed |
| Second, 2006–2008 — 2.0 S-tronic | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 265 hp, 350 Nm | Robotic, 6-speed |
| Second, 2006–2008 — 2.0 MT | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 265 hp, 350 Nm | Manual, 6-speed |
| Second restyling, 2008–2012 — 2.0 S-tronic | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 265 hp, 350 Nm | Robotic, 6-speed |
| Second restyling, 2008–2012 — 2.0 MT | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 265 hp, 350 Nm | Manual, 6-speed |
| Second restyling, 2008–2012 — 2.0 MT | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 256 hp, 330 Nm | Manual, 6-speed |
| Second restyling, 2008–2012 — 2.0 S-tronic | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 256 hp, 330 Nm | Robotic, 6-speed |
| Third, 2013–2016 — 2.0 S-tronic | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 300 hp, 380 Nm | Robotic, 6-speed |
| Third, 2013–2016 — 2.0 MT | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 300 hp, 380 Nm | Manual, 6-speed |
| Third, 2013–2016 — 2.0 S-tronic | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 290 hp, 408 Nm | Robotic, 6-speed |
| Third, 2013–2016 — 2.0 S-tronic | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 280 hp, 387 Nm | Robotic, 6-speed |
| Third restyling, 2016–2020 — 2.0 MT | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 310 hp, 380 Nm | Manual, 6-speed |
| Third restyling, 2016–2020 — 2.0 S-tronic | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 310 hp, 400 Nm | Robotic, 7-speed |
| Third restyling, 2016–2020 — 2.0 S-tronic | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 290 hp, 400 Nm | Robotic, 7-speed |
| Third restyling, 2016–2020 — S3 Sedan 2.0 TFSI | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 300 hp, 408 Nm | Robotic, 7-speed |
| Third restyling, 2016–2020 — 2.0 TFSI quattro S-tronic | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 290 hp, 400 Nm | Robotic, 7-speed |
| Third restyling, 2016–2020 — S3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 300 hp, 408 Nm | Robotic, 7-speed |
| Fourth, 2020–2024 — 2.0 TFSI S-tronic | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 310 hp, 400 Nm | Automatic, 7-speed |
| Fourth restyling, from 2024 — 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic | 1,984 cc, Inline 4, Turbo | 333 hp, 420 Nm | Automatic, 7-speed |
The calculated specific output rises from approximately 118–126 hp per litre for the first-generation 1.8 MT versions to approximately 129–134 hp per litre for the second generation. The 310 hp 2.0-litre versions deliver approximately 156 hp per litre, while the latest 333 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic reaches approximately 168 hp per litre. On output alone, the newest specification makes the strongest use of its displacement.
Audi S3 performance and fuel economy
The quickest measured result is 4.5 seconds from 0–100 km/h for one 333 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic. The other 333 hp specification takes 4.7 seconds. Both reach 250 km/h and return measured combined consumption of 8.1 or 8.4 l/100 km; city and highway consumption are not measured.
Among the third-generation restyled cars, the fastest 310 hp 2.0 S-tronic and the 290 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S-tronic each record 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h. The 310 hp 2.0 S-tronic combines that time with 6.5 l/100 km, based on 8.2 city and 5.5 highway. Another 310 hp 2.0 S-tronic takes 5.1 seconds and uses 6.7 l/100 km combined, while the 290 hp 2.0 S-tronic records 5.3 seconds and 6.8 l/100 km combined.
The S3 Sedan 2.0 TFSI and S3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI both produce 300 hp and 408 Nm and both reach 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The Sedan uses 6.8 l/100 km combined, versus 6.9 l/100 km for the Sportback. The Sedan’s measured city/highway figures are 8.7/5.8 l/100 km, compared with 8.8/5.9 l/100 km for the Sportback.
The 2020–2024 310 hp 2.0 TFSI S-tronic versions each take 4.8 seconds and reach 250 km/h. One returns 7.2 l/100 km combined from 9.1 city and 6.2 highway; the other returns 7.4 l/100 km from 9.1 city and 6.4 highway.
For the second generation, the 265 hp Robotic versions take between 5.5 and 5.6 seconds, while the 265 hp Manual versions take between 5.7 and 5.8 seconds. Combined consumption is 8.5 l/100 km across the listed restyled specifications. The original 265 hp 2.0 S-tronic uses 8.5 l/100 km and takes 5.5 seconds; the original 2.0 MT uses 9.1 l/100 km and takes 5.7 seconds.
The first-generation 210 hp 1.8 MT takes 6.9 seconds, reaches 236 km/h and uses 9.1 l/100 km combined. The 225 hp 1.8 MT takes 6.6 seconds, reaches 243 km/h and uses 9.3 l/100 km combined.
Where a catalogue entry gives no acceleration or consumption figure, that figure is not measured. This applies, for example, to some 280 hp and 290 hp 2.0 S-tronic entries and some 290 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S-tronic entries.
Audi S3 dimensions, weight and practical specifications
No exterior length, width or height is measured in the supplied specifications. Kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity and wheels are available only for selected versions.
The first-generation 1.8 MT versions weigh 1,420 kg kerb and 1,980 kg gross, with 140 mm ground clearance; tank capacity and wheel sizes are not measured. At 225 hp, the calculated weight-to-power figure is approximately 6.31 kg/hp, compared with approximately 6.76 kg/hp for the 210 hp version.
The second generation spans measured kerb weights from 1,455 to 1,515 kg in the listed specifications. Ground clearance is 120 or 145 mm depending on the version. Gross weight reaches 2,075 kg; tank capacity and wheel sizes are not measured.
The third generation has the widest measured kerb-weight spread, from 1,395 to 1,695 kg. The 300 hp 2.0 MT at 1,395 kg works out to approximately 4.65 kg/hp. The restyled 310 hp 2.0 S-tronic at 1,465 kg yields approximately 4.73 kg/hp, while the 310 hp 2.0 MT at 1,405 kg yields approximately 4.53 kg/hp. Restyled ground clearance is 140 mm. Where measured, tank capacity is 55 litres and wheel sizes are 225/40 R18 or 235/35 R19.
The 2020–2024 2.0 TFSI S-tronic weighs either 1,500 or 1,505 kg kerb, with gross weight of 2,020 or 2,025 kg and a 55-litre tank. Ground clearance and wheel sizes are not measured. Each latest 333 hp 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic weighs 1,535 kg kerb and 2,035 kg gross, carries 55 litres and delivers a calculated 4.61 kg/hp. Ground clearance and wheel sizes are not measured.
Which Audi S3 version should you buy?
For maximum output and the quickest measured acceleration, choose the fourth-generation restyled 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic with 333 hp, 420 Nm and a 4.5-second 0–100 km/h time. Relative to the preceding 310 hp 2.0 TFSI S-tronic, it provides 23 hp and 20 Nm more and is 0.3 seconds quicker, but its measured combined consumption is 0.9 l/100 km higher than the 7.2 l/100 km predecessor.
For the strongest balance of measured acceleration and economy, the third-generation restyled 310 hp 2.0 S-tronic is the standout: 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h and 6.5 l/100 km combined. It is only 0.1 second behind the quickest 333 hp version while using 1.6 l/100 km less in the combined measurement.
For a Manual, the third-generation restyled 310 hp 2.0 MT offers the highest output among the Manual entries. Depending on the exact listed specification, it takes 5.2 or 5.3 seconds to 100 km/h and uses 7.0 l/100 km combined. Its 380 Nm is 20 Nm below the comparable 310 hp 2.0 S-tronic, and the quickest measured Robotic alternative is 0.6 seconds faster.
For a named body-style choice, compare S3 Sedan 2.0 TFSI with S3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI. Both have 300 hp, 408 Nm, a 7-speed Robotic gearbox, AWD, a 4.7-second acceleration time and a 250 km/h top speed. The Sedan is 5 kg heavier at 1,570 kg versus 1,565 kg, yet uses 0.1 l/100 km less in city, highway and combined measurements.
For buyers considering an earlier Hatchback 3-door, the 265 hp second-generation 2.0 S-tronic is the performance choice over the equivalent 2.0 MT. With equal power and torque, the Robotic version improves measured acceleration by 0.2 seconds in comparable entries. The 225 hp first-generation 1.8 MT remains the stronger choice within the earliest pair because it adds 15 hp and 10 Nm while cutting 0–100 km/h by 0.3 seconds, although it uses 0.2 l/100 km more combined.
No conclusion about Audi S3 price, cars for sale, engine reliability, engine code, engine name, engine cover, engine bay or mechanical problems can be drawn from these specifications because those values are not measured.