Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi S3 video review

Dan Prosser pushes Audi's hot 296bhp S3 hatch on road and track. Can it really top the BMW M135i and VW Golf R?

Audi's S3 has long been acknowledged as one of the fastest of the latest breed of stonkingly fast hatchbacks. You know the sort, the ones that worry the likes of proper sports cars and could even keep the tail end of supercar-dom in check on a slightly damp track.

Four-wheel drive, barrels of torque and effortless point-to-point pace are joined by Audi build quality and desirability to make the quick hatch a very attractive proposition, especially in sodden and wintery conditions. But given that the VW Golf R, a favourite in eCoty 2014, and the BMW M135i are both celebrated for their agile rear-axles and playful adjustability, can the planted S3 really challenge them and similar rivals for actual driving fun?

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our man Dan Prosser pushes the S3 on both road and track to find out. Watch the video above for his verdict, and read our full review of the Audi S3 here.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Audi S3 review – the RS3’s deputy is now a worthy hot hatch
Audi S3
Reviews

Audi S3 review – the RS3’s deputy is now a worthy hot hatch

A few choice upgrades have bestowed the latest Audi S3 with something it’s not really had in its 26 years – actual driver appeal
18 Nov 2025
Audi S3 for £5415 off – save 10 per cent on Audi’s popular performance hatch
Audi S3 discount
News

Audi S3 for £5415 off – save 10 per cent on Audi’s popular performance hatch

The Audi S3 has served diligently as a fast, appealing, strong-selling hot hatch. It’s now better than ever and available with discounts.
22 Aug 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Jaguar GT is lovely to drive, but that’s not enough for people to buy it
Jaguar GT
Opinion

The new Jaguar GT is lovely to drive, but that’s not enough for people to buy it

The Jaguar GT has the hallmarks of a deeply impressive luxury saloon. Whether it can turn the tide on slow demand for premium EVs is another matter
11 Mar 2026
Audi Q3 review – polished BMW X1 rival available with Golf GTI power
Audi Q3 review
In-depth reviews

Audi Q3 review – polished BMW X1 rival available with Golf GTI power

The Q3 confounded some of our middling expectations for it. This is a pleasant, neat-driving small SUV, albeit with a few flaws and catches
13 Mar 2026
Toyota's updated the GR Yaris again – and it’s confirmed for the UK
2026 Toyota GR Yaris
News

Toyota's updated the GR Yaris again – and it’s confirmed for the UK

New steering wheel, power steering and damper tuning for Toyota’s hot hatch
13 Mar 2026