15 February 2026

Audi’s new S3 hurt me - then won me over

15 February 2026 | By James Coleman

2026 Audi S3 Sportback in ‘Progressive Red’. Photo: James Coleman.

My introduction to Audi’s new hot hatchback was not the greatest. And ended with a loud “ouch”.

For some reason, the designers mounted what appears to be a sharp axe-head on each end of the dash. Right at knee-height. You can see where this is going.

But after my time with Audi’s new Q5 SUV a couple of weeks ago, I was ready for more annoying interior design quirks. But no. Despite the welcome – akin to shaking a freshly spat-upon hand – the S3 has officially restored my faith in Audi.

I can also confirm it’s very solid … well, more solid than my knee.

Photos: James Coleman.

What is it?

The A3 – sedan or hatchback – is the cheapest ticket into Audi after the tiny A1, and usually bought by wealthy daddies for their teenage daughters when they start Year 12.

But on the other side of the spectrum, it’s also associated with one of the greatest Audis ever in the eyes of car enthusiasts everywhere – the RS3. Among the hottest of hot hatches, famous for its Lamborghini looks and charismatic 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine, where missing one cylinder gives it its own unique warble.

As for the S3? This sits between them, perhaps in the shadows.

But now that pesky Euro 7 emissions regulations have caught up with Audi and forced the next-generation RS3 to forgo its chief party piece for something either smaller (to the tune of four cylinders) or worse, electric, the S3’s time to shine could be just around the corner.

The recipe is almost the same as that of a Volkswagen Golf R: 2-litre turbo petrol engine, dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and all-wheel drive. Except for one thing, we’ll get to.

Red bits make it more powerful. Photo: James Coleman.

What’s it like to live with?

So it might not be an RS3, but the S3 is still ruthlessly quick. Audi claims 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. There’s a flicker of delay when you first plant your foot – as the turbo girds its loins no doubt – but it wastes no time rocketing away from there.

The gearbox is equally snappy with its changes, even if you haven’t pulled the lever back to engage ‘S’ and let the engine rev higher.

In Dynamic, the suspension is appropriately stiff. But in Comfort, it’s also somehow better at dealing with bumps than the Q5 I tested a couple of weeks ago – despite the painted-on tyres.

Photos: James Coleman.

This also means it stays go-kart-flat in corners, even if the front end feels heavy, and I keep wanting a bit more feedback through the steering wheel. There’s a reason Audi drivers have a penchant for driving … erratically. You struggle to feel physics because of how tidily it handles. Even the seats are hugging you tight.

My sub-editor emerged from a lunchtime excursion hating all of this. And I can see where he’s coming from. The S3 is not a relaxing car.

But the reality is that these are the attributes that make a hot hatchback what it is. And hot hatchbacks have an age limit. By the time you’re 40, you’re over them. You’re on a cushy slide into retirement on board a Lexus SUV.

So really, the energy and enthusiasm just go to show Audi has given the people exactly what they want, when they want it.

Predictably, then, boot space is also quite piddly, it’s hard to get into (let alone out of), and it’s probably not even worth mentioning fuel consumption, but Audi claims an average of 7.9 litres per 100 km. Mine was more like 8.4, however. Again, for reasons to do with it being a hot hatch.

But it looks tremendous. Sharp and angry and squat and – especially in my case – very red. ‘Progressive Red’, they call it, which sounds mildly communist.

The seats don’t allow much room for wriggling. Photo: James Coleman.

The verdict

With anything from Audi, it’s always going to come down to how much you’re really getting over a Volkswagen.

As mentioned, the S3 is pitted fair and square against the VW Golf R. And with a list price of $78,800 for the S3 and $70,990 for the Golf, there’s not much between them that wouldn’t have you leaning towards the posher badge.

But this brings us to another key hot hatch attribute. You want noise. And accordingly, the S3 does oblige. But really only when you tick the box for the optional Akropovic exhaust system. And cough up a casual $7615.

And that’s harder to justify when the Golf R comes with all those delicious crackles and pops – stock.