Thick in the midst of overhauling its sedan lineup, Audi has already released the all-new A4 sedan, and a new A8 flagship isn’t far behind. That leaves the mid-size A6 and the compact A3 as the next in line for updates, and Audi has unveiled its mid-cycle refresh for the latter model, the smaller A3. That means a face-lifted A3 sedan and cabriolet—as well as a freshened S3 sports sedan.
Positioned as the sportiest A3 in the U.S. lineup—at least until the rowdier RS3 arrives on our shores—the S3 utilizes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, Quattro all-wheel drive, and a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission to deliver a driving experience not at all unlike that of the Volkswagen Golf R. (The S3 and Golf R share engines, all-wheel-drive systems, and VW Group’s MQB underpinnings.) With the current S3 having been introduced for the 2015 model year here in the U.S., the time is ripe for some change, and for the 2017 S3, Audi has stirred up our favorite kind of change: More power. The turbo four now squeezes out an additional 10 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque, for a total 305 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. (These are European specs; U.S. figures will probably vary).
Helpfully, Audi also retuned the stability control and the all-wheel-drive system’s brain to be more “S3 specific” in their action. We take that to mean a more permissive stability control system and an all-wheel-drive setup that shifts more power to the rear axle more of the time. We might be projecting, however; in our most recent S3 test, we note that the all-wheel-drive grip is unwavering, and when the car does give up grip, it’s in safe, controlled understeer. A little more rear-end action would up the fun factor—as would the torque-vectoring rear differential found in the bigger S4 sedan.
Externally, the S3’s face inherits a smidge more meanness thanks to additional creases, chamfers, and corners around the headlights, grille, and lower intakes. The look is slightly fussier than before—in particular, there is a new U-shaped opening framing the bottom half of the more angular grille, and the headlights inherit an ever-so-faint boomerang shape. All in all, the changes maintain the S3’s visual proximity to its larger A4 and S4 siblings, but a little differentiation would be nice.
Peer at the dashboard, center console, or pretty much anywhere inside the updated S3, and the word “updated” surely won’t come to mind. The S3’s minimalist dashboard, with its four round air vents, hideaway 7.0-inch central display, thin row of climate controls, and MMI infotainment controller knob on the center console remain the same as before. Dig a little deeper, however, and there is change to be found. The menu structure on the central display is new, and if the European S3 is any indication, our S3 likely will get Audi’s neat 12.3-inch TFT digital gauge cluster. (The same unit can be found in the newest TT sports car, R8, and Q7.) Final specifications, of course, will need to wait until Audi releases full U.S. details and pricing for the updated S3, but we’re told that the European iteration offers a solid preview.
Will the power bump and more tech-heavy interior displays be enough to change the S3’s standing against the BMW M235i or the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG? Likely not—the rear- or all-wheel-drive M235i is a better driver’s machine, and the CLA45 AMG is quicker—but the changes will make for a more compelling compact Audi sports sedan.
