Now 3 months into my first 2022 Audi S3 Hatchback. Your review is spot on. I've seen evey review from around the world especially waiting for 10 months for the car. This is the best balanced review I've seen. The car is special fast and understated. A perfect daily and I'm a very happy with my purchase and would recommend to anyone.

News flash, RS3 is going to be a LOT more than 2k over this car. S3's tend to run around 50k. RS3's will generally run you around 70-75k.

Really good review, loved the focus on usability. Welcome Mark!

8Y RS3 is a great cruiser and daily driver, no sacrifice in comfort there. I’ve had mine for about a month and a half and have 2500 miles on it already. I drive it everywhere

I recently purchased the 2023 Audi S3 Premium Plus, outfitted pretty how you recommended (adaptive suspension, beautiful Napa leather seats, S Sport package, Black Optic package, Sport exhaust package and a few other smaller things). I had originally intended to buy a 2024 VW Golf R to replace my 2016 Golf R, but the crazy dealer markups over MSRP versus the loaded Audi S3 with a year-end discount brought it within $2000 of the 2024 Golf R MSRP. I thought briefly about moving up to a 2024 Audi RS3, but to get it comparably equipped was another $15,000 or so, and dealers are marking them up from their. (I might have taken on the RS3 when I was younger, but all said and done, the Audi S3 looks great (mine in Daytona Grey), has plenty of speed and charisma, with a much nicer interior than my 2016 Golf R or even the 2024 Golf R. Now, if I could just get my wife to drive her 2020 VW Tiguan instead of regularly asking for the keys to the Audi S3. 🙂

Picking mine up in 2 days, can't wait!

2022 Audi S3 understated look, both exterior & interior = looks good ! Slainte' ! Cheers !

Loved my 2017 S3…would consider this, but the RS3 is the pinnacle for 65k as I specked it.

The S3 really is a great car for someone who likes to enjoy a sporty drive without being overbearing and screaming. Love my 17

Correction on the engine, its actually an update on the old engine. Old S3 used the EA888 Gen3. This one uses the EA888 Evo4.

Like your suggestions.

Loved your review. Stellar work !

Just go for the RS3. The 5 cylinder 2.5 engine with 400 bhp is amazing .

At 45k new, the S3 could be compelling. But optioned decently it’s going to be more in the low 50s. And then you might as well get an RS3 if you’re that close to that price which will probably be a future classic.

Swiss Army Knife. Love this car.

I nearly bought a S3 but it was equipped like this one. nearly $60k! I bought a 2018 new for $42k and a loaded 2019 S4 for $52k. Sure they were heavily discounted but that’s just a steep price.

Great review!

Did Mark leave Edmunds? He’s one of my favorite mobility journalists. How about a sports car collab with Mr. Wardlaw?

The S3 is great, but it has a big problem - the RS3. They’re way too close in price and if you can afford one you can afford (and should get) the other.

What’s your favorite small car? Great review as always

Wondering about reliability, particularly related to transmission issues.

The sound of the RS3 5 cylinder alone is worth the extra cost. And keep the radio off!

Feels like an Edmunds car review.

S3 and scat pack are the best cars you can get for the price

Ventilated seats and heated wheel should be included with a car in the 60k range.

i would go for the rs3

Sounds good but I would go with the RS3.

Shouldn't this compare to 2 series grand coupe instead if the coupe which the S3 is much better?

How about all electric in S4 Sedan Audi

anyone: fully loaded 2022 Audi S3 or 2022 Genesis G70!?!?!? (Theyre the same price) can't get rs3 in canada

In reality the rs3 is going to cost a lot more. Like 20k more.

that interior is not going to age well