First Drive: 2025 Audi A3 and S3

It is always a joy returning to Germany to test drive a new vehicle. There is such a difference between what we assume to be good roads here in Canada, versus what good roads really should be and are in Deutschland. Mix in the opportunity to engage my inner racer and pull in the distant horizon at speeds that would get your car impounded here in Canada (as it should) while driving on stretches of the Autobahn, and the feeling is heaven on four wheels.

My first opportunity to get back into the swing of driving as it was meant to be comes from the behind the wheel of the new 2025 Audi S3. Available as a 4-door sedan in Canada (Europeans also have a Sportback version) the 2025 A3 and S3 highlight more of a refresh than an all-out rethink; which in my mind makes perfect sense. They were already good, no need to reinvent the wheel, pardon the pun. Given the choice by the Audi attendants handing out keys in the Munich International Airport underground parking lot, I figured let’s start at the top. Plus, the S3 was in a gorgeous Ascari blue metallic colour. Who can say no to that?

The original Audi S3 followed three years after the launch of the A3 arriving on the scene in 1999. It highlighted several unique features including a redesigned front grille with chrome trim, clear headlights and S3 badging, standard fog lights and 6-spoke alloy wheels. Under the hood was a 1.8 litre 20-valve engine that delivered 210 horsepower matched to a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. It looked good and it was quick, accelerating to 100 km/h in approximately 6.8 seconds.

The 4^th generation, 2025 Audi S3 builds on that heritage and it’s two other iterations (Gen 2 and 3) to deliver a sport sedan experience that just might be the best money you will ever spend on a midsize gasoline-powered family saloon. It seems certain there will at some point be a racier RS 3 version of the new A3/S3, and if it follows suit from previous models, it should be a whole lot of fun to drive fast. But for the most part, the S3 is more than up to the task of putting a smile on your face and being sporty enough for even a serious speed racer.

Power comes in the form of a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine matched to a 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission. It delivers 328 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds with traction at all four wheels. This is an improvement of .2 seconds from the previous S3, and the difference is something you sense right from the start. So too is the satisfying exhaust note emanating from the new quad exhaust!

By comparison, the all-new A3 arrives with the same a 48-volt mild hybrid system matched to a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine found in the outgoing A3. It highlights a combined 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque that is also fitted to a 7-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. While it isn’t as quick as the S3, or focused on carving corners with the same athletic aplomb, it should offer impressive performance accelerating to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. On our test drive of the A3 in Germany, we drove the European-spec 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder, which was impressive as well with 147 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.

Changes to the exterior are significant as the 2025 Audi S3 highlights a new front grille that is both flatter and wider than the previous model. Both models feature four unique LED headlight signatures with a total of 24 LED elements for personalization and improved safety. In the rear of the S3, a new diffuser provides improved aerodynamics and a racy demeanor, plus Audi adds the aforementioned sport exhaust. To further amp up the fun factor, Python Yellow is available exclusively on the new S3.

Stopping is stress free thanks to 18-inch ventilated disc brakes with dual-piston calipers on the front axle. Of course, it features a host of safety add-ons including electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and more.

The suspension is pliable when it needs to be and rock solid when pushing through a fast corner. The new S3 features the same rear axle torque vectoring system found in the current RS3 model. It works effortlessly behind-the-scenes, transferring as much torque to the rear as needed, with more available to the outside wheel for added control in fast corners. The ability to change driving dynamics on the fly using the drive mode selector, which now includes the very sporty “Dynamic Plus” setting, provided me with a new appreciation for what is possible on the backroads a few kilometres outside of Munich.

Inside, there are numerous changes to the overall design with improved functionality throughout. The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display is now standard on the S3 alongside a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. Personalization is a key component of every new vehicle entering the market these days and the S3 and A3 are no exception. Fabric door panels highlight illuminated door panels that you can change to different colours. Feeling a little blue, Audi has you covered. Energized? Get a pop of colour with red or yellow, the choices are many.

The 2025 Audi A3 and S3 offer a unique take on driving in today’s market. While the roads in North America continue to fill with SUVs of all sizes, Audi delivers an exceptional driving performance and room for up to five people in a four-door sedan. As someone who appreciates driving a vehicle that sits a little closer to the pavement, it’s a welcome change.