While in Europe the Audi S3 is available as a hatchback, sedan and cabriolet, in North America the only choice is the sedan, marketed simply as the 2015 Audi S3.
U.S. fans of performance compacts from the VW Group also have the possibility of buying the 2015 VW Golf R hatch, which shares the powertrain with the Audi S3. Matt Farah from The Smoking Tire recently took the 2015 S3 for a drive and discovered it’s a competent sports sedan.
The 300hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to the six-speed dual-clutch transmission make it a quick car, with Audi claiming it does 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
The reviewer says it certainly feels like it, thanks also to the Quattro all-wheel drive system. Among the car’s qualities he lists the precise steering, the quick and seamless shifts from the DSG, as well as the competent brakes.
Obviously, the 2015 Audi S3 has its weak points, such as the sound of the engine (not very inspiring), the cramped rear seats and… not much else. Farah really enjoyed driving it, as you can see in his “one take” review posted below.