The 2020 Audi S3, just like all the other sedans in the class, gets a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 motor that produces 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque, making it one of the most powerful cars in the class. The engine has a sporty and nimble character and doesn’t shy away from accelerating quickly right when you need it to. The engine performs better than most of the rivals and has a very energetic vibe to it that certainly adds to the driving excitement of the S3.
It gets a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission unit that helps in delivering those crisp and quick shifts. The transmission unit as well as the clever Quattro all-wheel-drive system of the Audi S3 makes it the quickest accelerating car in its class.The Audi S3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds and can cover a quarter-mile distance within 14.1 seconds. It has a top speed of 155 MPH. Overall, the S3 is a very eager performer.
Models
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2020 Audi S3
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2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
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2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
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2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia
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MSRP
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$44,000
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$37,000
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$38,500
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$40,700
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Engine
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2.0L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder
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2.0L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder
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2.0L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder
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2.0L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder
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Drivetrain
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AWD
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FWD
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AWD
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RWD
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Transmission
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7-speed automatic
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7-speed automatic
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8-speed automatic
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8-speed automatic
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Power
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288 hp @ 5,400 RPM
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221 hp @ 5,800 RPM
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228 hp @ 5,000 RPM
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280 hp @ 5,200 RPM
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Torque
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280 lb-ft @ 1,900 RPM
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258 lb-ft @ 1,800 RPM
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258 lb-ft @ 1,450 RPM
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306 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM
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0-60 MPH (seconds)
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5.8
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6.1
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6.1
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6.2
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Quarter-Mile (seconds)
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14.1
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14.5
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14.5
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14.9
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Top Speed (MPH)
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155
|
154
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155
|
149
|
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, as well as the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, do come close to the S3’s performance figures, but the Alfa Romeo Giulia, despite being the second most powerful car of the lot, seems to be the slowest accelerating car comparatively. The Audi S3 is the most expensive car but it is also the best performing one among its competitors, both on paper as well as on the road.
How well does the 2020 Audi S3 handle?
The sports tuned suspension unit, along with the front and rear anti-roll bars as well as the Quattro AWD system do the job of making the S3 handle like a well-engineered sports car on the corners and also add a really good amount of stability on a straight line. It is nimble as quick to turn in, making it quite entertaining to drive in the long run. The steering feel can be a tab bit improved but is nothing much to complain about.
The suspension does feel stiffer compared to the A3, but it isn’t too stiff and hard to live with as you would find in the RS3. The S3 is meant to be the middle child between the A3 and the RS3 and it does its job of being one pretty well. Having the smallest wheelbase also means that the S3 can handle with much more agility and ease in the corners compared to its rivals.
2020 Audi S3 Braking Performance
The 2020 Audi S3 offers you the best in class braking performance as it gets the right kind of brakes considering its weight and performance aspects. The front brake rotors measure 13.4 inches in diameter while the rear ones are 12.2-inch ones in diameter.Being one of the lightest cars in the class surely helps the S3 to brake in a far better and confident manner. The safety aids further add to the braking quotient of the car. The brakes offer the right amount of feel and feedback which is crucial for a car of its caliber. The S3 can decelerate from 60 to 0 MPH in just 107 feet.
Models
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2020 Audi S3
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2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
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2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
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2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia
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Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
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13.4
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12.6
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N/A
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13
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Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
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12.2
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11.6
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N/A
|
12.5
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Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3461
|
3362
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3534
|
3521
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60-0 MPH (feet)
|
107
|
108
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N/A
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108
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The Audi S3 seems to be the best performing car when it comes to its braking capabilities and the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 and the Alfa Romeo Giulia perform in a similar fashion as well. They are a tad bit weaker in terms of braking, but these cars are only separated by one foot in the 60 to 0 mph braking tests which barely counts for anything. Anyway, we are happy to report that the Audi is still the best performer.