Hot hatch drag race: New Audi S3 vs rivals

The Audi S3 has been given a facelift for 2024, and it’s not just a cosmetic one. Under the bonnet you’ll find the same 2.0-litre engine as before, but it’s been tweaked for more power.

So how does it stack up against the German competition? Well we’ve lined it up against a Volkswagen Golf R, a BMW M135i and a Mercedes-AMG A35 to find out.

New Audi S3 specs

Let’s take a closer look at the new Audi S3. Just as before it has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, however it now puts out 333hp and 420Nm of torque. That’s an increase of 23hp and 20Nm over the old S3.

Power is still sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the car weighs in at 1,610kg. You’ll have to splash out £44,445 for this new posh hot hatchback.

Volkswagen Golf R specs

Under the bonnet of the Volkswagen Golf R you’ll find a similar 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as in the S3, only here it puts out 320hp and 420Nm of torque. A new Golf R is on the way with identical power figures to the Audi, however we’ll have to wait a few months before we can get hold of it.

This Golf R also has all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and it’s lighter than the Audi at 1,524kg. It’s slightly cheaper as well with a price tag of £43,455.

BMW M135i specs

Moving on to something outside of the Volkswagen group, the BMW 1 Series uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine which is similar to the one you can find in hot Minis. It has 306hp and 450Nm of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Like the other cars here, the BMW has all-wheel drive. It also weighs almost exactly the same as the Golf, tipping the scales at 1,525kg. The M135i can be yours for £44,070.

Mercedes-AMG A35 specs

Finally we come to the Mercedes-AMG A35. It’s packing a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 306hp and 400Nm of torque, going to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The A35 tips the scales at 1,570kg, and it’s the most expensive car here at £46,000.

So then, how will the Audi get on? It has the most power on paper, and it has Audi’s excellent Quattro all-wheel drive system, but it’s also the heaviest car here which could be its downfall. Check out the video to see what happens.

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