FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi S3 Facelift (2026) Review
FAST FACTS
Model: 2026 Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro
Price: R1 091 100
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Power / Torque: 245 kW/420 Nm
Claimed fuel consumption: 7.9 L/100 km
Claimed 0-100 kph: 4.7 seconds
Price & Aftersales support
The facelifted Audi S3 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway (maintenance) Plan as well as a 1-year/unlimited km warranty.
Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro R1 091 100
Audi S3 Sedan TFSI quattro R1 106 100
Verdict
With these headlining power outputs and the RS3’s handling hardware bolted in, this is pretty much the most performance-biased version of the Audi S3 on sale right now. Previous models were quick in a straight line, sure, but lacked that hands-on involvement when it came to the corners.
This facelift addresses those criticisms and delivers a surprisingly happy and engaging experience from a product known for its conservative demeanour. Should you buy one? Given the price of the options, it’s effortless to suddenly add almost R300k on to the list price, so we implore you to spec carefully. Not everything on the configurator is worth it, and given its subdued tone, that R80k for the Akaprovič is better spent elsewhere.
FAST FACTS
Model: 2026 Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro
Price: R1 091 100
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Power / Torque: 245 kW/420 Nm
Claimed fuel consumption: 7.9 L/100 km
Claimed 0-100 kph: 4.7 seconds
Price & Aftersales support
The facelifted Audi S3 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway (maintenance) Plan as well as a 1-year/unlimited km warranty.
Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro R1 091 100
Audi S3 Sedan TFSI quattro R1 106 100
Verdict
With these headlining power outputs and the RS3’s handling hardware bolted in, this is pretty much the most performance-biased version of the Audi S3 on sale right now. Previous models were quick in a straight line, sure, but lacked that hands-on involvement when it came to the corners.
This facelift addresses those criticisms and delivers a surprisingly happy and engaging experience from a product known for its conservative demeanour. Should you buy one? Given the price of the options, it’s effortless to suddenly add almost R300k on to the list price, so we implore you to spec carefully. Not everything on the configurator is worth it, and given its subdued tone, that R80k for the Akaprovič is better spent elsewhere.