Generation history
The Audi S3 has been through 4 generations, starting in 1999, 2006, 2013 and 2020. The gaps were 7, 7, 7 years, an average of 7.0. The pace has been steady. The current generation began in 2020. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2026 through 2028, centered on 2027. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The fourth generation based on the Audi A3 8Y was presented on August 11. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Audi S3 model page.
Every generation
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | n/a | 1999–2003 | The first generation S3 is built on the same A platform of the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf Mk4, Audi TT, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia. |
| Second generation | n/a | 2006–2012 | The second generation Audi S3 - Typ 8P, is powered by a modified and uprated Volkswagen Group-sourced 2.0L Turbocharged FSI petrol engine, with a maximum output of 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp). |
| Third generation | n/a | 2013–2020 | At the September 2012, the third generation of the Audi S3 based on the A3 8V was initially presented as a three-door model. |
| Fourth generation | n/a | 2020–present | The fourth generation based on the Audi A3 8Y was presented on August 11. |
The Audi S3 spent 7.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 6 years old. Treat 2026 to 2028 as a range, not a date.
Source: Audi S3 (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Audi S3 model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
The first generation S3 is built on the same A platform of the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf Mk4, Audi TT, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia. The straight-4 20v 1.8 L turbocharged petrol engine comes in two versions of power output: 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) and 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp). Early models had 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) which is said to be a de-tuned Audi TT engine, and was said to be reduced to lessen brand competition with the more powerful TT.
The second generation Audi S3 - Typ 8P, is powered by a modified and uprated Volkswagen Group-sourced 2.0L Turbocharged FSI petrol engine, with a maximum output of 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp). As with all Audi S models, the design was done in-house by quattro GmbH. The engine features uprated high performance pistons, revised boost/fuel mapping, increased turbocharger size (KKK K04) and larger intercooler.
At the September 2012, the third generation of the Audi S3 based on the A3 8V was initially presented as a three-door model. The market launch took place in spring 2013. The engine used is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a turbocharger and an output of 221 kW (300 hp). A six-speed manual transmission and quattro all-wheel drive come as standard.
The fourth generation based on the Audi A3 8Y was presented on August 11. It came to dealers at the beginning of October 2020. In contrast to the previous model, only two body variants are available instead of four, the hatchback and sedan.
Generation notes adapted from Audi S3 (Wikipedia).
Today's Audi S3
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA for the 2024 Audi S3, most often about visibility/wiper (1), electrical system (1), service brakes (1).