2018 Audi S3

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Audi added a new S Sport package as an option for 2018, with red brake calipers and Audi magnetic ride shocks, and recalls that the S3 sedan was introduced for 2015 to compete with the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and the more affordable Subaru WRX STI; its engine uses both port and fuel injection. Carvana (opens in a new tab) calls 2018 the second model year after the 2017 refresh of the third-generation S3 and says it carries over without major styling, structural or technology changes, keeping the 292-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and standard quattro all-wheel drive.

EPA rates the 2018 S3 at 25 mpg combined and about $3,100 a year in fuel.

NHTSA lists one recall campaign for the 2018 S3, 21V198000, in which the passenger occupant detection system may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied, for which dealers replace the system. Owners have filed five complaints with NHTSA: fuel and propulsion system and power train with 2 each, and air bags, visibility and unknown or other with 1 each. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) declines a buy-or-avoid verdict on a sample that small.

Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists used 2018 S3 prices from $21,600 for the Premium Plus to $22,900 for the Prestige at a dealership, with trade-in values of about $16,500 to $17,150 and private-party values of about $19,850 to $21,100.

EPA rates the 2018 S3 at 25 mpg combined and $3,100 a year in fuel. The 2018 Audi A3 rates 25 to 36 at $2,150 to $2,500, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 26 to 29 at $2,650 to $3,000 and the Subaru WRX 18 to 23 at $3,350 to $4,300. On EPA figures the S3 is about as efficient as the CLA at the low end and clearly more efficient than the WRX.