New benchmark

The latest iteration of the vehicle that effectively created the compact luxury class, the Audi A3, is arriving Down Under early next year, once again setting the standard for this tremendously popular category. Available in both Sportback configuration and the sculpted Sedan, the A3 range will arrive start from $54,800* for the A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line or $57,800* for the A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S line model. Yet despite its keen pricing, the A3 once again offers up an extraordinary package both in terms of its styling, performance and handling, in-car tech and appointment and of course driver assistance and safety systems.

Raising the performance stakes even higher with this model incarnation, the S3 variants will bring completely new levels of performance, boasting, amongst other inclusions, the torque-splitter technology first unleashed in the RS 3 models. The Audi S3 Sportback will start from $78,800* with the S3 Sedan at $81,800*.

The irresistible combination of style and the latest technology that made the A3 such a resounding success from the beginning continues with the new models. Both the Sportback and Sedan ride on 18-inch 5-Y-spoke, graphite grey gloss turned wheels, while the inclusion of the S line exterior as standard adds to their already appealing design. The flatter Singeframe treatment is flanked by slimline headlight designs that feature daytime running lights made up of 24-pixel elements LED and Matrix LED headlights that can be personalised for the first time on A3. Large air intakes and a sharper front air dam treatment cap off what is a purposeful front end design. On the rear, a new bumper and distinctive diffuser add to the sporty design dynamic, while the S line exterior treatment adds an S roof spoiler (Sportback) and S line front and rear bumpers for a more aggressive look overall.

The S line treatment continues inside with Sport front seats that feature integrated headrests and four-way lumbar support and heating for the front passengers. Also standard is three-zone climate control, black headlining, aluminium inlays and elements, stainless steel pedals and a multifunction wheel with S emblem and perforated leather with contrast stitching.

The new models feature a bigger 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, as well as MMI navigation plus, Audi connect plus, Audi phone box light for wireless charging and a 180 watt Audi sound system with 10 speakers.

The A3 models are powered by a four-cylinder TFSI engine displacing 1.5-litres and featuring 48V Mild Hybrid Electric technology (MHEV). Delivering 110kW between 5000 and 6000rpm with peak torque of 250Nm available between 1500rpm and 3500rpm, power goes down to the front wheels while the seven-speed S tonic transmission delivering fast changes.

Safety and driver assistance systems are world class as you would expect, with everything from Adaptive cruise assist including adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go, traffic jam assist and emergency assist, to Audi active lane assist, cross traffic assist rear, side assist, exit warning, hold assist and parking assist and parking plus with front and rear sensors.

The new S3 models not only build on the A3 experience but also represent a significant level up from the previous S3 models in terms of performance, handling and equipment. In fact the new S3 models now boast features and performance that were previously the exclusive province of the RS 3, with more power than before, up 17kW on the previous model and torque up by 20Nm to 245kW and 420Nm respectively. This sees the 2.0-litre TFSI powerplant rocket the S3 from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds,  with a governed top speed of 250km/h.

Power is harnessed by a fast-shifting seven-speed S tronic transmission, while quattro all-wheel drive delivers superior grip and a surefooted feel in all conditions.

The handling package is further improved in the new S3 models with the addition of a torque splitter to the rear – a first for the S3 and previously only available on the RS 3 models. This feature enables fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, with the new dynamic plus drive select mode (which joins the familiar auto, comfort, dynamic, individual, and efficiency modes) using the torque splitter to send maximum torque to the rear axle and rear wheel with the most traction, for unrivalled handling and stability.

Brakes have also been significantly upgraded to deal with the increased power and handling dynamics, with larger ventilated discs up front with new two-pistons callipers, peeking out from the standard 19-inch Audi Sport alloy rims in S design in gloss-turned anthracite black.

Those familiar with Audi’s ’S’ cars will recognise the quad exhaust configuration which can be further enhanced in the new models with the optional Akrapovic sports exhaust system which features a titanium rear silencer that delivers a more distinct exhaust note. 

Everything about the new S3 models is geared towards performance that unashamedly draws on the RS 3. From the sharper exterior styling and addition of selectable daytime running light signatures on the Matrix LED headlights, S3 is all business and yet it lacks nothing terms of luxury appointment and the very latest in-car technology and connectivity.

With its colour ambient interior lighting with back-lit laser cut inserts and Dinamica microfibre inlays, to the addition of the new digital display, the new S3 models represent a significant evolution of what was already an impressive vehicle. It is every inch the refined limousine when tooling around town, but completely transforms into a performance specialist on the right roads.

Customers will also be able add to the already impressive standard equipment across the A3 and S3 models with a selection of specially designed packages. 

The arrival of the new models will see a special Launch Edition package ($1450*) offered for S3 Sportback and Sedan, further enhancing their already striking appearance and appeal. This is made up of the Black exterior styling package plus which includes the Audi rings finished in black, as well as black wing mirror caps and exhaust tip trims. The package as includes privacy glass, while inlays are in carbon atlas and the front doors feature the S logo LED projection on opening.

The Premium plus package is also offered for the S3 models at $3300*, adding a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and electric front seats with memory function for driver's seat, as well as exterior mirrors that are electrically adjustable, heated and folding as well as automatically dimming on both sides with memory function.

For the A3 Sportback and Sedan, a Style package ($2000*) adds a black exterior styling plus package which includes the Audi rings in black, as well as 18-inch black metallic Audi Sport wheels in a 5-Y Twin spoke design, privacy glass. It also includes mythos black wing mirror housings, privacy glass and colour ambient interior lighting.

While the styling changes both inside and out speak for themselves in the new A3 and S3 models, the upgrades to what is always a comprehensive package are perhaps more significant in these new models than ever before. Certainly S3 customers will recognise the RS elements that now abound in this new S3 iteration and again raise the bar in what is now a highly competitive segment. But these new models again build on their predecessors and perfectly illustrate the brand’s progressive approach to each new model release. Certainly 2025 is shaping up to be a year to remember for Audi enthusiasts across every premium vehicle category.

Keep up-to-date on final news and announcements ahead of the A3 and S3 models’ Australia arrival at Audi Australia.

*(Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

Overseas models shown