AUDI IS ANNOUNCING PRICING and specification details of its most popular premium compact car, the new A3 and S3. Arriving in both Sportback and Sedan body styles with a revised exterior design and a refreshed interior, as well as improvements in both performance and dynamics for the new Audi S3. The updated duo has also received significant specification updates to provide additional value for Australian customers.
The Audi A3 and S3 head into 2025 with a sportier look inside and out, new design elements, and added value for customers. The latest iteration of these models receive revised exterior design with a redesigned Singleframe grille, new corporate identity, and a refreshed interior. Further, the S3 receives a power upgrade and improved performance and dynamism with the addition of a torque splitter; technology previously reserved for the vehicle’s powerhouse sibling, the Audi RS 3.
“We are thrilled to welcome the latest versions of the Audi A3 and S3 to the Australian market, as these models arrive with advancement in design, performance, and customer value – showcasing Audi’s dedication to progress,” said Audi Director, Jeff Mannering.
“The updated A3 range not only delivers a more dynamic, sporty driving experience, but also comes equipped with enhancements that will surely meet the expectations of and impress our discerning customers. We believe these updates will reinforce the A3 and S3 as leaders in the premium compact segment, offering unmatched dynamic sophistication.”
Audi A3
The new Audi A3 is characterised by a more progressive and sharper upgrade to the outgoing model. Available in the 4-cylinder 35 TFSI engine with 48V Mild Hybrid Electric technology (MHEV), and with 110kW of power, 250Nm of torque configuration for both the Sportback and Sedan, the A3 not only boasts sharpened design but also receives the S line treatment and a high-gloss exterior styling package with side window strips in anodised aluminium, raising the bar with a significant increase in standard equipment compared to its predecessor.
Externally, the hexagonal, frameless Singleframe is noticeably flatter and wider in appearance, and now situates the rings at the top of the grille. In combination with larger angular side air intakes, the revised exterior has a commanding stance and symbolises the compact models’ sporty character. The connection with the front spoiler makes the Audi A3 appear lower. The same is true of the rear, with a new bumper and distinctive diffuser making the vehicles appear more striking. These design elements are particularly effective in combination with the S line exterior, as they are partly inspired by Audi RS models. The S line exterior adds an S roof spoiler (Sportback only) and S line front and rear bumpers. Several new expressive exterior colours are also now available, including District green, Ascari blue, and Progressive red further strengthen the sporty look, particularly when paired with the standard 18-inch 5-Y-spoke, graphite grey gloss turned wheels.
The lighting design for the new A3 is significantly thinner, emphasising the vehicle’s width. The 24-pixel elements that make up the digital daytime running lights in the LED and Matrix LED headlights are now arranged in three rows on the upper edge of the housing, with special digital daytime running light signatures selectable via the MMI. This level of personalisation is a first for the Audi A3, with the lights performing unique coming home and leaving displays. Exterior changes also include the new corporate identity with the Audi rings now in 2D, and the model’s name now etched into the B pillar for easy identification.
To match the more expressive exterior, the interior also receives a significantly sharpened form, from the updated and fully integrated shifter design and air vents to new interior lighting. Standard equipment has been significantly expanded with the addition of the S line interior, adding Sport front seats with integrated headrests and 4-way lumbar support and heating for the front passengers and electric seat adjustment for the driver, headlining in black, aluminium inlays and elements, stainless steel pedals, and a multifunction wheel with S emblem and perforated leather with contrast stitching. Other standard features include 3-zone climate control, 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 an Audi sound system comprising of 10 speakers and a total output of 180 watts.
Safety is a high priority for all Audi vehicles, and the new A3 model is no exception, having received a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Even as standard, the A3 features a high level of safety and offers a broad range of support via advanced driver assistance systems. Audi pre sense front, collision avoidance and turn assist, and the lane departure warning system help in avoiding accidents with other road users.
Audi S3
The new Audi S3 builds on the solid foundations of its predecessor, with a significant upgrade of increased output and the addition of a torque splitter and additional drive mode, boasting impressive performance and agile handling. Compared to the outgoing models, the 2.0 litre TFSI receives an increase in output of 17kW and 20 Nm more torque, resulting in more confident pulling power and strong acceleration. Now with 245kW and 420Nm of torque, the S3 is more powerful than ever, available in both Sportback and sedan body styles. The Audi S3 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, with top speed limited to 250 km/h.
The engine and transmission have received a sportier tuning to capitalise on the new dynamic plus mode, enabling a more direct throttle response and increased idle speed of 1300 rpm for improved performance off the line. When at a steady speed and at low to medium acceleration in the part-load range, the preloaded turbocharger keeps at a constant rpm. In combination with the throttle valve, which is opened during overrun mode, this improves performance. The seven-speed S tronic now enables a more spontaneous take off, thanks to higher starting torque.
Previously reserved for the Audi RS 3, the addition of a torque splitter to the rear now enables fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels for the S3. The new dynamic plus drive select mode utilises the new torque splitter to send as much torque to the rear axle and to the rear wheel with the most traction, resulting in greater handling and agility. To that end, wishbones with stiffer bearings and new pivot bearings that allow more negative wheel camber ensure an improved steering response and increased lateral control, which means more grip and dynamics in corners. These updates complement the standard adaptive dampers (which have been further optimised to work with the torque splitter) and updates to the progressive steering which helps the S3 corner even more precisely. Braking performance has also been upgraded thanks to larger perforated front brake disks with new two-piston calipers.
In addition to the familiar profiles of Audi drive select (auto, comfort, dynamic, individual, and efficiency), the updated S3 features the new dynamic plus mode, which – as the name suggests – offers especially high driving dynamics. To this end, Audi S3 owners who are performance-inclined can also now opt for and enjoy the sonorous sound of a new Akrapovic sports exhaust system available, featuring a titanium rear silencer that delivers a more distinct exhaust note.
In addition to the sport performance differentiation between the A3 and the S3, the S3 also benefits from a range of additional interior equipment and styling to level up from the entry models such as fine Nappa leather upholstery with diamond stitching and S embossing, black Dinamica microfibre inlays, and an auto-dimming interior mirror. The Audi S3 also enjoys further interior improvements such as the addition of multiple selectable daytime running light signatures on the Matrix LED headlights, colour ambient interior lighting with back-lit laser cut inserts, and three-zone climate control compared to its predecessor.
This combination of revised equipment, performance tuning and significant dynamic performance upgrades mean that the incoming S3 is Audi’s most powerful and well-presented version of the model yet and offers a compelling proposition within the segment.
Peace-of-mind for Audi owners
All models within the Audi A3 range come with a peace-of-mind five-year warranty and twelve years manufacturing warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles.
Audi owners also receive a complementary membership during their warranty period to Audi Experience, Audi Australia’s bespoke loyalty program that offers access to exclusive national events, intimate Audi Ambassador experiences and premium partner offers.
Market introduction
The new Audi A3 & S3 will be arriving to dealerships early in 2025.
| Pricing (all plus on road costs) | |
| Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line | $54,800 |
| Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S line | $57,800 |
| Audi S3 Sportback | $78,800 |
| Audi S3 Sedan | $81,800 |