Audi A3 and S3 priced for new year arrival

AUDI Australia has announced pricing and specifications for its updated, best-selling A3 and S3 Sedan and Sportback variants due for dealerships early in 2025.

The new A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line is from $54,800 with the Sedan adding $3400 to $57,800 while the S3 Sportback lists from $78,800 and the S3 Sedan is from $81,800 all excluding on-road costs.

The new schedule represents a price hike of between $3400 and $4700 model dependent (see pricing table below).

In the premium small car segment, the A3/S3 is in against BMW’s new 1 Series from $56,500 and the 2 Series Gran Coupe from $58,800 along with the Mercedes-Benz A 200 hatch from $60,032 and the Mercedes-Benz A 200 sedan from $61,562 – again, all excluding on-road costs.

Setting the new apart from the old, the A3 and S3’s exterior design has been tweaked for a sportier look as has the interior with improvements in both performance and dynamics.

Of note is a redesigned Singleframe grille and new corporate identity (2D badges).

The changes flow particularly into the S3 variants which gains a power upgrade with the addition of a torque splitter; technology previously reserved for the potent Audi RS 3.

Audi says the updated duo has also received significant specification enhancements that provide additional value for customers.

“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 Australia 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. In more detail we find the A3 is characterised by a “more progressive and sharper upgrade to the outgoing model.”

The 35 TFSI line-up sees power continue to come from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild hybrid assistance. The combination delivers 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque.

The powertrain is the same for Sedan and Sportback variants.

Compensating for the price rise, Audi has sweetened the A3 which receives the S line treatment and a high-gloss exterior styling package with side window strips in anodised aluminium, that raises the bar with a significant increase in standard equipment compared to its predecessor.

Other altered exterior design features apart from the grille are relocated Audi rings at the top of the grille and larger angular side air intakes complementing a more athletic stance.

The rear has a new bumper and distinctive diffuser making the vehicles appear more striking. 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 five-Y-spoke, graphite grey gloss turned wheels.

The model further boasts thinner Matrix LED headlights that are now arranged in three rows on the upper edge of the housing, with special digital daytime running light signatures selectable via the MMI.

Inside features sharpened forms, with more integrated hardware and 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 four-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 tri-zone climate control, a bigger 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, as well as MMI Navigation Plus, Audi Connect Plus, Audi Phonebox Light for wireless charging, and an Audi sound system comprising of 10 speakers and a total output of 180 watts.

The five-star ANCAP rated model range includes 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.

The S3 builds on the foundations of its predecessor with a significant increase in output and the addition of a torque splitter and additional drive mode.

Compared to the outgoing S3 models, the 2.0-litre powered model jumps by 17kW and 20Nm, now rated at 245kW and 420Nm.

It facilitates a zero to 100km/h dash of 4.7 seconds, with top speed limited to 250 km/h.

The engine and transmission have a sportier tuning to capitalise on the new dynamic plus mode, enabling a more direct throttle response and increased idle speed of 1300rpm for improved performance off the line.

The seven-speed S tronic now enables a more spontaneous take off, thanks to higher starting torque, while the addition of a torque splitter to the rear now enables fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels for the S3.

Braking performance has also been upgraded thanks to larger perforated front brake disks with new two-piston callipers.

An Akrapovic sports exhaust system is optionally available on the S3 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 latter benefits from a range of additional interior equipment and styling improvements such Nappa leather upholstery with Dinamica microfibre inlays, and an auto-dimming interior mirror.

Other interior improvements include 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.

2025 Audi A3 and S3 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.