Audi A3: 150kW AWD warm hatch coming later in 2025

Audi Australia has confirmed the A3 40 TFSI quattro will be released here during the latter stages of 2025, plugging the gap between the existing 35 TFSI S line entry grade and the high-performance S3.

Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the new RSQ8 performance and e-tron GT, Audi Australia product planning boss Matthew Dale said we can expect the new A3 variant around November-December.

Mr Dale confirmed the new Audi A3 40 TFSI quattro S line will be powered a 150kW 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and all-wheel drive – effectively a detuned version of the drivetrain offered in the S3, and a 10kW increase over the outgoing model.

Full pricing and specifications are yet to be communicated, but CarExpert can reveal the 40 TFSI quattro will add the S line interior package as well as new alloy wheel designs over the base 35 TFSI S line.

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Pictured: Overseas model shown

*Global specifications

While pricing is still to be announced, we’re expecting the A3 40 TFSI quattro to start in the low- to mid-$60,000 bracket, given the outgoing model commanded a circa-$7000 premium over the 35 TFSI.

That said, the new 35 TFSI is much closer in specification with its standard S line styling and enhanced equipment levels, and starts at $54,800 for the Sportback and $57,800 for the Sedan.

Rivals include the 150kW/300Nm BMW 120 M Sport (from $61,100) though the Bimmer is front-drive, and the 165kW/350Nm Mercedes-Benz A250 4Matic (from $73,800). Our guess is the Audi will be more aligned with the former than the latter.

So far in 2025 the Audi A3 hasn’t quite reinstated itself as the premium compact sales leader it once was, with 747 registrations to June 30, a 56.1 per cent decline on the year prior.

By comparison, the 1 Series has attracted 910 registrations in the same period, while the more expensive A-Class is further ahead again with 929 registrations. Leading the small luxury ($45,000-plus) car segment year-to-date is the MG 4 electric hatch, with 2268 units.

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