What is it?
The 8Y A3 facelift is Audi's premium small hatch, with the 35 TFSI Sportback as the volume car and the S3 and five-cylinder RS 3 carrying the performance side. Pricing opens at $54,800 for the 35 TFSI Sportback S line, with the RS 3 Sportback flagship at $98,500, all plus on-roads.
The lineup runs from 35 TFSI Sportback S line at $54,800 plus on-roads, through to RS 3 Sportback at $98,500 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 5 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
Cleanest cabin design in the premium small-hatch segment, with the RS 3 still offering the only five-cylinder hot hatch on the market at 294 kW and 3.8 seconds 0 to 100.
5-year warranty trails 7-year Korean rivals, no PHEV variant is offered for Australia, and rear-seat space is tight for adults on long trips.
Should you buy the A3?
Reasons to buy
- Cleanest cabin design in the premium small-hatch segment, with the RS 3 still offering the only five-cylinder hot hatch on the market at 294 kW and 3.8 seconds 0 to 100.
- Warranty: 5 years, unlimited km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2020), full driver-assist suite.
- 380 L boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- 5-year warranty trails 7-year Korean rivals, no PHEV variant is offered for Australia, and rear-seat space is tight for adults on long trips.
- You want a longer warranty (Korean rivals at 7 years), a PHEV variant (A-Class A250e), or a cheaper premium hatch (Volkswagen Golf, Mini Cooper).
- RS 3 at $98,500 plus on-roads is close to bigger M2 and Porsche entry money, so cross-shop before committing. Sedan body adds roughly $2,000 across S3 and RS 3 grades.
- Top trim climbs to $98,500 plus on-roads.
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