New Audi A3 quattro variant hits Australia with 150kW

Audi Australia has added a new all-wheel-drive quattro variant to the A3 range, filling the gap between the entry-level TFSI 110kW S line and the high-performance Audi S3. The 2026 Audi A3 TFSI quattro 150kW S line lands in Australian showrooms by year’s end, priced from $62,800 before on-road costs for the Sportback and $65,800 for the Sedan.

It’s part of Audi’s broader Model Year 2026 update, which also brings fresh editions across the Q7 lineup, including new S line trims and the addition of a non-performance RS Q8 variant below the existing RS Q8 Performance.

Audi A3 pricing

The pricing neatly bridges the gap between the base A3 110kW S line ($54,800–$57,800) and the S3 ($78,800–$81,800). That’s competitive compared to key rivals like the BMW 120i M Sport (150kW, FWD) starting from $61,100 and the Mercedes-Benz A250 4Matic (165kW, AWD) starting from $73,800. 

So while the Audi undercuts the Benz, it does so with slightly less power but a more premium cabin feel and quattro assurance.

Audi A3 quattro specifications

The new Audi A3 TFSI quattro 150kW reintroduces a much-missed powertrain layout to the small Audi range. It effectively replaces the old 40 TFSI quattro, which skipped the A3’s mid-2025 facelift.

Under the bonnet sits a turbocharged petrol engine producing, paired with a dual-clutch automatic and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. The full specs are detailed below:

The numbers place it right in the sweet spot between the modest 1.5-litre front-wheel-drive Audi A3 and the more potent 245kW Audi S3. Its 6.3-second sprint to 100km/h feels brisk for the class, and it’s 1.8 seconds quicker than the base model.

However, the power bump over its predecessor (just +10kW) isn’t revolutionary, and it’s worth noting that torque remains unchanged. Audi claims efficiency of 6.5–6.6L/100km, which is decent but not class-leading.

Equipment and features

The Audi A3 TFSI quattro 150kW builds on the standard S line specification with several key upgrades, both aesthetic and functional.

Highlights

• 18-inch graphite grey alloy wheels (five-twin-spoke design)
• Auto-dimming, heated, and power-folding exterior mirrors
• 360-degree surround-view camera
• Audi Drive Select with multiple drive modes
• Power-adjustable passenger seat
• S line interior with embossed leather upholstery
• Colour ambient lighting (30 hues)
• Auto-dimming interior mirror
• Updated traffic sign recognition and intersection assist

Buyers can also tick the $1990 Premium Plus package, adding:

• Memory function for mirrors and driver’s seat
• Sonos 3D sound system
• Head-up display

These features make the new quattro variant a strong value proposition, especially compared with the outgoing 40 TFSI. Still, for a car that starts north of $60K before on-roads, adaptive cruise control and a power tailgate should arguably be standard.

Design and interior

The facelifted Audi A3 range arrived earlier in 2025, featuring Audi’s new identity, with a wider Singleframe grille, slimmer headlights, and a more tech-forward cabin.

Inside, the quattro variant continues the clean, driver-focused design theme. The S line interior brings tactile materials, embossed sports seats, and intuitive digital interfaces. However, the number of physical buttons remains minimal, which might not please everyone. Audi’s heavy reliance on touch controls is still divisive among traditionalists.

Key interior features include:

• Wider Singleframe grille and slimmer LED headlights
• Embossed S line sports seats with leather-appointed upholstery
• Digital driver display and central infotainment system
• Customisable ambient lighting
• Minimalist dashboard layout with reduced physical buttons
• S line-specific trim and detailing

Safety and driver assistance

As expected from a modern Audi, the A3 TFSI quattro 150kW comes well-equipped with safety technology. Standard features include:

• Front, side, centre, and curtain airbags (front and rear)
• Audi pre-sense front with autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian, and cyclist detection
• Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) with ABS, ASR, and EDL
• Electromechanical parking brake
• Seatbelt reminders for all occupants
• Tyre pressure loss indicator

While the inclusion list is solid, Audi doesn’t yet quote an updated ANCAP safety rating for the MY26 model, so that’s one detail buyers will want to watch.

Final word 

The 2026 Audi A3 TFSI quattro 150kW finally fills a glaring hole in the entry-level sedan range. The blend of all-wheel drive, solid mid-range performance, and premium cabin makes it an attractive pick for those who find the base car too mild but the Audi S3 too sharp (and expensive).

Still, it’s hard to ignore that much of the added kit should have been standard long ago, and the modest power bump doesn’t exactly raise pulses. In short, the new quattro option is a well-balanced, sensible, and polished A3 variant, but one that plays it a bit too safe for those craving excitement.