Skip advert
Advertisement

New 2023 Audi A3 spotted in sporty S3 guise

The Audi S3 hot hatch will receive a mid-life facelift later this year

We’ve caught the updated Audi A3 testing before in saloon form, but now it's the turn of the S3 hot hatch. Despite the usual camouflage, we can clearly see a few of the exterior tweaks Audi has in store for the S3. 

The A3’s long-time rival, the Mercedes A-Class, received a mid-life update in 2022 - which included a refresh of the AMG-developed A 35 and A 45 S models. While Audi is keeping the future of the range-topping RS 3 close to its chest (the RS 3 has just been removed from sale in the UK), the slightly less ballistic S3 model will live on.  

Advertisement - Article continues below

Along with the rejuvenated A-Class hot hatches, the S3’s hot hatch segment recently gained the new Honda Civic Type R and will soon accommodate the facelifted BMW M135i, so there are plenty of rivals out there. Judging by these latest spy shots, the S3 will receive a reshaped front bumper and new grille inserts replacing the honeycomb shaped design of the current car. The headlights also get a new signature, but we expect the customisation LED party piece will remain. 

While the rear light cluster looks unchanged at first glance, the LED signature has been changed here too with more individual lights. The S3’s trademark quad-exhaust layout will be retained but beneath the camouflage we could see a new rear bumper design.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

These changes echo the ones we’ve seen on the regular facelifted A3 saloon. A new two-dimensional Audi badge will be applied on the grille and we expect to see some more choices of alloy wheels. 

The S3’s powertrain isn’t likely to change with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder sending power to all four wheels. If the RS 3 is to be taken off sale permanently then perhaps this could allow for a bump up in output over the 306bhp and 400Nm of torque the current car produces. 

The exterior changes on this test car aren’t the only amendments Audi could make to the A3 as the model may introduce all-electric versions and SUVs in the near future. 

We’ve already spotted the jacked-up A3 Citycarver testing, which could incorporate the same exterior and interior tweaks as the facelifted A3. The higher-riding Citycarver variant would also sit between the Q2 and Q3 SUVs. 

For the regular A3 it’s likely this facelift is the final internal-combustion powered development of the model, as the firm will launch its final fossil-fuelled cars in Europe in 2025. 

We’ve seen the A3 name use Audi’s e-tron badging before with the previous generation plug-in hybrid model, the next-generation may adopt that nomenclature permanently, becoming a pure-electric hatchback alternative to the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born.

Now check out the best hatchbacks

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Audi A3 e-tron proves the brand isn’t turning its back on smaller cars
Render of the Audi A3 e-tron - front static

New Audi A3 e-tron proves the brand isn’t turning its back on smaller cars

Audi has confirmed it’s bringing a posh all-electric take on the MEB platform to market, and in good time
News
18 Jun 2025
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI long term test: premium hatch is a joy to live with
Audi A3 35 TFSI S tronic S line long termer - first report header

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI long term test: premium hatch is a joy to live with

First report: premium hatch joins our fleet, and its bright metallic paint has already earned it a nickname
Long-term tests
1 Jun 2025
New Audi A3 TFSIe 2025 review: an almost perfect plug-in hybrid
New Audi A3 TFSIe plug-in hybrid - front tracking

New Audi A3 TFSIe 2025 review: an almost perfect plug-in hybrid

The new Audi A3 TFSIe plug-in hybrid offers a fantastic balance of handling, refinement and all-electric range
Road tests
21 May 2025
Audi A5 and A3 PHEVs lead run of 10 new Audi plug-in hybrids due this year
Audi A3 facelift 2025 UK

Audi A5 and A3 PHEVs lead run of 10 new Audi plug-in hybrids due this year

Audi is betting big on plug-in hybrid tech as EV uptake falters. Expect an influx of 10 models by the end of 2025 with long EV ranges
News
18 Mar 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX - front static

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price

GTX Plus gives some extra punch to an already excellent electric saloon. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 June.
News
20 Jun 2025
Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”
Citroen C3 Mk2 - front tracking

Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”

A ‘Stop-drive’ order has been issued by Citroen following a fatality that may have been caused by a faulty Takata airbag
News
20 Jun 2025
New Skoda L&K 130 shows us what a Superb pick-up truck looks like
Skoda L&K 130 - front static

New Skoda L&K 130 shows us what a Superb pick-up truck looks like

Skoda’s 10th ‘Student Car’ is a plug-in hybrid that would be an ideal support vehicle for the Tour de France
News
20 Jun 2025