The Audi A3 and S3 are among the most popular European cars on Australian roads, and the 8V and 8Y generations in particular have strong aftermarket support. Whether you're building a subtle OEM-plus A3 or a properly committed S3 track weapon, the exterior modification options are extensive. This guide covers what's available in Australia through Dubhaus, and what's worth prioritising for each type of build.
Understanding 8V vs 8Y
The 8V generation ran from 2013 to 2020 and is available as a hatchback (Sportback), a sedan, and a convertible (Cabriolet). Within the 8V generation there's a Pre-Facelift (PFL, 2013–2016) and a Facelift (FL, 2016–2020), which have some visual differences to the front and rear bumpers. Most aftermarket aero pieces are specific to PFL or FL, so it's worth knowing which you have before ordering.
The 8Y generation launched in 2020 and is currently in production. The 8Y has a completely different body design from the 8V — parts are not interchangeable between generations.
Front Grilles
The RS Style front grille conversion is one of the most impactful single modifications available for the A3/S3 8V. The standard A3 grille is a three-piece design with a relatively slim lower intake section. The RS-style grille opens up the lower bumper significantly and gives the car the face of the RS3, which sits above both in the Audi lineup.
The RS Style Front Grille for Audi A3/S3 2017–2021 (With ACC) is spec'd to accommodate Adaptive Cruise Control sensors where fitted — this is an important fitment consideration on later 8V cars where ACC is a common factory option. An aftermarket grille that covers or interferes with the ACC sensor will disable the system. The Dubhaus fitment retains the ACC cutout.
Boot Lip Spoilers
The M4 Style Boot Lip Spoiler for Audi A3/S3/RS3 8V Sedan is one of the most popular individual fitments for the 8V sedan. The sedan body benefits more from a boot spoiler than the hatchback — the Sportback has a roofline that flows into the bootlid naturally, while the sedan's short bootlid benefits from a spoiler to visually lengthen the rear and add a performance reference.
The M4 Style lip is a subtle, clean fitment that reads as factory-correct when body-coloured. It's not a large wing — it's a lip spoiler that sits approximately 30mm above the bootlid surface. This is the right choice for owners who want an enhanced appearance without committing to an aggressive wing profile.
The equivalent part for the 8Y sedan is also available — the M4 Style Boot Lip Spoiler for Audi A3/S3/RS3 8Y Sedan 2020+ is a separate piece spec'd for the updated bootlid geometry of the current generation.
Rear Diffusers
Maxton Design makes dedicated rear diffusers for both the 8V Pre-Facelift and Facelift Sedan, as well as the Sportback. The Maxton Design Rear Diffuser for Audi S3 Sedan 8V Facelift is a structured diffuser valance that fits below the rear bumper and integrates with the factory exhaust tip arrangement. It adds visual structure to the rear end and, at speed, contributes to rear downforce.
The equivalent piece for the Sportback and the 8Y sedan are also in the Dubhaus range. Check the Audi collection and specifically the A3/S3/RS3 sub-collection for the full list.
Steering Wheels
The 8V A3/S3/RS3 has strong steering wheel upgrade options. Dubhaus stocks carbon steering wheels for the 8V Facelift and the 8V Pre-Facelift as separate applications — the wheel attachment and airbag specification changed between the PFL and FL, so the wheel part numbers are different. The carbon construction reduces the steering wheel mass compared to the factory leather unit, which makes the steering feel more direct.
If you're on an 8V FL, the Carbon Steering Wheel for Audi A3/S3/RS3 8V Facelift is the correct application. If you're on a PFL 8V, the Pre-Facelift specific unit is what you need.
RS Style Grille for the Q5/SQ5
For owners of the Q5 or SQ5 FY (2017–2020), the RS Style Front Grille is also available. The SQ5 FY is an increasingly popular performance SUV in Australia and the RS-style grille gives it a visually more aggressive front end that better matches its performance character. This is a direct-fit unit for the FY generation Q5 and SQ5.
Build Direction for the A3 & S3
For an OEM-plus A3 build: RS grille, body-coloured boot lip spoiler, carbon steering wheel. These three modifications give the car an elevated appearance that reads as factory-spec from a distance.
For a more committed S3 or RS3-spec build: RS grille, rear diffuser, full Maxton Design aero package in body colour, carbon steering wheel, and a catback exhaust system. The S3 8V responds particularly well to catback work — the 2.0 TFSI has a characterful engine note that a well-chosen system amplifies without distorting.
All parts ship Australia-wide from Dubhaus. The full Audi range covers both 8V and 8Y generation parts across all body styles.
Further Reading
Related guides from The Dubhaus Workshop: Maxton Design Splitters, Diffusers and Aero Kits — Are They Worth It?, Carbon Fibre vs ABS Plastic — Which Body Parts Are Worth Buying, and How to Choose a Catback Exhaust System — A Guide for Australian Drivers.
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