Audi’s Alluring new A3

Audi has once again refreshed and launched its new A3 range in South Africa, and we were there to take them for a runabout around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. German engineers have enriched Audi’s volume seller with a whole lot of fresh technology, new engines, and also enhanced its styling a little.

Being a petrolhead of note, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity of having Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger as my co-driver, who is a former car/motorcycle racer and current radio presenter in Cape Town. It goes without saying that we had much fun in the latest S3, as we thoroughly tested its performance through beautiful Helshoogte Pass, if I’m not mistaken. Who can blame me for not taking note of the area boards? You too would be distracted by the aural pleasure derived from listening to those exhaust burps!

Exterior Styling

As before, the updated A3 is available in four body styles: a three-door hatchback, five-door Sportback, Sedan, and Cabriolet. The RS3 Sedan and RS3 Sportback are not far behind, and will be added to the local range in 2017.

On the outside, in the newly sharpened light housings, Xenon lights are standard across the A3 range. There is the option of LED headlights (standard on S3 models) or Matrix LED headlights, and dynamic indicators. The Matrix LEDs are made up of 15 LEDs that change the strength of the beam and have the ability to reflect 64 shades of light by means of a camera on the inside mirror, that monitors light and darkness.

Its newly shaped grille and sportier trim lines have been strategically designed to reflect a better, more aggressive and sporty stance. New colours are also being offered that include blues, yellow and grey.

Interior & Features

The new range benefits from Audi’s amazing new virtual cockpit (optional) – a high-resolution 12.3–inch TFT LCD screen replaces the traditional instrument cluster behind the steering wheel (the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge etc.) where everything is displayed clearly and crisply.

Other small changes on the inside include a frameless mirror, redesigned vents and steering wheel as well as lighting in the doors. Luggage capacity ranges from a compact 320 litres in the Cabriolet, to 365 litres in the Hatchback, 380 litres in the Sportback and 425 litres in the Sedan.

The infotainment system contains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for easy connectivity of both popular systems, and displayed on a 7-inch screen that rises electrically from the dashboard. There are also two navigation systems available  – a basic and more advanced option. Both versions include Audi connect and Bluetooth streaming – the only difference being the MMI touch pad and the level of radio system. Audi’s connect system allows for Point of Interest search, Google Earth and Google Street View, and has the ability to turn the car into a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices.

What else is new?

Completely new to Audi’s A3 line-up is the addition of a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine, which replaces the old 1.2, with a nice, solid output of 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. It has the ability to do a 0-100 km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds in the 3-door (9.9 in the Sportback) and a top speed of 206 km/h. It has a claimed fuel consumption of 4.5 litres/100 km, but by the time we got to drive it, the consumption figure sat at just over 6.0 litres/100 km. It performs well for a 1.0-litre, but at certain times it will remind you of its downsized powertrain.

The 1.4 TFSI is fitted with cylinder-on-demand (COD) efficiency technology. This shuts off two cylinders when the power is not required, resulting in better consumption figures. With the 2.0 TFSI, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission replaces the six-speed dual-clutch. The 2.0 TDI is fitted with a four-cylinder engine combined with S tronic transmission, and produces 105 kW and 340 Nm of torque.

Other new optional features include additional standard driver assist systems, as first seen on recent Audis such as the second-generation Q7 and 2017 A4 line. These include cross-traffic rear-assist that warns the driver backing out of a perpendicular parking space of oncoming vehicles or pedestrians. Another new system is emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

The S3 receives an additional 18 kW of power and 20 Nm of torque, increasing its output to 228 kW and 400 Nm. A 0-100 km/h sprint can be done in 4.6 seconds in the S3 Sportback and Sedan, while a 5.1 second time is attained in the Cabriolet.

So, what do we think?

The S3’s road-holding at high speed, around the twists and turns of a pass, is exceptional! The wind was also blowing at full force but the S3 stayed firmly planted. However, I must admit I struggled to get comfortable in the driver’s seat. Perhaps the low-slung sporty positioning just isn’t for me – admittedly I am a little on the short side already.

It’s very hard to fault these cars, as they look exceptional and drive equally well. Space, comfort, practicality, refinement – everything is top-notch. If you want convenience, sportiness, and the best in luxury tech options (without having to move around in a big, square, upsized sedan), then the A3 range would be for you.

Pricing

All models are available with the standard 5-year /100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan.

Audi A3 1,0T FSI	: R391 000
Audi A3 1,0T FSI S tronic	: R409 500
Audi A3 1,4T FSI	: R412 000
Audi A3 1,4T FSI S tronic	: R430 500
Audi A3 2,0 TDI S tronic	: R481 500
Audi A3 2,0T FSI	: R429 500
Audi A3 2,0T FSI S tronic	: R448 000
Audi S3 quattro S tronic	: R638 500
Audi A3 Sportback 1,0T FSI	: R398 500
Audi A3 Sportback 1,0T FSI S tronic	: R417 000
Audi A3 Sportback 1,4T FSI	: R419 500
Audi A3 Sportback 1,4T FSI S tronic	: R438 000
Audi A3 Sportback 2,0 TDI S tronic	: R489 000
Audi A3 Sportback 2,0T FSI	: R437 000
Audi A3 Sportback 2,0T FSI S tronic	: R455 500
Audi S3 Sportback quattro S tronic	: R646 000
Audi A3 Sedan 1,0T FSI	: R408 500
Audi A3 Sedan 1,0T FSI S tronic	: R427 000
Audi A3 Sedan 1,4T FSI	: R429 500
Audi A3 Sedan 1,4T FSI S tronic	: R448 000
Audi A3 Sedan 2,0 TDI S tronic	: R499 000
Audi A3 Sedan 2,0T FSI	: R447 000
Audi A3 Sedan 2,0T FSI S tronic	: R465 500
Audi S3 Sedan quattro S tronic	: R656 000
Audi A3 Cabriolet 2,0T FSI S tronic	: R566 500
Audi S3 Cabriolet quattro S tronic	: R758 000