Audi SA last launched a facelifted A3 in November 2016 at a price starting from R391,000 for a hatch. Of course, every facelift implies changes and updates over the previous version. Here's what Audi tinkered with to make the newer models stand out from its rivals.
1. Exterior Design
Exterior changes on the newer Audi A3 consisted of
- Headlight and taillight design changes,
- A further emphasized bonnet,
- Integrated front bumper,
- A redesigned single-frame grille,
- A newly contoured rear diffuser,
- 16-inch wheels standard with optionally available 17- and 18-inch wheels
- The S3 is fitted with 18-inch wheels as standard
For a sportier look, the S line exterior package can also be ordered with a different front bumper and rear diffuser.
Bi-xenon headlight units are standard, while LED and Matrix LED headlights are also optionally available. Both LED and Matrix LED headlights offer dynamic turn signals. Fifteen LEDs each produce the high beam of the Matrix LED headlights, which radiate from three reflectors. Supplied with information by the camera at the interior mirror, their control module turns them individually on and off as required; or additionally dims them in 64 stages each.
2. Interior
The sporty body lines of the exterior flow into the interior of the facelifted A3. Built with Audi's top-quality materials and workmanship, the cabin has exemplary ergonomics.
Luggage capacity ranges between variants:
- 365 litres in the Hatchback,
- 380 litres in the Sportback,
- 425 litres in the Sedan,
- 320 litres in the Cabriolet.
The highlight in the interior of the newer Audi A3 is the Audi Virtual Cockpit. The innovative operating concept was featured for the first time in the compact class. The Audi Virtual Cockpit depicts the most important driving-relevant information in high resolution on a 12.3-inch TFT screen. The driver can switch between two views by pressing the “View” button on the multifunction steering wheel. In classic mode, the instruments appear as large as the usual analogue displays. In infotainment mode, a central window predominates that provides more space for the navigation map or shows clearly arranged lists for the phone, radio and audio sectors.
Also for the first time, Audi made two different MMI Navigation systems available from which you can choose one. This ties with the MMI Radio Plus with the electrically extending seven-inch monitor which is standard equipment. Whether you choose the basic or advanced version, Audi Connect and Bluetooth streaming are still available, the only difference comes with the MMI touchpad and the level of radio system. With Audi Connect, many online functions are brought into the car such as Google Earth and Google Street View, Point of Interest search and the ability to turn the car into a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 8 devices. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto round off the infotainment offering by seamlessly integrating into the car via the Audi smartphone interface system.
3. New Engine Line-up
With the facelifted A3, Audi brought forth its new entry-level three-cylinder petrol engine in the 1.0 TFSI model. This compact engine puts out maximum power of 85 kW and peak torque of 200 Nm from 2000 to 3500 rpm. Fuel consumption is rated at 4.5 l/100 km while CO₂ emissions were measured at 104 g/km, making it exempt from CO₂ tax in South Africa. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 206 km/h.
Another first for the A3 is the 1.4 TFSI with cylinder-on-demand (COD) efficiency technology, switching off two cylinders when that power is not required. The engine with 1,395 cm³ displacement puts out 110 kW of power and develops 250 Nm of torque. The average fuel consumption in combination with the manual transmission is just 4.5 l/100 km – corresponding to 105 g/km of CO₂ emissions, thereby also making it exempt from emissions taxation.
A technical highlight in this range is the completely newly developed 2.0 TFSI with its innovative combustion method. From a displacement of 1,984 cm³ it generates 140 kW and peak torque of 320 Nm. It takes 6.7 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and reaches a top speed of 244 km/h. Claimed fuel consumption is 5.5 l/100 km, with a CO₂ emission level of 126 g/km. The 2.0 TFSI engine is accompanied by a totally new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with wet clutch which supersedes the previous six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
One four-cylinder TDI engine with 1,968 cm³ displacement is now offered in the A3 range. The 2.0 TDI puts out maximum power of 105 kW and peak torque of 340 Nm from 1750 to 3000 rpm. This engine is paired exclusively with the S tronic transmission, and consumes 4.5 l/100 km of fuel on average, corresponding to 117 g/km of CO₂ emissions.
Related reading: 6 Audi A3 accessories you didn’t know you needed