In 2019, the biggest difference between Audi's everyday A3 and the sportier S3 models was the engine size and how the wheels were driven. Let's look at engine sizes and how the various models in the 2019 line-up perform. The Audi A3 is a highly sought-after premium car in SA and was also one of AutoTrader's most-searched models at the time.
It's available as a Sportback (5-door hatch), sedan, or cabriolet in various trims (including some new Audi special editions) and with different engine sizes. (Read: Top 3 Audi A3 trims, head to head: here's our winner). But before you sell your car quickly and easily on AutoTrader here and search for new or used Audi S3 models on AutoTrader here, let's go into the details of what set the 2019 A3 and S3 range apart.
Related: Audi S3 Sportback quattro (2021) Review
2019 Audi A3 derivatives
Audi A3
1. 30TFSI
This engine is the smallest in the lineup and sports a one-litre, turbo-charged unit with 85kW and 200 Nm of torque. In the A3's most compact form, ie. the Sportback hatch, the 0-100 km sprint time is 9.9 seconds.
The least expensive Audi A3 in the line-up was the Audi A3 Sportback 30TFSI Edition one, which came in at R395 000 in April this year. This was a special limited edition model that has sadly been discontinued. The Audi showroom in Cape Town said that if you're lucky, there still may be a few floating around at showrooms around the country, but you can't place an order for a new one. Pricing for the entry-level A3 Sportback 30TFSI starts at R432 000. (July 2019)
2. 35TFSI
Next up, we have the slightly larger 35TFSi engine, which is a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol unit. It's good for 110kW and 250Nm of torque, reaching 100 km from a standstill in 8.2 seconds (Sportback). Prices for the A3 Sportback 35TFSI start from R469 000. (Read: Audi A3 vs BMW 1 Series vs Merc's A-Class: here's our winner.)
3. 40TFSI:
This 2.0-litre turbocharged power plant is the most potent in the A3 line-up. With 140kW and 320Nm on tap, the A3 Sportback 40TFSI (R490 000) will reach the 100km mark in a swift 6.8 seconds. (Read: Top 5 Audi A3 articles on AutoTrader.)
2019 Audi S3 derivatives
Audi S3
Engines, models, and pricing:
The S3 is available as a Sportback, sedan, and cabriolet, but there's only one model of each, namely the S3 Sportback quattro (from R671 000), the S3 sedan quattro (from 681 000), and the S3 cabriolet quattro (from R787 500). The 2.0-litre engine in all three derivatives has 228 kW and 400 Nm of torque, and Audi's grippy quattro all-wheel drive system vs. the other A3s' more widespread front-wheel drive configuration. The S3 is also slightly heavier than its A3 counterparts, lower to the ground, and its cargo area is also slightly smaller. It has sport suspension as standard, as well as gearshift paddles. (Both the A3 and S3 have Audi's S tronic 7-speed automated dual-clutch transmission.)
The obligatory 0-100 km sprint time is a feisty 4.6 seconds in the S3 Sportback and sedan and 5.1 seconds in the S3 cabriolet. The top speed is electrically governed and will reach 250 km/h.
Should I buy the A3 or the S3?
It's all about what you can afford and what you deem practical for you and your lifestyle. The potent S3 is highly desirable, but the 1.4-litre 35TFSI models offer a good combination of the speed and efficiency you need on a daily basis. (Read: The complete guide to buying, owning and selling your Audi A3)
Recommended reading
1.Top 8 things you need to know about the Audi A3
2. BMW 1 Series vs Audi A3 vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class: which is the best value for money?
Alternatively, visit the Audi A3 microsite here to read more and configure your own.
