Audi A3 Sedan (2025) Review

Fast Facts 

Pros

• Interior is truly driver-centric
• Intuitive infotainment: works well using CarPlay/Android Auto
• Great sound system at no extra cost
• Direct steering and drive modes that make a difference
• Standard spec offers value

Cons

• Options are pricey, but you can go without
• Sloping roofline impinges on rear headroom
• Gearbox is lazy in Eco mode (understandable!)

The Audi A3 sedan looks like it eats GTIs for breakfast.

Styling

Never has an "ordinary" Audi A3 sedan looked more dynamic without the obligatory S (Sport) or RS (RennSport) lettering. I was sold on its styling alone; you'd never guess that beneath the aggressive S Line exterior is just the VW Group's trusty 110kW 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, and while the Daytona Grey Pearl Effect paint (R14 700) looks sensational as it glistens in the morning light, the A3 would look just as good in any of the no-cost metallic colour choices, which include District Green Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic, and Progressive Red Metallic, to name a few. Python Yellow is another metallic colour that would look unbelievable on this sedan.

Related: How does an A3 differ from an A4

The S line trim makes the styling pop!

Configure your Audi A3 sedan here to view colour choices and all other options and specs.

Those LED headlights with dynamic turn signals come standard - no base-model penalty boxes here. The optional Matrix LED upgrade (R13,400) adds proper presence and that unmistakable Audi light signature that cuts through the darkness and distributes light where it's needed. This is non-negotiable if you only have a bit extra to spend on extras, especially if you struggle to see at night. The 18-inch wheels in Graphite Grey come standard too - think business class rather than first class. And the pièce de résistance: A panoramic sunroof that doesn't cost a cent.

Those stylish rims are part of the deal.

Interior

The cabin is a beautiful balance of sexy styling and practicality.

After driving a few test cars with bamboozling or counter-intuitive infotainment systems and less-than-desirable ergonomics, getting into the logically laid-out German cabin felt like a detox for my brain.

It all makes sense immediately. The touchscreen angles toward the driver for easy reach, while thoughtfully placed and expertly crafted recesses and storage slots mean your essentials have a proper home rather than rattling around loose. It's all so practically constructed, like a team of women was in charge (wink, wink).

Related: Audi A5 First Drive Review (2025)

The Germans know just how to put a cabin together effectively.

Thanks to the S Line trim, the cabin is classy and dynamic-looking. Nothing gets in your way; everything is organised to perfection. The new gear selector switch, surrounded by glossy piano black trim, frees up a lot of space.

There is only one minor complaint: the Audi drive select button is at the very (left) end of the row of physical buttons below the air-con toggles; it should be closer to the steering wheel. This naturally makes more sense in Germany, where the steering wheel is on the other side.

Audi Q7 and Q8 First Drive Review (2025)

That drive select button on the far left should be on the right, right?

Standard equipment includes the Audi virtual cockpit, MMI radio plus, smartphone interface, and a SONOS 3D premium sound system, which is costs extra on many competitors. Automatic air conditioning and an ambient lighting package plus are also included. The Infotainment package (R19,500) and Audi connect navigation upgrade (R9 700) enhance the already capable base system.

The standard sport seats have pulse cloth/artificial leather combination and S embossing. Red contrast stitching adds personality to an already well-appointed interior, while the electrically adjustable front seats (R13 250) quickly dial in the perfect position. Door sill trims with illuminated aluminium inlays and S logos come standard, along with stainless steel pedals and aluminium spectrum dark inlays.

Related: The 5 best similar cars to the Audi A1

This contemporary door-handle design deserves a special mention!

Space and Comfort

The perfect fit, however tall you are.

Up front, you'll feel comfortable regardless of your height. The standard sport seats offer good support, while the optional electrically adjustable seats make fine-tuning easier.

Rear passengers get a decent deal unless they're particularly tall - about par for the course, as we discovered when my ultra-tall brother had to hitch a ride with us to Gordon's Bay. Ultimately, he sat in front, while my 1,8 metre husband sat behind him in relative comfort.

Spacious for a compact sedan, if you're not a towering oak.

The rear seat backrest folds as standard for extra practicality, while i-Size and top tether anchor points are included for child seats. 2 x USB-C ports and air vents ensure comfort and charging capability. Would I put an extra person in the middle? Probably just on shorter trips, and they would be someone petite. 

Dual USB-A ports for the win.

The 425-litre boot swallows a weekly grocery shop or holiday suitcases without complaint; better than most compact and mid-size SUVs. Standard floor mats and the optional Storage & Luggage Compartment package (R3,400) add nets, hooks, and tie-downs that sound boring but prove useful, especially for families.

The upside of sedan ownership? Space for all your stuff.

The Drive

The 110kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol delivers 250 Nm from low revs, translating to effortless progress. The 8-speed tiptronic prioritises refinement over excitement, slipping through gears almost imperceptibly in city traffic.

Standard sport suspension with Audi drive select lets you tweak the character slightly. We mainly remained in Auto, where the A3 thinks for itself, adapting the car's behaviour to current driving conditions without your input. It uses sensors to analyse factors like speed, road conditions, and your driving style, then adjusts throttle response, steering weight, suspension stiffness, and transmission behaviour accordingly.

One look at this steering wheel and you just want to drive somewhere.

Electromechanical power steering provides sufficient feedback, and the ride strikes a nice balance on those standard 18-inch wheels, soaking up road irregularities - not that the smoothly tarred Western Cape has too many of those! As for the flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles - there's no need to use them, as the A3 does a fine job.

 

Performance

Audi's 8.4-second 0-100 km/h claim illustrates the story. The A3 sedan is quick enough for safe overtaking and swift enough to get you in trouble, with its top speed of a law-breaking 227 km/h, but it's not the kind of car you want to drive like an RS3 hatchback.

It's quick enough, but won't leave you gasping for breath.

The emphasis is on smooth, predictable power delivery rather than neck-snapping acceleration. Sport mode livens things up a bit but won't blow your fuel budget either. Switching to eco mode makes the gearbox lazy, which is why auto mode is the best way to go for daily driving. Or stick to comfort.

Fuel Consumption

The 1.4-litre engine drinks slowly and carefully.

Safety

Cameras, cameras everywhere! And the A3 can basically park itself.

Price

While the A3 sedan isn't cheap, it's not an empty shell either. Check out these generous no-cost features:

Audi A3 sedan standard features

What else can you get in this price range?

Let's forget about the Mercedes-Benz A200 sedan Progressive for a moment, which is already a tad overpriced at R889 524 without options, and focus on the BMW 218 Gran Coupé M Sport for R773 559, if you can live with three cylinders. It's almost R50k cheaper than the A3 sedan TFSI S line (without options).

However, if you want your mind completely blown, did you know that a bigger Lexus ES 250 EX will cost you R843 100 new? That is a lot of car for the cash, and it will probably outlive the planet. It has a 2.5-litre engine, 152 kW, drives like a dream, and everything is standard. Or, you can buy a 2024 model with 33 000 km on the clock for R520 000!

Related: Taye drove the A3 Sportback TFSI Black Edition here. 

Pricey, ja? It's German, but there's bang for your buck; Audi no longer coerces you into ticking expensive boxes.

The Verdict

If you love the A3 because of how refined, compact, and easily manoeuvrable it is, you should go for it. This is what premium, compact German sedans cost these days. And this one looks the best yet!

Those are some tidy proportions and slick-looking character lines. 

Interested in seeing what extras were fitted to our test model?

Model: Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI 110kW tiptronic S line

Colour: Daytona Grey Pearl Effect

Price as standard: R 823 200

Price as tested: R 965 050

Options Fitted:	R 141 850
Daytona Grey Pearl Effect	R 14 700
Front seats, electrically adjustable	R 13 250
Audi connect navigation & infotainment plus	R 9 700
Audi Application Store and smartphone interface	R 0
Storage and Luggage Compartment package	R 3 400
Ambient Lighting package pro	R 4 600
Climate Control package	R 18 500
Infotainment package	R 19 500
Drive and Park package	R 5 000
Safety package	R 1 100
Comfort package plus	R 14 400
Assist package	R 16 200
Coloured stitching in Red, Audi Sport GmbH	R 8 100
Matrix LED headlights, LED rear lights and headlight cleaning system	R 13 400