Fast Facts
Pros and Cons
Pros
Aesthetic appeal
Driver-focused cabin
Satisfying driving dynamics
Quality and comfort
Cons
Dated interior and engine
Tame performance
High price
The Audi A3 has long been a staple on South African roads alongside its brother from another mother, the Volkswagen Golf. However, the needs and wants of your average car buyer have shifted, and the A3 can be classified as a premium hatchback. The variant we drove for this test has a facelift and some lovely touches, but are we now ready for a new A3 to be ushered in? Let's see.
Related: Updated Audi A3 & RS3 South Africa pricing revealed!
Pros
- Gorgeous vehicle inside and out
- Driver-focused cabin
- Satisfying driving dynamics
Cons
- Some interior elements are getting dated
- The power plant is dated
- Expensive considering the cost of the Volkswagen Golf
Styling
One star of the show with this A3 is the cosmetics department. The A3 is a clean design, and the facelift for South Africa brings forth the S-Line treatment in the form of a body kit and wheel combo. However, our test unit has the optional Audi Sport 19-inch alloys. This vehicle expertly uses Audi's blend of angular and curvy design language to give something that has an imposing stance and garners headturns when it's in motion. Our test unit was finished in Progressive Red Metallic and uses 24 Pixel LED headlights. The Black Edition also contains some black exterior accents to contrast the bodywork. You'll look back at this when you walk away from the car.
Space and Comfort
The S-Line treatment continues in the cabin, and the standout features are the S-Line seats and steering wheel. The seat foam strikes a delicate balance between holding and reassuring with comfort, and the finishes with leather and cloth material are well done. The S-Line steering wheel is excellent, and the leather material indicates sports luxury. The rest of the A3's cabin is driver-focused with infotainment, climate control and HVAC components revolving around the driver's view, fighter pilot style. At least for this writer's height, the driving position was a Goldilocks level of just right.
Overall space and comfort levels are decent for a vehicle of this size. The boot area's volume is rated at 380 litres, and its form factor is adequate to handle a few suitcases and more if you fold down the rear seats. You also get the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which is still one of the best digital instrument clusters. The Audi MMI Infotainment system still holds up today, but only when considering what today's competitors have in store. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless charging. The SONOS 3D Premium sound system complements the MMI, which has some punch and clarity befitting a car like this. Many would be drawn more towards the modern minimalist nature of touchscreens in newer car models. However, the mix of buttons and touch in the A3 is still refreshing, especially considering how this trend may change soon, with a call to return to some button commands.
Performance
Powering the A3 in this guise is a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which is pretty ubiquitous in the VAG group's range. It's very much a "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" sort of engine, making 110kW and 250Nm. The engine's power is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
The Drive
While the A3 has go-fast looks, the powertrain here is relatively tame but fine for handling challenges that South African roads can throw. The torque surge from when the turbo comes into song and the power delivery from the engine are fine. The gearbox calibration is decent and wasn't frustrating to drive, but there was a slightly noticeable delay in engagement, which was not enough to pull your hair out. The A3 handles with a spring in its step, but the sportier suspension and lower-profile tyres make Johannesburg roads feel harsher. However, the A3 feels poised on the road when smooth tarmac is under it.
Fuel Consumption
The claimed fuel consumption for this vehicle is 5.8 L /100km, but with mostly urban driving, we managed in the high 7s.
Safety
The A3's notable safety features include:
- 6 Airbags
- Lane Departure Warning
- Parking Assist with Parking Aid Plus
- Audi Pre Sense
Price
| Model | Price |
| Audi A3 Sportback TFSI S line | from R808 200 |
| Audi A3 sedan TFSI S line | from R823 200 |
| Audi A3 Sportback TFSI Black Edition (tested) | from R834 500 |
| Audi A3 sedan TFSI Black Edition | from R849 500 |
Pricing for the A3 includes:
- 5-year /100 000km Audi Freeway Plan comprehensive service and maintenance plan.
*The pricing stated here was correct when published and is subject to change without further notice. The pricing shown here is base pricing.
Rivals
- BMW 118 M Sport
- Mercedes-Benz A200
- Volkswagen Golf
The Verdict
This version of the A3 has the looks, comfort, and more driver-oriented accessories that make it satisfying. It is dated in some respects, warranting a new A3 to be ushered in, but the potential buyer of this vehicle wouldn't feel short-changed. However, when you consider the Volkswagen Golf's R-Line variant's base price is significantly cheaper than that of the A3, it is more up-to-date and utilises the same powertrain, the Audi becomes more of a preference buy in that respect. Despite that, our time in the A3 was enjoyable, and it shows that there's a place for premium hatchbacks to exist. The cabin arrangement and quality were a pleasure too, and another testament to having some buttons instead of complete touch.
