The first generation Audi A3 landed on our shores over a decade ago in 1998. Although initially only available in 3-door guise, Audi had started something, as they got the premium hatchback ball rolling. Almost fifteen years later, Audi South Africa has introduced the all-new A3, with the 3-door hatchback having arrived late last year and now its slightly larger 5-door stablemate, the Audi A3 Sportback.
In the 21st Century, however, the competition has wised up and Audi faces a tough challenge from other premium brands like BMW with its 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz with the all-new A-Class. Has Audi’s A3 volume seller, the Sportback, evolved enough to stay ahead of the growing competition? Justin Jacobs attended the South African launch in Cape Town to find out.
Introduced to the Audi A3 range in 2005, the A3 Sportback has played a vital role for the brand since and in 2006 it was named South African Car of the Year.
The 5-door A3 Sportback offers buyers a more practical and spacious A3 option, yet by doing so, Audi has taken nothing away from the 5-door’s sporting nature. Beginning with the styling, the new A3 Sportback retains its blend of design elements that give it a sporty and classy character. The A3 Sportback looks similar to its predecessor, but with contemporary Audi features, such as narrower tail- and headlight units (the latter with optional xenon and LED internals), as well as Audi’s hexagonal grille. An optional ‘S Line’ package adds further styling enhancements, such as various chrome trim strips and exhaust pipe tips, deeper and sportier looking bumpers, as well as a choice of wheel designs to name a few.
While the new A3 Sportback may look little different to the previous generation for some, beneath the sheetmetal a number of major changes have taken place, chiefly the chassis and the range of engines.
The A3 Sportback shares its chassis with that of the A3 hatch and parent company Volkswagen’s latest Golf 7. If you think the A3 is simply a Golf in lingerie, well you’d be right, but as with the A3 the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform brings improved agility, refinement and efficiency to the A3 Sportback.
As a result, ride quality in the new A3 is exceptional. Audi have managed a near perfect balance between comfort and sporty handling. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that the A3 is up to 80 kgs lighter than before. Audi have swapped steel for aluminium construction at the front end.
Inside, the Sportback features an entirely new design and one doesn’t borrow too heavily from other models in the stable. Sure, there are some design elements that have been repeated, such as the circular air vents that can be found in the smaller Audi A1, but that aside, the interior is fresh and incredibly well built; a continuing Audi strong point.
Interior features include a very thin LCD display that rises up from the dashboard and which can be electronically retracted when not in use. Even when hidden within the dash, the infotainment functions continue to operate, adding to the effect of a neat and modern cabin. When in use, the LCD screen acts as the main hub for the Audi MMI infotainment system, which in my opinion is currently one of the easiest systems to operate. The MMI rotary dial controller eliminates the need for a clutter of buttons and thus possible confusion while driving.
The entire range of engines available in the new A3 Sportback is turbocharged and they all enjoy being revved. Although I’m not usually a fan of manual transmissions, especially considering the convenience, economy and performance edge associated with Audi’s S tronic dual-clutch technology, I found myself in love with the combination of Audi’s 1.4T FSI petrol engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The 90 kW and 200 Nm power and torque figures offer enough gusto for any traffic situation, while also being able to offer up enough fun when the opportunity arises.
If you want more though, look to the larger 1.8T FSI with 132 kW and 250 Nm, which is available with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic transmission. A Quattro all-wheel drive model is also available with the 1.8T FSI, but gains in traction come at the loss in performance due to the system’s extra weight. Quattro will be put to better use, however, with the S3 and RS3 models that will arrive in due course.
Overall, Audi claim that their new engine line-up is 12% more efficient on average versus the previous model, which is largely due to improvements in direct fuel injection, turbocharging and the addition of automatic engine stop/start.
The new A3 Sportback is impressive, thanks to the improvement to ride and handling brought about by the MQB platform. The model line-up is also diverse, with an array of different specification options (S, SE and S Line) and 1.2-litre to 1.8-litre turbocharged engines, including a 1.6-litre turbodiesel.
In both 3- and 5-door bodystyle, the Audi A3 remains one of the best premium hatchback available today and is seriously worth your attention if you are considering moving into this vehicle segment.
| Pricing (Incl. VAT and CO2 Tax) | |
| Audi A3 Sportback 1.2T FSI S | R283 000 |
| Audi A3 Sportback 1.4T FSI S | R290 500 |
| Audi A3 Sportback 1.4T FSI S tronic S | R307 500 |
| Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI S tronic S | R319 500 |
| Audi A3 Sportback 1.8T FSI SE | R322 000 |
| Audi A3 Sportback 1.8T FSI S tronic SE | R339 000 |
| Audi A3 Sportback 1.8T FSI S tronic Quattro | R370 000 |
All models feature a 1-year/Unlimited km warranty and 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
