Audi’s current A3 was launched almost four years ago. It’s hard to believe when the shape, particularly the sedan, has held up so well in the styling and interior department. We drive the revised 2016 version of the A3 range and see if Audi’s biggest seller can continue on its path and make true their vision of going toe-to-toe with its two big German rivals by 2025.
Exterior
The new Audi A3 is a handsome car. Audi knows this, and why do a full makeover when a minor nip and tuck is all that’s needed? You’d be hard pressed to spot exterior differences, but here are some clues: the standard Bi-Xenon and optional Matrix-LEDs are more aggressive and the grille has been steered in the direction of Audi’s future design ethos. The rear diffuser has also been redesigned.
Interior/Virtual Cockpit
Although not much has changed other than the addition of the new vents on the dash and some other minor tweaks, there is one massive upgrade the Audi A3 has inherited from its pedigreed stablemates…Audi’s innovative Virtual Cockpit.
The first of its kind in the A-segment and something that will soon become industry standard, Virtual Cockpit is configurable, easy to operate if one spends a few minutes tinkering, and a pleasure to use via the steering wheel controls. It is instant when it comes to displaying speed, rpm and boost and is clearly the future of vehicle ergonomics and cockpit design.
Engines
The big changes to Audi A3 occur under the skin, and Audi has made amendments to the entire engine range.
The old 1.2 unit is replaced by a 1.0 TFSI engine producing 4kW more than the previous iteration. Torque is an impressive 220Nm and it sips a claimed 4.5 l/100.
The 1.4 TFSI pushes out 110kW and uses Cylinder on Demand technology which shuts down cylinders two and three, allowing for claimed fuel consumption figures identical to the 1.0 TFSI.
The only diesel in the range, the 2.0 TDI comes with 105kW, 340Nm and it too, according to Audi uses just 4.5 l/100.
The 2.0 140kW unit really impressed with its refined and well-specced cabin, potent overtaking abilities and relative frugality, using 5.5 l/100. The new 7-speed gearbox is smooth and is my pick of the bunch. A brilliant all round car that juggles a multitude of demands with ease.
The current range topper, the S3 now pushes out 228kW. Thanks to restrictions being lifted on the South African S3, it’s on par with the European version and up 18kW and 20Nm on the previous SA model. The sprint to 100 takes just 4.5 seconds (4.6 on the Sportback and Sedan) and feels unlaboured and effortless thanks to the easy-to-use launch control. Just be sure to wait for the boost to build up. Looking forward to the RS3? Expect the first units to arrive by mid 2017.
For those that enjoy open top motoring Audi has shifted focus and removed the 1.4 litre from the range, leaving only the 2.0 and S3 models. A strategic play by Audi to maintain the convertible’s premium feel and moving away from its “value market” competitors.
With a third of Audis sales coming from the A3 Range, Audi has made sure not to change too much on their latest rendition of the bestseller. A refresh on the engines, some minor exterior detailing and the inclusion of the ground-breaking Virtual Cockpit however is enough to keep the A3 fresh when compared to its rivals, and ahead when it comes to in-car tech.
New Audi A3 Pricing. Prices include a 5-yr/100 000km Freeway Plan.
A3 3-door Hatch:
1.0 TFSI manual – R391 000
1.0 TFSI S-Tronic – R 409 500
1.4 TFSI manual – R412 000
1.4 TFSI S-Tronic – R430 500
2.0 TDI S-Tronic – R481 500
2.0 TFSI manual – R429 500
2.0 TFSI S-Tronic – R448 000
S3 Quattro S-Tronic – R638 500
A3 Sportback:
1.0 TFSI manual – R398 500
1.0 TFSI S-Tronic – R417 000
1.4 TFSI manual – R419 500
1.4 TFSI S-Tronic – R438 000
2.0 TDI S-Tronic – R489 000
2.0 TFSI manual – R437 000
2.0 TFSI S-Tronic – R455 500
S3 Quattro S-Tronic – R646 000
A3 Sedan:
1.0T FSI manual – R 408 500
1.0 TFSI S-Tronic – R427 000
1.4 TFSI manual – R429 500
1.4 TFSI S-Tronic – R448 000
2.0 TDI S-Tronic – R499 000
2.0 TFSI manual – R447 000
2.0 TFSI S-Tronic – R465 500
S3 quattro S-Tronic – R656 000
A3 Cabriolet:
2.0T FSI S-Tronic – R566 500
S3 quattro S-Tronic – R758 000
