Audi plans to launch at least seven new cars in South Africa in 2025.
The German automaker has kept relatively busy this year with the launch of several special-edition variants of its existing line-up, but next year will see the introduction of new or updated units to some of the its most popular series.
This includes the new A3, S3, RS3, A5, S5, Q5, and Q6 e-tron, with the A6 e-tron still to be confirmed.
What’s coming in 2025
First up is the facelifted A3, which is scheduled to arrive in February next year.
The A3 was initially penned to be released in the final quarter of 2024 but was quietly pushed back with no comment on the reasons for the delay.
In any case, buyers can look forward to a refreshed exterior with an updated grille, bumpers, front spoiler, and 24-pixel LED headlights.
The interior has also received attention, with new air vents, upholstery, ambient lighting, and a more ergonomic centre console with integrated cupholders, armrests, and a compact gearstick.
The engine selection is unchanged, comprising the 35TFSI and 40TFSI powerplants.
The 35TFSI is a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol with 110kW and 250Nm, while the 40TFSI uses a 2.0-litre turbo with 140kW and 320Nm.
Later in 2025, the carmaker will also introduce the re-imagined S3 and RS3.
The S3’s improvements extend beyond its styling, as the 2.0-litre turbo block has been uprated to produce 245kW and 420Nm – 32kW and 20Nm more than the current version.
The added power means the S3’s 0-100km/h time has been lowered by 0.2 seconds, with a new reading of 4.7 seconds.
As for the RS3, it’s one of the newest models in South Africa, relatively speaking, since the current iteration was launched in 2022.
Consequently, the performance of the hot hatch is unchanged with a 2.5-litre turbo churning out 294kW and 500Nm, letting it reach 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.
However, that hasn’t stopped Audi from tuning the brake torque vectoring, electronic stability control, and adaptive damping systems for better handling.
Its visuals have also been updated with things like “checkered flag” LED daytime running lights, and buyers can now install Matrix LED headlights as a paid extra.
All three A3 variants will continue to be sold in both Sportback and sedan body types.
Next up is the new A5 sedan, which is expected to appear in mid-2025.
The A5 is a particularly important addition, as it is now being positioned as the spiritual successor to the A4 – Audi’s answer to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
This is because the manufacturer is making a drastic change to its line-up, replacing all of the even-numbered models with electric variants, while the odd-numbered vehicles will continue to rely on good old internal combustion.
For now, it appears that the A5 will only be offered as a sedan, as the Avant (Estate) is not confirmed for South Africa, and the coupe is reportedly being binned entirely.
The good news is there will be a variety of 2.0-litre engines for the A5, including petrol (TFSI) and diesel (TDI) options.
The base petrol units produce 110kW and 280Nm, while the higher-spec models put out 150kW and 340Nm. Alternatively, the TDI plant generates 150kW and 400Nm
Audi also plans to bring the sportier S5, which is equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged mill with 270kW and 550Nm, letting it sprint to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Moving on, the next entry is the Q5 SUV, which will only land in local showrooms towards the end of 2025.
The Q5 is entering a new generation, which means customers can look forward to a new platform, refined visuals, and a selection of different powerplants.
The body features new air intakes, a single-frame grille, and restyled LED headlights and taillights, as well as new tailpipes that vary depending on the model.
Naturally, the interior has also been upgraded with a new 11.9-inch driver’s display and a 14.5-inch infotainment screen, which run on the latest Android Automotive Operating System with over-the-air updates.
Engines start with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit good for 150kW and 340Nm, followed by a 2.0-litre TDI block with 150kW and 400Nm.
Anyone who splashes out for the top-end SQ5 can expect a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 drivetrain with 270kW and 550Nm, which benefits from 48V mild-hybrid technology for better acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Finally, there’s the Q6 e-tron, which will be Audi’s latest addition to its all-electric roster.
This will also show face closer to the end of next year, marking the first appearance of the brand’s new Premium Platform Electric architecture in our market.
There are two versions of the SUV – the Q6 and the SQ6 – both of which feature a pair of electric motors mounted over each axle.
The first model produces 285kW, while the top-spec SQ6 has access to 380kW, giving them a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 and 4.3 seconds, respectively.
Both versions are fitted with a 100kWh battery, which affords a maximum driving range of 625km and takes just 21 minutes to recharge with a 135kW DC fast cable.
This may not be the only electric Audi coming to South Africa though, as the company previously stated that the A6 e-tron is under consideration for our market, though it has yet to make any definitive statements regarding its availability.
Loading ...
