New Audi A3 in South Africa – Specifications revealed

Audi has finally revealed the specifications for the facelifted A3, which will launch in South Africa in early 2025.

At release, the A3 will only be offered in its 35TFSI form, with the sportier iterations to follow at a later date.

The model selection is also being reduced with the Base and Advanced trim levels falling away, leaving the S Line as the new starting point for the series.

Engine

The A3, which is sold in both Sportback and Sedan body styles, will be temporarily limited to the 35TFSI powerplant, comprising a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine.

This gives the German car an output of 110kW and 250Nm, letting it accelerate to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 219km/h.

Combined with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, a front-wheel-drive system and mild hybrid technology, the A3 achieves an average fuel consumption of 6.2l/100km.

Audi stated that it will communicate the details of the other powertrains in early 2025, but it’s a safe bet to assume that the 40TFSI will make a return as well.

This takes the form of a larger 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill, which generates a total of 140kW and 320Nm while still consuming 6.2l/100km.

The increase in power means the 40TFSI can sprint to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, and reach a higher top speed of 248km/h.

Features

The S Line will mark the new entry-point to the series following the update, meaning buyers can expect a wider array of standard features.

This includes new 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 R18 tyres, 24-pixel LED headlights and daytime running lights, keyless start, a panoramic glass sunroof, a flat-bottom leather multifunction Sports steering wheel, Sports seats, Dinamica microfibre upholstery, ambient lighting, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with smartphone pairing, Audi’s “Virtual Cockpit” driver display, a wireless phone charger, a Sonos 3D premium sound system, and two additional USB-C charging ports for the backseats.

The automaker has also expanded the list of driving assistance items with lane departure warning, emergency braking assist, and a parking assistant.

All of this is in addition to existing features such as automatic climate control, electric seats, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera.

Furthermore, the facelift has made a few visual changes to the cabin, with a more compact gearstick, new chrome aircon vents, a revised centre console with integrated cupholders, and new decorative inlays.

The other confirmed model for the new A3 lineup is the Black Edition, which adds a number of dark-themed cosmetic touches to exterior items like the alloy rims, the Four Rings grille logo, and mirror caps, and throws in full leatherette upholstery for the interior.

The revised A3 will continue to be sold with a 1-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway maintenance plan.