The all-new Audi A3 range now in South Africa
The Audi A3 successfully established its status as a high-end compact car in the local area in 1998. In the past two decades, customer deliveries of the A3 model series have exceeded 63,000 units, which is very popular in South Africa. The brand is now launching the fourth-generation A3 Sportback and the second generation A3 Sedan which now combine a sporty look with efficient driving. In addition, the successful Audi model series also features digital operating concepts and many other innovations whether it is a five-door Sportback, a four-door sedan or an S performance derivative model, the A3 series will be launched in South Africa on August 1, 2021.
Looks
The new A3 models have compact proportions and a sporty design. The wide Singleframe and the large air intakes at the front accentuate its dynamic characteristics while the shoulders of the body extend in smooth lines from the headlights to the taillights. The lower area bends inward and this creates a "concave" element which is now a new element of Audi's design, putting more emphasis on wheel arches.
The Audi A3 models will be available in three trims; The standard model offers 16-inch wheels and black trim around the grille and air intake. In the Advanced model, the wheels are increased to 17 inches, the exterior trim is changed to chrome, with bumpers from the Advanced series. The S-line model includes a more sporty and improved bumper design, sporty suspension, illuminated door sills with the S logo, and an S-shaped spoiler on the Sportback.
The digital daytime running lights of the optional matrix LED headlights is another innovation. In the S-line model, they consist of a pixel matrix consisting of LED segments arranged in a three by five arrangement, which can produce special light characteristics and make the new A3 instantly recognizable. The sporty and refined design continues inside, including great new gear lever, aluminium or carbon inlays, eye-catching wedge-shaped door handles and black-finished instrument panels; new design elements generally come from higher-tier vehicles.
The new S3 model shows its dynamic design features at first glance. The front is dominated by a Singleframe with a large diamond-shaped grille and impressive air intakes, while the exterior mirror housings have a polished aluminium look. At the rear, a large diffuser and four tailpipes accentuate the sportiness of the vehicle. With Quattro all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, red brake callipers, and S-specific bumpers, suspension and other S details, the S3 is an impressive feature of the new A3 series.
Digitalized: controls and displays
The cockpit of the new A3 is wholly focused on the driver. It uses familiar elements from the brand’s full-size class models and is equipped with a 10.1-inch touch display as standard, which is integrated in the centre of the instrument panel. It recognizes letters entered by hand, provides acoustic feedback, and can be controlled using natural voice language.
The instrument cluster, which the driver operates via the multifunction steering wheel, is now also digital as standard. The optional Audi virtual cockpit plus (as part of the Technology Package) provides additional functions such as the large display of the navigation map. It measures 12.3 inches and enables three different views, including graphics with a sporty look.
Intensified: the infotainment
The MMI operating concept is powered by the new third-generation modular infotainment platform. Its computing power is ten times higher than that of its predecessor. It performs all tasks relating to connectivity, including telephony and the Audi connect services with LTE Advanced speed.
Individual settings can be stored in up to six user profiles – from climate control and the seat position to frequently selected navigation destinations and frequently used media. The DAB+ digital radio is included as standard and the online or hybrid radio is available as an option. Route guidance is particularly easy and flexible.
The Audi A3 model range also ushers in fully integrated connectivity, the Audi connect portfolio includes a host of online services which offer advanced infotainment, navigation and Car-to-X services that take advantage of the swarm intelligence to service, safety and convenience built into the connected A3.
The new Audi A3 can be connected to the user’s smartphone via the myAudi app, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as via the Audi phone box. The latter connects the device to the car antenna and charges it inductively.
The engines
In South Africa, there are two engine offerings at launch, with an additional option becoming available later in 2021. The A3 35 TFSI (1.4 TFSI), with 110 kW of power and an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, serves as the entry-level engine.
The larger petrol engine, A3 40 TFSI (2.0 TFSI) with 140 kW, follows with seven-speed S Tronic transmission (only available from November 2021 onwards). The performance-led S3 TFSI with Quattro offers 213 kW, 400 Nm and a quick-shifting seven-speed S Tronic, the selector lever of which is now designed as a compact shifter and available across the range. The driver can push and pull this to control the basic functions of the automatic transmission.
The suspension
The suspension of the new A3 models – with a four-link rear axle for engines from 110 kW – is sporty and balanced, combining pleasant ride comfort with good dynamics. In combination with the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, the suspension is available with adaptive damper control (optional for the S3 models), which simultaneously lowers the body by 10 millimetres. Each damper permanently adapts to the road condition, the driving situation, and the settings in Audi drive select, creating a widespread between highly comfortable roll motion and agile handling. With the sport suspension – standard in conjunction with the S line trim or optional with the Sports Package – the focus is clearly on dynamics. Due to the tauter tuning of the suspension and dampers and the fact that the vehicle is lowered by 15 millimetres, the new A3 conveys an even more direct contact with the road surface.
Safety
Equipped with the optional Audi pre sense front, the parking assist, and the lane departure warning, the new A3 models help prevent accidents with other road users and offer a high level of safety. Further assist systems, such as the lane change and exit warnings as well as the cross-traffic, are available also available.
Local packages
The new Audi A3 range will offer the package concept as introduced on other new models launched in South Africa. The concept aims to reduce complexity when ordering a new vehicle, considering that a customer is generally faced with a long list of options to choose from. It classifies key options according to a specific customer need and offers a straightforward value proposition that is easy for a customer to understand. These packages have been defined by a combination of customer preferences as well as strategic options which aim to highlight Audi’s uniqueness or technology enhancements.
The packages include:
- Upgrade (LED lights, 2-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirror, rear parking aid)
- Technology (Audi virtual cockpit plus, MMI navigation plus, Audi connect navigation & infotainment, rear USB ports with charging function)
- Sports (black styling exterior elements, black mirrors, 18-inch wheel, sports suspension)
- S line interior (armrest in leatherette, centre armrest, S emblems, black headliner fabric, stainless steel pedals, sports seats, decorative inserts in dark aluminium)
Pricing
The new Audi A3 range will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 August 2021 and is priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI R561,000
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Advanced R586,000
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line R601,000
Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI S line R641,000
Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro R795,000
Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI R576,000
Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI Advanced R601,000
Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S line R616,000
Audi A3 Sedan 40 TFSI S line R656,000
Audi S3 Sedan TFSI quattro R810,000
