Facelifted Audi A3 range priced
The Audi A3 has long been a popular choice in South Africa, thanks, in part, to its sleek styling, high-quality interior, impressive tech loadout, and excellent balance of efficiency and performance.
It entered its fourth version in 2021, and the Ingolstadt-based marque gave it a mid-cycle refresh in 2024, ensuring it stays competitive in a segment dominated by the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Audi has finally set a price for its A3 range, which does not include the S3 variantsâ”at least not yet. Audi stated that the S3 Sportback and Sedan models will only arrive locally later this year. Weird.
As has always been the case with the A3, the range will be offered in sportback and sedan body configurations. On the outside, the changes are subtle, with the hexagonal and frameless grille now featuring a new structure that appears flatter and wider. Audi designers have also fitted new headlight clusters, new larger angular side air intakes, a new rear bumper, and a distinctive diffuser. For the first time in the A3, the headlight’s digital daytime running lights can be changed up to four light signatures for a different look.
The interior benefits from a smaller e-shifter, new fabric inserts with lighting elements, and decorative cabin lighting that now has 30 colour options. That aside, the interior still boasts the same 10.1-inch touchscreen that works in conjunction with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Regarding the range, the standard range will consist of the 35 TFSI S Line and optional Black Edition, both in sportback and sedan variants. The formidable RS 3 will feature a SA-specific Carbon Edition as an option for the sedan and sportback models.
The 35 TFSI makes use of a 1.4-litre engine with 110kW and 250Nm that sends power to the front axle via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RS 3, on the other hand, retains the larger 2.5-litre TFSI 5-cylinder engine with 294kW and 500Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.8 seconds.
While the changes appear subtle, the continuous improvements ensure that the A3 range remains relevant in the shrinking hot hatch segment. However, its pricing is on the premium side, partly due to its relation to the Golf 8. Having said that, the A3 boasts a unique character and appearance, and it now appears to be an even more complete and refined package overall.
- A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line: R808,200
- A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic Black Edition: R834,500
- A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S tronic S line: R823,200
- A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S tronic Black Edition: R849,500
- RS 3 Sportback TFSI quattro S tronic: R1,498,200
- RS 3 Sportback TFSI quattro S tronic Carbon Edition: R1,591,900
- RS 3 Sedan TFSI quattro S tronic: R1,528,200
- RS 3 Sedan TFSI quattro S tronic Carbon Edition: R1,610,700
