The facelifted Audi A3 is launching in South Africa today! Take a look at specification and pricing for the refreshedA3 range…

The Audi A3is the Ingolstadt-based firm’s most popular model in South Africa and following the new model's introduction in 2013, the car has received a number of technology, engine and styling updates. Let's take a look at what you can expect from the refreshed premium hatchback.

The facelifted A3 is available as a three-door hatchback, five-door Sportback, Sedan or Cabriolet. There areturbopetrol and turbodiesel engines on offer and you can opt for either a manual or an S-tronic transmission. The performance-orientated Audi RS3 Sportback and RS3 sedan will be introduced locally in 2017.

Exterior changes

The appearance of the A3has changed somewhat and the most noticeable revisions are the redesigned headlights and taillights. Xenon-plus headlights are fitted as standard across the range, while LED headlights and Matrix LED headlights are optional. Meanwhile, the grille has been broadened and features sharpened contours, giving the facelifted A3a more refined appearance and the rear diffuser has also been revised. A total of 12 exterior finishcoloursare available, of which 5 hues are new: Ara Blue, Cosmic Blue, Nano Gray, Tango Red and Vegas Yellow.

Sixteen-inch wheels as standard and Design or Sportderivatives will be fitted with 17-inch examples. New wheel designs will also be available on the optional18 and 19-inch wheels.

Interior changes

The now familiar Audi Virtual Cockpit can be specified on the facelifted A3; it transforms the instrument clusters into a 12.3-inch diagonal TFT screen. The 7-inch MMI radio plus will be fitted as standard while MMI navigation and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch are optional.

In terms of safety technology, active lane assist, and Audi pre sense (with predictive pedestrian protection) can be specified. The optional traffic jam assist will also makes its way into the A3 and works in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control and Stop&Go feature to manage the distance between the vehicle and traffic up ahead at speeds up to 65 kph. The A3will also benefit from Emergency Assist, which will bring the Audi to a stop if no steering activity is detected. Furthermore, rear cross-traffic assist will warn the driver if cars are approaching while reversing out of a parking bay.

Engine Choice

A total of 5 engine choices are available to buyers, including three petrol and one diesel engine. The A3 range will be powered by a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbopetrolengine for the first time, offering outputs of 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for this engine is rated at 4.5 L/100 km.

A new cylinder-on-demand (COD) 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine is also on offer with 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.5 L/100 km when mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

If you want more power, you may want to consider the newly developed 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 140 kW and 320 Nm of torque on tap. This engine is mated to an all-new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and returns a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.5 L/100 km. In the S3, this same engine has received a power upgrade with outputs of 228 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Claimed fuel consumption for the S3 is rated at 6.4 L/100 km.

The only diesel engine in the A3 range is the 2.0 turbodiesel engine with 105 kW and 340 Nm and it's mated to an S tronic transmission with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.5 L/100 km.

Standard features

The Audi A3 will be fitted with the following features as standard:

Xenon headlightsAuto release functionBluetooth interface16-inch wheels17-inch wheels (Cabriolet only)Cruise controlDriver information systemElectrical interface, Aux and USBExterior mirrors in body colourFront centre armrestCloth seatsInlays in Micro metallic silverLeather covered sport steering in 3-spoke designLight and rain sensorInterior lighting packageManual air-conditioningMMI radio plusDynamic suspension

The Audi S3 will be fitted with the following features as standard:

18-inch wheels with 5 twin-spoke star designAudi Sound SystemBluetooth InterfaceCruise controlDeluxe automatic air-conditioningDriver information system with colour displayElectric interface, Aux in and USBFront Sport seatsHigh gloss packageInlays in matt brushed aluminiumInterior mirror with automatic antiglare actionLeather covered multifunction sport steering wheel, flat bottomed with shift paddlesLeather/ fabric seat upholsteryLED Headlights and rear lights incl. dynamic turn signals at the rearLight and rain sensorMMI radio plusPedals and footrest in stainless steelSport suspension

Audi A3 – Pricein South Africa

Audi A3 Hatch:

Audi A3 Sportback:

Audi A3 Sedan:

Audi A3 Cabriolet:

Further Reading

Read about the power upgrade to the facelifted Audi S3 here

Peugeot 308 1.2 GT Line Auto (2016) Review

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