Pricing and specifications for the all-new Audi A3 plus S3 performance derivatives have been announced. Here’s how much you can expect to pay.

The 4th generation Audi A3 and S3 are due to land in SA in July/August 2021. While visually the design has not changed radically, with the real upgrades occurring under the skin.

In terms of size, the new model is a bit bigger and longer. The newer models are 18 mm wider, while the track width on the axles has been increased by 11mm. The 4th-gen Audi A3 and S3 are underpinned by the MQB platform, which also forms the basis of the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Tiguan and Audi Q3 to name but a few.

The Audi A3 is a rival to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, BMW 1 Series / 2 Series and to a lesser extent, the Mazda3. In terms of sales so far, the Audi A3 range has sold over 63 000 units since launching back in 1998.

Engines on offer

Audi South Africa is offering an all-petrol lineup for the A3 Sportback and A3 sedan. Kicking off the range is the 35 TFSI which is the 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol motor and it produces 110 kW and 250 Nm. Audi claims a 0-100 kph of 8.2 seconds and the vehicle comes with an automatic transmission.

Next up is the 40 TFSI, which is brisk, with a claimed 0-100 kph of 7.4 seconds, thanks to its 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 140 kW and 320 Nm. It too features an S tronic dual-clutch transmission. This engine will be launched locally in November 2021.

When it comes to fuel economy, the sedan is the thriftier of the two body styles. The 35 TFSI Sedan consumes 6.1 L/100 km on the combined cycle, while the 35 TFSI Sportback manages 6.2 L/100km. Fuel economy figures for the 40 TFSI are to be confirmed later.

Trim Levels

Standard

16-inch alloys

Advanced

17-inch wheels

Advanced bumpers

S line

17-inch wheels

S line bumpers

Rear Park Distance Control

Sports suspension

Illuminated S door sills

Roof spoiler for Sportback

Optional packages

Upgrade package (available on Standard, Advanced, S line for 35/40 models) R23 500

Full LED headlights

Rear parking aid

2-zone climate control

auto-dimming mirror

Technology package (available on Standard, Advanced, S line for 35/40 models and S3) R33 500

Audi connect Navigation & Infotainment Plus

Audi virtual cockpit plus

MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch

USB ports with charging function in the rear

Sports package (available on Advanced and S line for 35 and 40 models)

18-inch wheel

Sport suspension

Black styling + black mirrors

S line interior R26 500

Armest in leatherette

Centre armest in front

Decorative insert in Dark Aluminium

Emblems

Headliner in black fabric

Metal pedals

Sport seats

Illuminated S door sills

Audi S3

For the performance fans, Audi South Africa will be introducing the S3 Sportback and S3 Sedan. Both are powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 213 kW and 400 Nm. All that shove goes to all 4 wheels via an S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Performance will be brisk, with a claimed 0-100 kph of just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph for both body styles. As far as the fuel economy goes, the Audi S3 Sportback and Sedan are said to consume 8 L/100 km and 7.8 L/100 km on the combined cycle respectively.

If you’re wanting even more, the all-new Audi RS3 will be landing in South Africa in the second half of 2022.

How much does the 2021 Audi A3 and S3 cost in South Africa?

The new Audi A3 and S3 will be sold with a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway plan. Recommended retail pricing is as follows:

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI R561 000

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Adv R586 000

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line R601 000

Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI S line R641 000

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI R576 000

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI Adv R601 000

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S line R616 000

Audi A3 Sedan 40 TFSI S line R656 000

Audi S3 Sportback quattro R795 000

Audi S3 Sedan quattro R810 000

Further Reading

Audi A3: Old vs New. What has changed?

Audi A3 Sportback International Launch Review