Its popularity is cemented in the 63 000 units that have been sold since 1998.
The Audi A3 Sportback and Sedan will be available in three trim lines. The Standard model offers 16-inch wheels and black detailing around the grille and air intakes. With the Advanced model, the wheel increases to 17 inches and the exterior detailing becomes chrome with Advanced line bumpers. The S line includes a modified and sportier bumper design, sports suspension, illuminated door sills with the S emblem and an S-style spoiler on the Sportback.
The digital daytime running lights of the optional Matrix LED headlights are a further innovation.
The new A3 models offer more space and functionality combined with compact external dimensions. The new Audi A3 Sedan, for example, is just over 15 centimetres longer than the A3 Sportback.
The cockpit of the new A3 is driver-focused and equipped with a 10,1-inch touch display as standard. 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.
Audi says its MMI’s computing power is ten times higher than that of its predecessor, and the new A3 range offer fully integrated connectivity with a host of online service.
In South Africa, the A3 range will initially be available with two engine derivatives: the A3 35 TFSI (1.4 TFSI), with 110kW and an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, and then the larger petrol engine, A3 40 TFSI (2.0 TFSI) with 140kW with a with seven-speed S tronic transmission (only available from November onwards). The performance-led S3 TFSI with quattro offers 213kW and 400Nm and a quick-shifting seven-speed S tronic, the selector lever of which is now designed as a compact shifter and made available across the range. The driver can push and pull this to control the basic functions of the automatic transmission.
Pricing on the A3 Sportback 35 starts at R561 000, and the Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI at R576 000.
Source: MotorPress
