2025 Audi A3 Sportback: Is the Hatchback Still Relevant?
The new facelifted fourth-generation Audi A3 Sportback has arrived, prompting a crucial question: is the hatchback still a relevant market, especially at this price point? This review, based on a deep dive into the car's features, performance, and cost, attempts to answer just that.
Price and Justification
The Audi A3 Sportback starts at 835,000 rand, with the reviewed model coming in at a hefty 970,100 rand. This pricing is a significant point of contention, especially considering the vehicle is powered by a 1.4L engine. While the car offers a premium experience, its cost makes it difficult to justify, leading to questions about its value proposition compared to other vehicles in the same price range, such as the Volvo EX30.
Exterior Design
Despite the price, the exterior design of the Audi A3 Sportback is a highlight. The car boasts a sleek and "absolutely gorgeous" look. Notable features include a black edition trim with a unique "progressive red" color, new vertical slits on the front bumper inspired by motorsports, and optional LED matrix headlights that allow for four different daytime running light signatures. The car also features optional 22-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof that comes standard with the black edition model. The sequential LED taillights, shaped like arrows, further enhance the modern aesthetic.
Interior and Features
The interior of the A3 is described as a "really, really great place to be in," with impeccable build quality. The digital driver's display is clear and customizable, and the presence of physical buttons for climate control is a welcome feature. The car is equipped with a Sonos sound system, a change from the previous Bang & Olufsen system. However, it's worth noting that many desirable features, such as electronically adjustable seats and ambient lighting, are expensive add-ons.
Driving Performance
The driving experience is where the A3 shines. The car is praised for its quality, ride comfort, and impressive fuel efficiency. It is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque, which is delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. The car's fuel consumption is particularly noteworthy, with the reviewer achieving 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers and a range of 950 kilometers on a single tank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Audi A3 Sportback is a well-designed and high-quality vehicle that offers a better overall package than its direct competitors, the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. However, its high price makes it a tough sell. Ultimately, while the car itself is impressive, its cost may lead consumers to look at more affordable, and perhaps more practical, alternatives in the same price bracket.
Given the significant price point that makes the A3 a difficult recommendation, here is a breakdown of the official pricing for the facelifted Audi A3 in South Africa. As with many German luxury cars, these figures represent the starting point, with expensive options able to push the final cost considerably higher.
The pricing for the range is as follows:
- Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line: R808 200
- Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S line: R823 200
- Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Black Edition: R834 500
- Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI Black Edition: R849 500
It is worth noting that these prices do include Audi’s standard 1-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, which offers some peace of mind for such a substantial investment.
