Audi South Africa has confirmed the make-up of the facelifted A3 range (ditching the “lower-rung” trim levels), which is due to launch locally in early 2025…
The facelifted Audi A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan are due to launch locally in early 2025, with the Ingolstadt-based firm’s local division confirming the line-up.
Though the 35 TFSI derivatives will retain the turbocharged 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, the German automaker says the updated 8Y-series A3 range – a generation that arrived in SA in July 2021 – will be expanded “with sportier derivatives” (we’re guessing in the form of the likewise revised S3 and RS3) later in 2025.
As a reminder, this 1.4-litre petrol motor has peak outputs of 110 kW and 250 Nm. Audi SA initially announced the 35 TFSI would switch to a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine featuring mild-hybrid technology (and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission) but late in January 2025 said it had received the incorrect information.
Audi SA furthermore confirmed its decision to “rationalise” the local A3 range, doing away with the unnamed base trim level as well as the “Advanced” grade. Therefore, the facelifted 35 TFSI will be available exclusively in “S line” and “Black Edition” guise.
In South Africa, the S line package will include 18-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in 225/40 R18 tyres), LED lights (with dynamic indicators), a “convenience” key, lane-departure warning, parking assist (with parking aid plus), a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting package plus, a sports steering wheel, sports seats, the Audi virtual cockpit and a Sonos 3D premium sound system.
Meanwhile, the Black Edition grade will add darkened trim for the grille, Audi rings and side-mirror caps, along with black 18-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass. Of course, the A3 range’s mid-cycle refresh also encompasses revised exterior and interior designs as well as various new cabin materials.
The German firm’s local division says pricing for the updated A3 range “will be shared early in 2025”. As a reminder, the outgoing (12-strong) line-up currently runs from R682 100 to R806 300, excluding Audi Sport’s S3 (from R930 300) and RS3 (from R1 330 800) performance derivatives. Over the first 11 months of 2024, Audi SA has sold 572 units of the A3 Sportback and 378 units of the A3 Sedan.
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