The arrival of Audi’s four-door A3 in South Africa this January could very well be a hit with consumers as the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer’s tiniest sedan is quite the offering for those looking for a premium small saloon.
Although looks are very much subjective, there can be no mistaking that the A3 sedan has ticked all the right boxes in terms of styling. The hatchback’s clean lines and proportions have not been disturbed just for the sake of adding a boot. What is immediately clear is that the sedan was a clearly thought-out process.
Inside, especially up front, it’s the same fare as the hatchback, but it’s behind the B-Pillar that things get interesting, and the reason for this driving impression. First, there’s a proper rear seatback and cushions with headrests that will probably be the same as the A3 Sportback (which is also due early in 2014) and the execution looks neat.
My 1,7-metre frame performed the sit-behind-self test with room to spare. Although it must be said that the average South African adult would only really be comfortable for a short amount of time. Built on the shared MQB platform, which also does service in the Golf 7, the rear of the cabin is realistically only roomy enough for two passengers. The reason for this is the generous luggage space available, which swallowed two large suitcases and overnight bags with ease.
What’s also interesting to note is that the test unit I drove from Dusseldorf to Frankfurt, despite its fitment of the S-line trim level, was kitted out with thick sidewall rubber around its 17-inch alloys – a combination that made the A3 1,8 TFSI appear dramatically under-wheeled. But that particular combination is probably in preparation for the European winter, with winter-specific tyres being fitted to the test units.
From behind the wheel, the experience doesn’t differ from the hatchback we tested earlier this year. The steering has an appreciably weighty feel to it, and out of the Hyatt hotel parking area, the dual clutch S tronic transmission and stop/start system quickly took the morning rush in its stride.
With just 136 kW from the turbocharged 1,8-litre motor to power all four wheels, the A3 never felt dramatically quick, but instead the drive through the quattro system came with an assurance of sure-footedness and mild performance that would satisfy most consumers. Audi claims a zero-to-100 km/h spring of just 7,3 seconds, with a top speed of 235 km/h. The 5,6-litres/100 km average fuel consumption claim equates to just 129 grams/km of CO2 emissions.
Unfortunately, this model is not headed for South Africa, with Mzansi’s only quattro option coming in the form of the S3 sedan – the rest all being front wheel drive derivatives. But if the initial experience is anything to go by, then the A3 sedan should do well no matter which models make it to our shores.
Specifications*
Model: Audi A3 Sedan 1,8 TFSI Quattro S-Line
Engine: turbocharged four-cylinder, in-line
Capacity: 1 798 cm3
Power: 132 kW @ 5 100 r/min
Torque: 250 N.m @ 1 250 – 5 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 5,6 secs
Fuel consumption: 12,2 l/100 km
Top speed: 235 km/h
*According to manufacturer
