CAPE TOWN – the local launch of the Audi A3 Sportback sees the Ingolstadt firm expand it’s already-impressive C-segment offering with the inclusion of a more practically minded new model, but can an extra set of doors really add to the A3’s appeal?
Is it that different to the A3?
Externally, not really. Sure, there are an extra set of doors, but the Sportback is only marginally longer than its 3-door sibling and the classily conservative styling traits (single-frame grille, clean lines etc.) remain intact. In fact, the Sportback’s overall dimensions are only incrementally greater than those of the A3. It’s only once you look beneath the skin that there’s any hint of divergence. The MQB platform underpinning the Sportback is essentially the same as that of the 3-door A3, but has been revised (i.e. stretched) to accommodate a 2 636 mm wheelbase – 58 mm longer than that of the three-door. In addition to several millimetres of additional rear head- and legroom, it also liberates an additional 15 dm3 (380 dm3 vs. 365 dm3 ) of luggage space and 120 dm3 more utility space.
Dimensions aside, little has changed inside and you’re still ensconced in a cabin with a cool, minimalist facia and trimmed to a high standard.
What’s it like to drive?
In terms of overall dynamics it would be somewhat redundant to ask whether the A3 Sportback is considerably better than its three-door sibling as, in this respect at least, there’s precious little to differentiate between them.
It can be said that the extended wheelbase goes some way to improving road manners by eliminating the occasional choppiness that the A3’s ride gives way to when encountering harsh road corrugations, but that’s about it.
In essence, all of the traits that endear the A3 to those in the market for a premium C-segment hatchback are there. You still have a pliant ride, steering that is weighty and precise in its action, but not overly possessed of feel when really pressing on, good body control when tackling twisty roads at speed and a cabin well insulated from road noise and even though the example I piloted didn’t feature quattro all-wheel drive it still felt reassuringly planted.
How’s that diesel?
On paper, the 1,6-litre turbodiesel’s 77 kW and 250 N.m outputs may not look too impressive, but they don’t really convey how pleasant it is to drive. Granted, with a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 10,9 seconds it’s not going to set the tarmac alight, but there’s still that satisfying low-end diesel shunt to get things moving and the engine only starts to feel a bit breathless when you’re really pushing it. Audi’s S tronic transmissions have occasionally been a mixed bag, proving perfect in some applications and somewhat flawed in others. In this instance the dual-clutch unit is well matched with the powerplant – shifts are smooth and well placed enough to make the most of the engine’s relatively modest outputs.
Where this unit really comes into its own is on the efficiency and emissions fronts. Audi claims an average fuel consumption figure of 3,9 litres/100 km while the taxman will be grimacing with frustration at the fact that this model sits comfortably beneath the CO2 tax threshold with emissions of 102 g/km.
A better buy than the 3-door?
At R319 500 the Sportback presents a premium of R7 500 over the 3-door. Both S line-specced examples come with such standard features as 16-inch alloy wheels, MMI audio system, auto lights and wipers, air-conditioning and Bluetooth with audio streaming, so there’s little to separate them on that front. Therefore, those particularly set on a coupé body shape and less hindered by the vagaries of practicality will see little credence in digging deeper into their pockets to get the Sportback. Conversely, those taken with the three-door but requiring a bit of extra passenger and boot space will take heart in the fact that the Sportback serves them up without sacrificing the looks and driving experience they’d expect of the 3-door. Okay, it’s a horses for courses conclusion. But given that there’s little between them Audi has surreptitiously created a neat safety net to keep the focus of its potential audience firmly fixed in the A3 realm. See, sometimes it doesn’t pay to be too different…
Specifications:
Model: Audi A3 Sportback 1,6 TDI S tronic
Engine: 1,6-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power: 77 kW at 3 000-4 000 r/min
Torque: 250 N.m at 1 500-2 750 r/min
0-100 km/h: 10,9 seconds
Fuel consumption: 3,9 l/100 km
CO2: 102 g/km
Top speed: 194 km/h
Price: R319 500
Maintenance plan: 5 year/100 000 km
All manufacturer-claimed figures
