Showcasing Audi South Africa’s Black Edition campaign, our relatively unassuming A3 Sedan offered a welcome reminder of how competent and compelling this shrinking segment is.
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Time spent: Three of three months
Distance covered: 2 540 km
Average fuel consumption: 7.21 L/100 km
We like: Assured, familiar and sophisticated motoring
We don’t like: Black Package isn’t quite the one-stop solution in terms of preferred spec
Arriving fresh from Audi South Africa’s announcement of its campaign to bundle historically preferred specification into range-wide packages known as Black Edition and Urban Edition, some of the impact of the standard S Line exterior and black styling package was unfortunately lost against the similarly dark Navarra Blue paintwork of our A3 Sedan 35 TFSI. Together with 18-inch alloy wheels, these cosmetic enhancements nevertheless combine to lend this model a notably more dynamic stance compared with the standard car – the fourth-generation A3 range boasting a well-proportioned and relatively hunkered profile.
With first-hand experience of just how intimidating an online configurator can be when it comes to finalising an actual order (I was previously allowed to spec a long-term Audi A7 from scratch), I would suggest most of what is included in the A3 Black Edition’s bouquet is compelling. Modern conveniences I assumed/hoped would be included at this price point are a reverse camera, folding side mirrors and keyless entry; the absence of the former adding an unfamiliar-in-these-times level of anxiety to parking manoeuvres.
With a low-key presence within a CAR garage that has, over the past three months, included everything from Aston Martins and Ferraris to a band of ladder-frame SUVs, what I enjoyed most about the Audi is its inherent sense of calm and sophistication; capable of effortlessly covering the weekly commute in comfort and style. While I appreciated that the car’s manually operated driver’s seat can be adjusted to a suitably low position to accommodate my 186 cm frame, I will admit that it’s altogether more “challenging” on the joints than it would have been just a few years ago – something that has undoubtedly aided the popularity of the A3’s raised-ride-height siblings. My wife also noted an occasional sense of vulnerability from the passenger seat of the Sedan while inevitably surrounded by imposing-looking – and badly driven – SUVs.
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Alone in the car, I enjoyed the combination of a low-slung driving position and the standard-issue sports steering wheel with transmission paddles. This setup means that even if it’s only at the occasional freeway exit, you’re always aware of the A3’s inherent dynamic ability.
Ever eager to try and complement this dynamic intent, the entry-level A3 Sedan’s 1.4-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol engine remains a proven performer that offers a compelling blend of overtaking shove and all-around efficiency. While I could have selected the available Eco driving mode more often, the associated compromises of a dulled throttle pedal and stifled climate control system didn’t suit my needs. I mostly left the Drive Select in its auto setting. In terms of conveniences, I appreciated the optional (R5 670) wireless charging dock, the cable-free smartphone mirroring technology, and the auto lights and wipers. My children loved alternating between their preferred colour palettes within the cabin’s premium ambient lighting arrangement.
Related: Living With It – Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI Black Edition
A Black Edition of one of the dark horse models within Audi’s current product portfolio, I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed, assured characteristics of the low-slung A3 Sedan. My wife, however, who owns a VW with the most modest of raised ground clearances seemed ultimately frustrated by this seemingly “old school” form of motoring, where you can’t mount the pavement outside the school gate and each morning or “fall into” the passenger seat.
As appealing as Audi South Africa’s bundled package deals are, I would still suggest a moment of consideration to ensure that all the preferred boxes are ticked do extend across most of this brand’s current product line-up, including the popular Q3 and Q3 Sportback.
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Find the full feature in the August issue of CAR Magazine.
