2020 Audi A3 (4th Generation)

REVIEW | 3 Reasons why Audi's hot S3 might be the ultimate daily for moms and dads

  • 2021 Audi S3 sedan impresses with terrific pace and sublime ride and handling.
  • Able to sprint from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds and on to a 250km/h top speed.
  • Powered by the VW Group's venerable 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder but with revised tuning.
Overall summary

Sedans are fading away as more and more consumers jump into SUVs and crossovers; we all know that, but it's so refreshing to drive a new sedan that feels like a proper family car again. I thought the vehicle would be cramped and that it would ride too firmly being an S car, but it surprised us with its gentle mannerisms and its space and useability.

At R810 000 for a base model S3 sedan, it's not cheap, but it's pretty competitively priced in terms of the space you're getting if you consider what a decently appointed hot hatch from some of Audi's competitors sells for these days. You'll have to be prepared to spend at least R150 000 more on top of the base price if you want the excellent Virtual Cockpit, and larger wheels and some of the interior trim items, but it's a nicely appointed package that gives you a decent platform to build a car that you can enjoy for at least the next five years while its under Freeway Plan.

The Audi S3 sedan won't be for everyone, but it's fast, it feels like it's honed from a solid block of granite, and it drives with the kind of racy feel you'd expect in an RS car from only a few years ago. If fast four-doors (with space for strollers and baby seats) are your thing, step this way, mom and pop.

 
TESTED: Audi A3 Sportback is a strong contender in the compact premium market

Overall the new A3 has a lot on offer in terms of its driving dynamics, design and features. Unfortunately the new A3 does carry a rather hefty price-tag, as is the case with many premium vehicle brands these days. Regardless, the A3 remains a strong option in the segment and should be considered.

Audi A3 Sportback 35TFSI

Price: R575 000
Engine: 1.4-litre, 4-cyl, turbopetrol
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drive: Front-wheel drive
Power: 110kW @ 5 000-6 000rpm
Torque: 250Nm @ 1 500-3 500rpm
0-100km/h: 8.2 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 219km/h (claimed)
Fuel use: 6.2 l/100km (claimed)
Fuel use: 6.8 l/100km (tested)
Boot space: 380-1 200 litres
Warranty: 1-year/unlimited km
Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000km


A3 1.jpegA3 2.jpegA3 3.jpeg
 
I really wish Audi would make an electric A3, it'd be a market-killer with +- 400km range.

Sidebar: I asked Volvo why their XC40 Recharge is not available to buy on their website, and they responded that the ZA allocation is already sold out and they're waiting for more allocation from Volvo Global.
 
ROAD TEST: Audi S3 Sedan TFSI quattro S tronic

TEST SUMMARY

Aimed at well-earning up-and-comers looking for a luxury car experience with sporting aspirations, the Audi S3 Sedan offers plenty of style, modern features and performance for the base price. The subtle slope of the roof may eat into rear headroom but combined with the minimalist spoiler, stocky wheelarches and sleek curved waistline, this three-box design remains elegant despite being fussier than the outgoing car. The elegance continues in the cabin, where everything looks thoroughly modern with a generously sized easy-to-use touchscreen and driver’s display that add to the experience. With an impressive breadth of ability on the road, amusing exhaust theatrics and an effortless zero to 100 km/h time of 5,06 seconds, the S3 will not disappoint its target audience despite the drop of on-paper power. While we might expect much from any sedan priced from R830 000, this new Audi S3 still does the fast-everyday-car thing better than most. With the S1 now defunct, the S3 is once again the most affordable way into Audi’s fashionable S and RS ranges and gives us a clear indication of what to expect of the upcoming Volkswagen Golf R.

FAST FACTS

Model: Audi S3 Sedan TFSI quattro S tronic
Price:
R830 000
0-100 km/h: 5,06 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Power: 213 kW
Torque: 400 N.m
CAR fuel index: 9,36 L/100 km
Luggage capacity: 304/880 L
Service/maintenance plan: M5/100 000 km


8B21C6B4-FF42-4697-B0AA-BFC350F440A3.jpeg4F9E8E99-2AA4-41C9-8C66-B077705AE67A.jpeg52982ED7-A2B3-4B1E-ACD7-8880D10B1E92.jpegA54C16E9-6B69-49F7-981D-177B1CC4BA0A.jpeg25B16D2A-2302-4422-94D4-699A8F7C8CA6.jpeg
 
REVIEW: Audi S3 Sedan is a fast four-door with grown-up vibes

VERDICT

Not as boisterous as the five-cylinder RS3, the latest Audi S3 Sedan does everything you’d expect from Audi’s middle performance model, albeit in a more practical, mature and digitised package that keeps it bang up-to-date. It’s certainly not the most exciting performance car around, but overall it finds a good balance between performance, dynamics and everyday usability. Once again, as you’d expect from Audi. Just make sure you’ve budgeted for those many hard-to-resist optional extras.

Audi S3 Sedan quattro

Price: R830 000 (February 2022)

Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbopetrol

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automated

Drive: All-wheel drive

Power: 213kW

Torque: 400Nm

0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 250km/h (claimed)

Fuel use: 7.8 litres per 100km (claimed)

Boot capacity: 325 litres

Warranty: 1-year/unlimited km

Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000km

 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X