Not always six

Four and two does not necessarily mean six – it means the fourth generation Audi A3 Sportback and second generation A3 Sedan due in local showrooms from August. 

The Audi A3 Sportback and Sedan come in three trim lines. The Standard model offers 16-inch wheels and black detailing around the grille and air intakes. With the Advanced model, the wheel increases to 17-inches and the exterior detailing becomes chrome with Advanced line bumpers. The S line includes a modified and sportier bumper design, sports suspension, illuminated door sills with the S emblem and an S style spoiler on the Sportback. 

The digital daytime running lights of the optional Matrix LED headlights are a further innovation. On the S line model, they consist of a pixel array made up of LED segments in a three by five arrangement that create special light signatures and make the new A3 immediately recognizable.

 

The design is continued in the interior with a new gear shifter, aluminium or carbon inlays, wedge-like door handles, and an instrument panel with a black-finish look. 

With the new S3 models, the front is dominated by the Singleframe with its large rhombus-patterned grille and air inlets, while the housings of the exterior mirrors have a gleaming aluminium look. At the rear end, the large diffuser and the four exhaust tailpipes accentuate the vehicle’s sportiness.

With quattro all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers and S model specific bumpers, suspension and other S details, the S3 models are impressive characters within the new A3 range. 

The new A3 models offer more space and functionality combined with compact external dimensions. Measuring 4,34 metres in length and 1,82 metres in width (without mirrors), the A3 Sportback has grown by just over three centimetres compared with its predecessor. The height of 1.43 metres – without the roof antenna – and the wheelbase of 2.64 metres remained unchanged.

 

Depending on the position of the rear bench seat, the luggage compartment holds between 380 litres and 1 200 litres and the loading floor can be inserted at different heights. Upon request and in combination with the comfort key feature, tailgate for the Sportback and the Sedan can also be electronically operated. 

The new Audi A3 Sedan is just over 15 centimetres longer than the A3 Sportback. All other dimensions are identical. At 425 litres, the luggage capacity is the same as in the predecessor model.

 

The cockpit of the new A3 uses familiar elements from the brand’s full-size class models and is equipped with a 10,1-inch touch display as standard, which is integrated in the centre of the instrument panel. It recognises letters entered by hand, provides acoustic feedback and can be controlled using natural voice language. 

The instrument cluster, which the driver operates via the multifunction steering wheel, is now also digital as standard. The optional Audi virtual cockpit plus (as part of the Technology Package) provides additional functions such as the large display of the navigation map. It measures 12,3 inches and enables three different views, including graphics with a sporty look.

 

Individual settings can be stored in up to six user profiles – from climate control and the seat position to frequently selected navigation destinations and frequently used media. The DAB+ digital radio is included as standard and the online or hybrid radio is available as an option. Route guidance is particularly easy and flexible. 

For example, the navigation offers predictions on the development of the traffic situation and high-resolution satellite images. 

The Audi A3 model range also ushers in fully integrated connectivity, the Audi connect portfolio includes a host of online services, which offer advanced infotainment, navigation and Car-to-X services which take advantage of the swarm intelligence to service, safety and convenience built into the connected A3. 

The new Audi A3 can be connected to the user’s smartphone via the myAudi app, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as via the Audi phone box. The latter connects the device to the car antenna and charges it inductively.

In South Africa, there are two engine offerings at launch, with an additional option becoming available later in 2021. The A3 35 TFSI (1.4 TFSI), with 110 kW of power and an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, serves as the entry-level engine.

 

The larger petrol engine, A3 40 TFSI (2.0 TFSI) with 140 kW, follows with seven-speed S-tronic transmission (available only from November 2021 onwards). The performance-led S3 TFSI with quattro offers 213 kW, 400 Nm and a quick-shifting seven-speed S-tronic, the selector lever of which is now designed as a compact shifter and available across the range. The driver can push and pull this to control the basic functions of the automatic transmission.

Pricing

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI                                 R561,000

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Advanced               R586,000

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line                       R601,000

Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI S line                       R641,000

Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro                         R795,000

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI                                        R576,000

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI Advanced                      R601,000

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S line                              R616,000

Audi A3 Sedan 40 TFSI S line                              R656,000

Audi S3 Sedan TFSI quattro                                 R810,000

 The apple of your eye

Just one engine option is on offer for South African buyers of the new Audi Q2 that comes in 17 mm longer than before and showcases apple green as a new body colour. 

Although marginally longer, the wheelbase of 2,60 metres, the width of 1,79 metres, and the height of 1,508 metres remain the same. 

In terms of styling, Audi designers have applied the motif of the polygon, which already characterised the front and shoulder line, to the rear end as well where the bumper has an integrated angular diffuser insert with large pentagons on both sides. 

The front has also been modified and the surfaces below the headlights have a more distinctive shape. The large implied air inlets, which are also pentagonal, also appear even more expressive, especially in the S line trim line. 

In addition to the basic version, Audi offers the advanced and S line exterior trim lines. In the basic version, the attachments in the lower area of the body are grained black; in the Advanced line, they are painted in Manhattan grey, and in the S line, they are painted in the body colour. All lines include mirror housings in the body colour, and the front entries feature aluminium strips. The optional black styling package further enhances the Q2’s expressive exterior design with black accents and elements. 

Even in the standard version, the revised Q2 illuminates the road with LED headlights and Audi will install the new Matrix LED headlights upon request. 

The compact SUV is launched in the South African market with one engine offering. The 1.4 TFSI that powers the Q2 35 TFSI has an output of 110 kW and produces 250 Nm of torque. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 8,8 seconds; its peak is 213 km/h. The vehicle is fitted with an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox. 

In the basic interior, standard or sport seats are available with fabric upholstery or a combination of leather and leatherette (artificial leather). Standard seat upholstery includes script fabric in black. Sports seats are available in index fabric as standard and is finished off in black with rock grey accents. Sports seats can be optionally upgraded with leather / leatherette upholstery or as part of the S line interior package, these are finished off in black colour with rock grey stitching. The upholstery also features embossed S logos on the backrest in the latter offering. 

Customers who order the contour ambient lighting package can choose from 10 colours to add visual lighting personality to the interior of the new Audi Q2. As part of this package, the decorative inserts within the cabin are able to light up as well. 

Audi offers four distinct local equipment packages: 

Comfort Package: electric tailgate; 4-way lumbar support; seat heaters in front; storage and luggage compartment package with two rear USB’s. 

Tech Package: MMI navigation plus; Audi smartphone interface; Audi virtual cockpit. 

Black styling package: only available on the Advanced and S line models and includes Singleframe in black; front and rear bumper trims in black; exterior mirrors in black; side blade in black; 19-inch 10-spoke Y style wheels in black; sports suspension. This package is only available with the Advanced and S line models. 

S line interior package: only available on the Advanced and S line models and includes decorative inserts in matte brushed aluminium; S line emblems; headliner in black fabric; interior aluminium look; pedal and foot rest in stainless steel; scuff plates with aluminium inserts in front and illuminated with “S” logo as well. This package is only available with the Advanced and S line models. 

Standard equipment includes the progressive steering, which becomes more and more direct the further the driver turns the steering wheel. Since the model is front-wheel drive, wishbones and MacPherson suspension struts guide the front wheels and a torsion-beam structure is installed in the rear. 

The sport suspension lowers the body by 10 millimetres (standard with the S line model). The Audi drive select dynamic handling system enables the driver to configure the drive, steering assistance, and other systems in five modes: auto, efficiency, comfort, dynamic, and individual. 

With roughly 20 centimetres of ground clearance, the compact SUV also does well on unpaved roads. The ESC stabilisation control has an integrated offroad mode. 

The new Audi Q2 comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan. 

Audi Q2 35 TFSI                        R545,500

Audi Q2 35 TFSI Advanced       R567,500

Audi Q2 35 TFSI S line               R581,500