Significant price hike for facelifted Audi A3 as order books open for South Africa

The facelifted Audi A3 Sportback and Sedan models, as well as their fire-breathing RS 3 counterparts, are heading our way soon with a fresh look and enhanced equipment.

With the order books now open for South Africa, it is evident that the A3 has taken a step upmarket, with pricing starting at R808,200 for the 1.4 TFSI S Line Sportback and R823,200 for the Sedan equivalent. Audi is also offering a pair of Black Edition models, priced at R834,500 and R849,500 respectively.

This raises the entry price of the range significantly, given that the standard spec level, which now falls away, previously started at R682,100, but even the S Line has risen significantly from its previous R722,100 starting price.

The facelifted Audi RS 3 now starts at R1,498,200 for the Sportback and R1,528,200 for the Sedan, an increase of R168,000, with the respective Carbon Editions pegged at R1,591,900 and R1,610,700.

Audi South Africa says the new A3 line-up comes with more standard features, but detailed specifications have not been announced as yet. Standard equipment in overseas markets includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen with MMI Navigation Plus as well as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster and wireless phone charging tray.

Power for the 35 TFSI models comes from the familiar 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine, which offers 110kW and 250Nm, with power delivered to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 40 TFSI (2-litre) turbopetrol models fall away for now.

The Audi RS 3 models, as before, are powered by the famous 2.5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI motor that pushes 294kW and 500Nm, for a 3.8 second 0-100km/h sprint.

The updated Audi S3, featuring an uprated chassis and more powerful 2-litre turbopetrol motor that now produces 245kW, are due to reach South Africa later this year.

Cosmetically the new Audi A3 models receive a redesigned grille, which is now flatter and wider, with the Audi badge moving to the top section. Also available are new Matrix LED headlights that allow owners to switch between four different DRL lighting signatures.

The basic cabin architecture carries over from before, but the updated model does receive a redesigned centre console and additional contour lighting, while the chrome air vents have a new blade design to make them appear thinner. New decorative inlays and interior lighting schemes round off the cabin design changes.

The updated Audi A3 and RS 3 are sold with a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan, which is a comprehensive service and maintenance plan.

ALSO READ: Audi to launch at least four new models in South Africa in 2025

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