“More dynamic. More progressive. More emotional.” We don’t think we could be more dramatic if we tried. Three guesses as to what’s being referred to? That’s right: Audi’s A3 Sportback and Sedan, both of which are headed for South Africa’s streets in 2025 with a sportier, cosmetic facelift. One that’ll cost you.
If you’re eyeing the new A3 lineup, you should know a few things. Most importantly. don’t expect to suddenly outstrip your BMW-driving friends. Not only do their lack of indicators present them with an advantage – the 2025-ified A3 series won’t see an engine upgrade. Like the best battlepass, this is all cosmetic.
Audi-licious
That means you’re “stuck” with Audi’s custom 1.5-litre 35 TFSI ‘turbocharged’ petrol engine – capable of 110kW and 250Nm of torque, while the in- and exteriors see a fresh coat of paint (metaphorically speaking, of course – it’ll turn up in the same colours as usual apart from the new ‘Distinct Green’). Audi does mention that this is “for the time being,” so expect some sort of engine upgrade to hit the roads sooner rather than later.
As standard, the A3 35 TFSI Sportback and Sedan arrive in the ‘S line’ trim – there are no longer any lower-spec models in the 2025 range. Above it is the ‘Black Edition’, which, as expected, blacks out a few of the car’s features for the pure purpose of flexing a darker grille and wing mirrors to your mates. Regardless of your choice, the A3 features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
From the outside, you’ll notice a refreshed bumper and a diffuser worthy of Batman, inspired by the company’s RS range. There’s a new front spoiler to goggle at, and a redesigned ‘singleframe’ (that’s somehow “frameless”) that makes the car noticeably wider and flatter – most striking in the car’s front with refreshed air intakes that supposedly lends itself to the A3’s sportier nature.
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As for the inside, expect the usual changes to materials for comfort (Audi’s opted for a suedelike Dinamica), an upgraded shifter and centre console redesign, and all the RGB light fixtures you could ever need, covering every inch of the A3’s interior. Oh, and there’s a Sonos system embedded in there, somewhere.
Most buyers will be more than happy with the standard S line, which includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 R18 tyres
- LED lights with dynamic turn signals
- Convenience key
- Lane departure warning
- Parking assistance with parking aid plus
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Ambient lighting package plus
- Sports steering wheel with flat bottom
- Sports seats
- Audi virtual cockpit
- SONOS 3D premium sound system
Pricing for the new line-up, unfortunately, is still under wraps at Audi HQ. The German automaker noted that South African pricing would only be revealed sometime in early 2025, with no exact dates for when that, or the cars, might arrive.
