Audi Enters Formula 1

Sharpened favourite: Audi South Africa confirms the local line-up of the upgraded A3

  • Popular Audi A3 range receives various cosmetic and convenience upgrades
  • Extended standard equipment is underpinned by a rationalised offering that makes it easier than ever for customers to specify their ideal A3
  • The A3 will be joined by sportier derivatives in due course; details of these models will be communicated early in 2025

Johannesburg, December 2024 – The Audi A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan head into 2025 with a sportier look, refreshed design elements and a rationalised range to make purchasing an A3 even more convenient and straightforward. In addition, the standard equipment tally has been expanded, new materials have been applied for increased comfort, and a highly specified and eye-catchingly designed Black Edition derivative will once again form part of the range.

With this strategic investment QIA will enter the Audi Formula 1 project as a long-term investor and partner.

Sportier than ever: the exterior

More dynamic. More progressive. More emotional. This is how the A3 Sportback and Sedan present themselves following this model upgrade. The hexagonal, frameless Singleframe features a new structure that is noticeably flatter and wider. It dominates the front end and, in addition to the large angular side air intakes, clearly symbolises the compact models’ sporty character. The striking front spoiler makes the Audi A3 appear lower.

Like the redesigned Singleframe, the lighting design is significantly thinner, emphasising the width of the Audi A3 series. The 24-pixel elements that make up the digital daytime running lights in the standard LED headlights are clearly visible to other road users, boosting safety, and offer the option of two additionally selectable (via the MMI) light signatures.

The same is true of the rear, which is more distinctive than ever with a refreshed bumper and distinctive diffuser. The progressive design elements are particularly effective with the standard-fitment S line exterior, as they are partly inspired by the RS models. The expressive new exterior colour, District Green, further strengthens the sporty look.

Final test run for the Audi RS Q e-tron

Significantly sharper: the interior

To match the more expressive exterior, the interior also presents itself in a significantly sharpened form. There are quite a few alterations, from the shifter design and air vents to the decorative fabric inlays and new interior lighting. All these elements are precise and detailed, and emphasise the vehicle’s progressive and technical look. Standard equipment has been significantly expanded: In addition to the three-spoke leather steering wheel with multifunction plus, the new A3 features ambient light package plus, comfort key and a panoramic glass sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light.

The new blade design, the outer surface of which is finished in chrome, makes the air vents in the climate control package appear thinner, emphasising the width of the cockpit. The centre console has been redesigned and given a new finish. The inside door handles feature a new effect finish, too. In addition to convenient cup holders, the centre console also comes standard with an integrated armrest, which can be moved front or aft and tilted. The compact shifter also features a new design; it blends seamlessly into the centre console.

Interior lighting adds accents to the doors and footwells. With the upgrade to the A3, contour lighting runs around the centre console and the cup holders. One new design element is that the front doors are broadly illuminated. The fabric panel was laser-cut 300 times to enable this feature. A light source in the door panel illuminates five segments from behind and displays a dynamic gradient due to their different sizes, which is also apparent when locking and unlocking the vehicle. The illuminated fabric panel combines clear functionality with a highly emotional design experience. Thirty colours are selectable via the MMI, enabling a high degree of personalisation. The large speakers for the new standard-fitment SONOS sound system are fitted to the lower part of the doors, making for an immersive listening experience with 3D sound.

Two decorative inlays made from textiles are also new in the A3: a fabric with a technical structure made from 100% recycled polyester, as well as the microfiber material Dinamica. In addition to its use as a decorative inlay, Dinamica serves as a seat cover and adorns the door panels in some interior packages. It looks and feels like suede but consists of recycled polyester.

Gernot Döllner,

Available for order: the engine line-up and trim levels

For the time being, Audi South Africa will offer the A3 range only with the lauded 1.5-litre 35 TFSI turbocharged petrol engine developing 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. It’s coupled with a slick-shifting seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and a mild-hybrid system. Later in 2025, the range will be expanded with sportier derivatives.

As standard, the A3 35 TFSI Sportback and Sedan are offered in S line trim (lower-rung models fall away). Some of the highlights of the S line package are:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 R18 tyres
  • LED lights with dynamic turn signals
  • Convenience key
  • Lane departure warning
  • Parking assist 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

Positioned above the S line is the Black Edition, which in addition boasts darkened trim on the grille, rings and side mirrors, as well as black 18-inch alloy wheels. Privacy glass is also included to round out the striking appearance.

Pricing for the new A3 range will be shared early in 2025. Like all Audi models, the A3 will be sold with a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan comprehensive service and maintenance plan as standard.

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