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Balance of properties: 2017 Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI S-tronic

It’s more practical

Posted: 31 March 2017

The numbers

Base price: R455 500

Engine: 1984 cc, DOHC, 16-valve, four-cylinder turbopetrol

Power: 140 kW between 4200 and 6000 rpm

Torque: 320 Nm between 1500 and 4200 rpm

Zero to 100 km/h: 6.8 seconds

Maximum speed: 244 km/h

Real life fuel consumption: About 7.9 l/100 km

Tank: 50 litres

Luggage: 380 – 1220 litres

Maximum (braked) towing mass, 12% gradient: 1600 kg

Warranty and maintenance: 5 years / 100 000 km

Some things have changed since Audi A3s grew a little bigger in 2013. Styling updates reflect headlight and taillight design changes, a further emphasized bonnet, integrated front bumper, a redesigned single-frame grille and a newly contoured rear diffuser. One can even order an S line exterior package, with different front bumper and rear diffuser, for a yet sportier look. 

Bi-xenon lighting units are standard, with LED- and Matrix LED headlamps optional. Both of these offer dynamic turn signals; the ones that light up in pulsating segments. Fifteen diodes each side, radiating from three reflectors, produce the Matrix LEDs’ high beams. Supplied with information by a camera on the interior mirror, a control module turns them individually on and off as required; or dims each one in 64 stages.

Engines were revised or updated too; the old four-pot 1200 is history, having made way for a more powerful 1.0-litre three. The little 1400 now flexes up with 20 kilowatts more power and an added 50 Newton-metres of torque, while the venerable 1.8T made way for the 140 kW, 2.0-litre, TFSI lifted from recent A4s. It boasts a new combustion system and is paired with a seven-speed, wet plate, twin-clutch transmission with free-wheeling function. The final engine choice, before looking at S3s, is the previous range’s two-litre diesel developing 105 kW and 320 Nm.

Sixteen-inch wheels are standard across 1.0T, 1.4T, 2.0T and 2.0TDI models with 17- and 18-inch rims optional. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on S3.

As for luggage space, Cabriolets offer 320 litres while Hatchbacks ease that up to 365, Sportbacks to 380 and Sedans lead the way with 425 litres of cargo volume - but you can’t put their seatbacks down. As the heading says, Sportback offers the best balance of properties. Other plusses are its higher viewpoint and bigger windows although the “C” pillars are rather wide. They are, fortunately, fitted with opera window inserts that help a bit.

Our 2.0 TFSI Sportback test car performed briskly and its DCT was as expected of kit fitted to Audis. That means it’s generally excellent apart from an occasional hesitation and jerking at parking speeds. Handling was sure footed too, although we must mention that the test unit had optional Sport suspension fitted. It will set you back R3 050 and includes lowering by 15 mm, stiffer springs and firmer but more responsive dampers. Opinion is divided on this. Some reviewers complain that it’s too hard while sport-minded owners reckon it’s the bare minimum needed. We found it nicely firm and that it absorbed bumps and undulations well. We’d take it without hesitating but you might like to try both before buying. There is a second option called “S” Line sport suspension at R12 300. It lowers the body 10 mm more and stiffens the mechanical parts further. Some reckon it’s an uncomfortable step too far, but in the end it’s a matter of choice.

Practicalities not covered in our August 2013 review of the 1.4-litre manual car include that the boot opens at just above knee height (about 62 cm) and the sill is either seven or 17 centimetres deep – an adjustable floor board covers the spacesaver spare, jack, cargo net and amplifier for the optional high end music system. Four lashing rings, two bag hooks and a pair of lights make things convenient. Seatbacks, split 40:60, can be released from within the boot and lie flat.

Moving into the back seat head-, knee- and foot space is fine for six-footers but it might be best if there were only two of them. Three belts and head restraints are fitted but the centre hump is really big. Amenities include a pair of ISOFix baby chair anchors, two seatback pockets and a 12-volt power point. There is no arm rest. An unusual item is a dayglo vest tucked into a compartment at the front of the seat. In case you wondered, the first aid pouch is in a similar box in the driver’s chair.

Although hatchback, cabriolet or sedan styles of Audi’s A3 might be sportier, sexier or whatever else, we reckon the Sportback is best suited for family use because it’s more practical.

Test car from Audi SA press fleet



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This is a one-man show, which means that every car reviewed is given my personal evaluation and receives my own seat of the pants judgement - no second hand input here.Every test car goes through real world driving; on city streets littered with potholes, speed bumps and rumble strips, on freeways and if its profile demands, dirt roads as well.

I do my best to include relevant information like real life fuel economy or a close mathematical calculation, boot size or luggage space, whether the space is both usable and accessible, whether life-sized people can use the back seat (where that applies), basic specs of the vehicle and performance figures if they are published. In the case of clearly identified launch reports, fuel figures are of necessity the laboratory numbers provided with the release material. If I ever place an article that doesn't cover most things, it's probably because I have dealt with that vehicle at least once already, so you will be able to find what you want in another report under the same manufacturer's heading in the menu on the left. 

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