Mated with the seven-speed dual-clutch
transmission, this unit delivers 250 Nm of torque from a low 1,250 r/min. The
engine is impressive in both its refinement and flexibility, and is able to
cope with both the modern demands of everyday efficiency (with a fuel index of
6.72 litres/100 km), as well as the ability to deliver a linear surge of power
when required (0-100 km/h in 7.62 seconds).
Drive Select, allowing the user to adjust
the throttle and engine mapping, together with the sensitivity of the somewhat
lifeless yet precise electric steering, is standard fitment throughout the A3
Sedan range.
The
neat cabin adds to the sophistication of the package
As purposeful as our test unit looked on
the optional 19-inch alloy wheels (and R15 100 S-Line body kit), the general
consensus was that their presence, combined with the standard sports
suspension, undermined much of what we've come to enjoy most about products
underpinned by VW's MQB platform, namely its compliant ride quality ride and
handling. The all-round weight savings the platform affords gives it a light-on-its-feet
demeanour (our test unit weighed 1,380 kg) that's been a hallmark of the new A3
and Golf 7 range thus far.
That said, despite the low-profile rubber
and stiffer suspension, the ride quality on our A3 Sedan test unit was still
more refined than that of the Mercedes-Benz CLA200 (tested on 16-inch rubber in
November 2013). It's testament to how well the Audi's suspension copes and just
how poorly the non-AMG-fettled Mercedes-Benz setup fares.
Opposite-ends-of-the-creative-spectrum styling aside, this fact alone would
likely determine the outcome of any future comparative test between these two
natural rivals.
Rear
space is good, despite a lower roofline
Of course, closer to home, the arrival of
the A3 Sedan in the local market also presents a potential conflict of interest
between itself and its top-selling A4 relative. It's from here, rather than the
Sport-back, that we believe the newest four-door Audi will steal sales. While
the A3 Sedan boasts a wider stance (with a longer wheelbase) than the
first-generation (BS) A4, the current-generation A4 still offers a relatively
significant increase in rear passenger leg-and headroom (as well as a less
noticeable advantage in luggage space) over the A3 Sedan.
Test Summary
Within a historically sedan-biased South
African market, the rise of the premium-compact four-door segment was
guaranteed to cause a stir. And, while the Audi may have only one real rival in
the shape of the CLA, consistency in both the A3's looks and feel give it the
edge.
'Futuristic'
taillights further differentiate the A3 Sedan from the A4
The question, however, is whether adding a
boot to the package adds any real benefit to the customer. Certainly, if the A3
range consisted of only a three-door hatch and four-door saloon, merit could be
found in each option. But factor in the versatile, practical and, by all
accounts, complete-package Sport-back, and the A3 Sedan looks to be more of a
subjective than practical choice.
That said, Audi is after a different market
with this sedan and, while it might be small, the niche for a compact-premium
four-door is there. However, the question remains: is this niche big enough to
command 40% of total South African A3 sales as was predicted at the car's local
launch? We'll see...
