Survey: Compact/Large SUV

Own an SUV? Take part in our driver survey and stand a chance to win R3000.

Win a track day and riding gear!

Stand a chance of winning a track day for you and your mates along with amazing biking gear to the value of R20 000.

Scoop: Audi's fresh A3

2008-03-18 07:01

 

Okay - so the fact that Audi's A3 Sportback is due for a facelift shortly shouldn't really surprise anyone. However, reader Herman Mathee snapped some choice shots of the new car out testing in Namibia recently.

The largely styling update brings the A3 closer in line with the new generation A4 being launched here shortly and the stylish A3 cabriolet launched recently to international markets.

While the overall changes appear largely inconsequential, the production Sportback will feature redesigned headlamps incorporating the daytime LED running lights seen on the R8 and also on the upcoming A4. LED indicators are now also incorporated into the side mirrors.

Furthermore, the Sportback features a fresh front bumper with newly arranged air intakes. The signature Audi grille is in place too, and remains largely unchanged.

At the rear, the bumper gains a blacked-out diffuser-like insert that is hard to spot on the black test unit spotted by Herman.

"The driver reported this one as a 3.2 FSI Turbo Quattro," Herman said. "The rims are the same as those on the old 3.2 Quattro, but this car goes like nothing I have ever seen!

"The headlights also have the new LED clusters, like the new A4," Herman added.

The engine range is expected to remain unchanged, but VW/Audi's new seven-speed DSG transmission could become available in the A3.


 
nz
3/19/2008 5:03 PM
does anyone know when the new a3 sportback model will be released in SA?
Gregg Wannabee
3/19/2008 3:40 PM
Rather looks like a face drop to me. Now looks even more like a BMW. Maybe 4-wheel drive will eventually be the only difference.
johhny
3/19/2008 12:40 PM
"...goes like nothing i've ever seen!" get serious.. My tata truck is far more responsive than the most underdeveloped 3.2 engine in the world..
LM
3/19/2008 11:47 AM
Thanks. I have heard similar stories and I am to logical and practical when it comes to buying cars to ignore resale values. Therefore even though Subaru has a lot to offer, it does not offer me enough. The other problem I have with Subaru as that they don't age gracefully. This is where Audi does very well because their design changes are relatively conservative. Like this A3. The previous shape still looks OK. Also, I want a 5year motorplan on a vehicle of this price range.
AntiJap
3/19/2008 11:37 AM
You trying for a comeback?
ArtGee (Merc forever)
3/19/2008 11:29 AM
Yep, the SOuth Africans that own the current A3 Sportback, have just lost LOADS of money in depreciasion. Doubt you will be able to trade them in for an A8, never mind anything else. Seriously these cars are BAD BUYS. Glorified Golf's anyway!
Erik
3/19/2008 10:23 AM
I would just like to know how much the A3 4.2turbo cost and why hasnt anyone heard about it?just curious thought,im quite up to date with these things but never heard of the 4.2turbo,is it just sold in germany perhaps,cause i know audi has done this one or two times before releasing a certain model only in germany.
James
3/19/2008 10:12 AM
I had a Subaru Outback, when I wanted to trade it in not one Subaru dealer even wanted to offer me a price for it, despite the fact that it was in pristine condition and had less than 70k KM's on the clock. I only got rid of it when an Audi dealer forced Barloworld Subaru to buy the thing for a pittance. If you don't have a full service plan and a guaranteed buy-back, please just walk away....
Panalla
3/19/2008 9:52 AM
If I can make a suggestion here..... People are flying off their handles without proper reference. Maybe it would be a good idea to post a pic of the current A3 together with the facelifted Audi. Comparing Audi with BMW is like comparing a German duchess to a German slut. One has grace and style, the other one is just plain fast and common.
LM
3/19/2008 9:06 AM
I have considered the Subaru Outback or even Legacy. The design is to generic, there are too many facelifts. Interior fit and finish also not as good (?). Big problem for me is Subaru resale. But it is a excellent car particularly in the reliability department. I am also looking at new shape Honda CRV 2.0RVi but I read it is slightly underpowered. Sorry Shaz, as beautiful as the Alfa is, I will never touch a brand with such a reliability and resale record.
T-R
3/18/2008 8:23 PM
1st advice: ignore "AuntyJap", he's still struggling to pick his favourite toy car at Reggies. 2nd advice: ignore "AuntyJap's" response to this - he gets cranky when Reggies don't have stock of what he wants. 3rd advice: "AuntyJap" is about to go on school holidays, so his focus is on toys & the PS3 - no help to you. On to the point: IS250, excellent choice as a sedan. Thinking outside the box for a Sportback, the Subaru Outback 3.0R is a super drive for a cross-over. I enjoyed it in Cape Town.
Audi Fan
3/18/2008 6:42 PM
This is probably the new S3 Sportback which should be released in Nov 08 in SA.
Bran
3/18/2008 6:28 PM
Looks almost like a station wagon
rnsaza
3/18/2008 6:02 PM
Have you ever heard of a Subaru? Certainly a brand with a good quality rep?
Shaz
3/18/2008 4:58 PM
Not sure what your budget is but it seems you in the entry to mid level luxury car range. If I was in your shoes, I'd consider the Alfa 159 especially the 3.2 V6 Q4 to add to your list. Although you might suffer a little bit with servicing but Alfa has improved quite abit recently as a drivers car and there is nothing more stunning than that on the roads at present.
Eugene
3/18/2008 4:46 PM
You guys are all wrong. There is a huge difference between this car and it's predecessor. Look at the photo's. The top photo is the car's rear and the bottom photo is it's front. Very clever, Audi, very clever
LM
3/18/2008 3:11 PM
As you know, I am not opposed to any brand (or country of origin) except those with a reputation for poor quality. If you want a station wagon, there really are no alternatives currently besides Sportback, V50 & 3 Series Touring. New C-class Estate too expensive; A4 Avant about to be replaced. If I wanted a sedan, the IS250 would have been on my shortlist. PS: Any advice welcome.
Ryan
3/18/2008 2:38 PM
please what junk is this, how can wheeels24 publish this do some research this car in the pics is just a normal A3 with changed headlights, and even if this is a facelift no ways would there be a 3.2 turbo, cause then what then why would people by an s3 cause, this would beat it by a long way! this site needs new editors
Martin
3/18/2008 2:27 PM
When you have a vehicle that already looks amazing, why mess with such a fantastic design and butcher it ala-Bangle? LEDs in the headlights, sportier and more aggressive bumper, looks super sweet! Ah yes, life is good...
Gary
3/18/2008 1:42 PM
What is the difference you ask? If you owned the model before this "new" "facelifted" model you are probably half way through paying your debt or done paying the interest and now they want to sell you a "new model A3" Like they say upgrade every three to four years that way the sales people make money and the banks make money. And it has been proven we pay too much for cars anyway.
LM
3/18/2008 1:37 PM
If you are buying new, then you should wait for the new A4. I am not even a big Audi fan but I know that this is going to be a stunner. You will have a brand new model nobody has and it will look great for many years to come. I have contacted Audi today but they do not have prices yet, only model specs. They are to be released in May/June.
Rule
3/18/2008 1:28 PM
you rock son!!!!
GuviJ
3/18/2008 12:44 PM
Isn't this the same forum that accused certain asian models, more specifically the the Lexus SC430/Hilux/Fortuner of being "bulbous" in design and "stuck in the 90s"?? - unless I have poor sight, this Audi was also designed using balloons....
AntiJap
3/18/2008 12:21 PM
Wow, are you considering buying a German car (Audi A3 / BMW 3-series)? I'm very impressed. Good for you LM!
wolf
3/18/2008 12:16 PM
I don't think that this is the A3 facelift, nor do I believe that there will be a 3.2 Turbo based upon the 3rd party reported comments of the driver who said it was a 3.2 Turbo. I will wait for the official pictures and specs before I make any comments about whether I like it or not.
Amith Bhudram
3/18/2008 12:10 PM
I think the current one looks fine. This might need some better pictures to really show if this is better or not, but in my opinion, this new one looks tired.
A3
3/18/2008 11:53 AM
I work for a company that is in contact with the guys in Germany daily. The car is only in testing and marketing is still deciding on a brand for the car. Talks are you'll have a S3 and a RS3
Gregg
3/18/2008 11:40 AM
They copying BMW again with their mild facelifts. Audi has seen that the new 6-series face lift was hard to notice to the old one and now they doing the same with a hard to notice facelift. They also copying Mini where a complete new model looks like the old one.
DTM
3/18/2008 11:21 AM
Really, they might as well not have done anything. All Audi's have the exact same boring look anyway and you can hardly differentiate the models. Waste of time.
cy
3/18/2008 11:14 AM
How about doing some research and making sense of the the stuff a "reader" would say, just because a guy said the car is a "3.2 FSI Turbo" on the basis of what he heard does not mean you have to believe and publish as such. You are in the industry and should know better. A 3.2 Turbo, where would it leave the S3??
grant
3/18/2008 10:42 AM
Could it be possible??? a 3.2 Turbo, man i hope so. It would make sense considering Audi has nothing to match BMW's 3 lite bi turbo. Let's all pray it's true and not a mis-comunication. As for the car ... the less said the better.
Quattro
3/18/2008 10:26 AM
I have just come back from Germany where I saw that it is infact a 4.2 turbo. It is very detuned and only has 298kw as opposed to 375kw people expected. I have ordered 2. one 4 me and my friend.
The Ringmaster
3/18/2008 10:24 AM
Audi are really taking the mickey out of us. Can't wait to sell my A4 and buy a BMW 325i.
W
3/18/2008 10:14 AM
Why does Audi always make there car models look the same. They all have the same front ends. Merc and Bmw make all there cars look different. That is why they sell far more cars. Merc C looks nothing like an E. Bmw 3 looks nothing like a 5 or 7. So boring Audi.
LM
3/18/2008 10:14 AM
It seems like some people are severely traumatized after seeing the lack of visual changes Audi has applied to the A3. Emotions run from disgust and surprise to feeling cheated. I just realized something. If you are sitting on the bench and just commenting for the fun of it (as everyone is entitled to do), your perception is VASTLY different compared to if you are actually thinking of buying the vehicle. Point in case: I am thinking of buying a 1 year old A3 Sportback TDi. The fact that the facelift is so subtle is fantastic for me. It seems like the upcoming facelift 3 series is also going to be very subtle. Which also suits me since this is also on my shortlist.
GuviJ
3/18/2008 10:13 AM
Careful! The Audi groupies might just get their panties in a knot about these comments! Boring looks that is compensated for by good driving dynamics. However, have they yet removed that alarm clock that goes "bang" exactly after 5 years/motorplan and then lets everything break?? Just wondering....
Wayne
3/18/2008 10:12 AM
Audi produces timeless designs. They could easily go the Eastern route of implementing flashy designs, but they've got real class. Audi will always be subtle, and will not age like bubblegum designs. Audi matures beautifully! Well done guys
Mo
3/18/2008 9:56 AM
Are they serious? AUDI has the ability to bring out boring designs and this face lift just highlights that! Add some spice and buy a "flame grilled" Bimmer!
Gti
3/18/2008 9:56 AM
I dont think this is a 3.2 turbo. Its infact the 2.0T. When driven hard it makes a very very different sound than driving normally and with the 7 speed DSG added the gears should be quicker to... I think I saw 1 of them down here in Uitenhage
Mo
3/18/2008 9:56 AM
Are they serious? AUDI has the ability to bring out boring designs and this face lift just highlights that! Add some spice and buy a "flame grilled" Bimmer!
Nathi Olifant
3/18/2008 9:47 AM
...and isn't it a Namibian specced car, doesn't really look South African....now still where's the difference, except that there are no foglights...hahahahaha
gavin
3/18/2008 9:45 AM
the difference is actually big- front lights and bumpers, grill etc.-- led tech. in lights- these are just bad pics... if you dont like it- dont buy it and keep your crappy coments to yourself!
BMW MAN
3/18/2008 9:41 AM
If this is their facelift idk. Boring as usual.
ck
3/18/2008 9:37 AM
and the diference is....?
Disgusted
3/18/2008 9:32 AM
What`s fresh about this fugly thing?I used to be a big fan of Audi,but man I`m growing sick of seeing the same thing over and again.....
Tyson
3/18/2008 9:30 AM
this time we are really having a wool pulled over our eyes, no sh#t
Billy
3/18/2008 9:02 AM
3.2 FSI Turbo Quattro - surely there is no way thats correct. A 3.2 with a turbo? Geez that would be a monster.
MLB
3/18/2008 8:59 AM
Where...?!?!
C Africa
3/18/2008 8:29 AM
Do these people have NO ability to think of something a little bit new? "Lets just make it look even more like our other cars" seems to be the order of the day.
anamarie
3/18/2008 8:22 AM
Very subtle face lift. In fact I see no changes at all!? The only change will be the price probably...
DJ Beema
3/18/2008 8:08 AM
a break. What's the difference?

Standard commenting

Your Name *
Email *
Comment *
  Please enter the text below:

*
 

Inside Wheels24

ADVERTORIAL

Renault Koleos

If you’re on the lookout for a capable SUV look no further than the Renault Koleos.

Advertorial
More from Renault

Jobs - Find your dream job

Cost Engineer/ Estimator

Gauteng,KwaZulu Natal - Durban,Western Cape - Cape Town
Hire Resolve

Embedded Software Engineer

Gauteng,KwaZulu Natal - Durban,Western Cape - Cape Town
Hire Resolve

Mechanical Engineer Bulk Materials

Gauteng,KwaZulu Natal - Durban,Western Cape - Cape Town
Hire Resolve

Cars - Search 1000's of new and used cars

NISSAN

Qashqai 2.0 dCi Acenta 5-dr Dsl
2009
R 269,995.00

AUDI

A4 1.8T FSi Attraction MY09 8-sp Multitronic
2010
R 319,000.00

BMW

320i E46 2.2
2000
R 79,000.00

Property - Find a new home

VIERLANDEN

House R 1 750 000

BRYANSTON

Apartment R 1 300 000

CRAIGAVON

House R 1 290 000

Travel - Look, Book, Go!

Free Games - TOO MUCH NEWS? TAKE A BREAK!

Kalahari.net - shop online today

The Hottest New Music Releases

Get your favourite new albums from the music shop. Low prices on ALL albums.

Buy your UNISA & Academic Textbooks & WIN Big

Buy your textbooks from kalahari.net and 50 lucky buyers will receive a R100 shopping voucher everyday from Monday, 19 July to Saturday, 31 July.

DVDs for R129.95 Each

Get all the bestsellers and new releases for R129.95 Now! 100s of DVDs to choose from.

Lower prices on Books!

Millions of titles to choose from. Now save up to 40% off!

Up to 20% on Electronics

Visit the Electronics Shop for the latest products and appliances. Get great deals on branded products.