Sleek, tweaked A3 Black still a classic Audi choice
Look at this recently re-fiddled A3 35 TFSI Sedan Black Edition and it certainly pulls it off. A tad pumped up over the regular version, the Black bits go so far that a cursory glance make you think it’s actually a S3. Love it or hate it, they add a certain Vader appeal to a purposeful stance backed by quattro blisters and the rest.
The titivation extends from blackened badges and Audi rings to sportier bumpers, sports suspension, an S spoiler and more. These latest cosmetic and convenience upgrades further subtly restyled front and rear bumpers and updated LED headlights, which now get customizable signatures and dynamic turn signals.
New 18-inch alloys mark this one out as the unique to SA Black Edition, which also gains darkened Audi rings, grille trim and side mirrors, privacy glass, and a panoramic glass sunroof to add to the allure.
Subtle updates reiterate old school A3 cool
Step inside to a fresh multifunction plus three-spoke leather steering wheel and comfort key, There’s also a redesigned centre console that gains a slick new finish and contour lighting. That spreads to the door panels as part of the new ambient package. Also new are new 100% recycled polyester textile decorative inlays and Dinamica microfiber fabric.
Splendid Audi build quality continues to an edgy gear switch, door knobs and inlays. And of course, more Black magic inside. The crisp 12.3” virtual cockpit and CarPlay Auto Bluetooth MMI touch screen infotainment look the part. Even if it’s diabolical to operate. And much more. Makes A3 Black seem specced to the moon. Audi’s package concept even lets you upgrade. At a premium…
But hang on a second? Where’s the reversing camera? And what about power folding rear-view mirrors? Never mind power seats, before we dare mention ventilation or cooling for them. And, and, and? That’s a bit of a worry, mind you. Especially considering we’re paying a pretty premium for ‘all that spec’.
A specification minefield to test the industry
See, we’ve been swanning in a few well togged Chinese cars of late. Models that not only rival Audis several rungs up the ladder in spec but beat them. Trouble is those rivals actually cost a fraction of this A3. Never mind this car has gained 40 grand since we last had a poke at it, not too long ago, while many Chinese have become even cheaper. And we’re getting used to having so many goodies, for so little.
See, we like that those cheap as chips Chinamen, Koreans and Indians throw in everything that Audi makes us pay extra for. And a lot more too, as part of the deal. Never mind, this Black paraphernalia not only adds cost, but also expectation. It looks like a rocketship. But it’s just a sheep in wolf’s clothing. Not that there’s anything wrong with 8.4 seconds to 100. If you want under 4 seconds to 100, there’s always S3.
There’s a sufficient 110 kW and 250 Nm on tap from this 1400 cc turbo petrol lump. It feels more than that, truth be told. This Blackened Audi swaps cogs via an 8-speed Tiptronic, feeds torque to the front axle. It employs a four-link rear end with drive select dynamic handling. Efficient and easy, ride quality is refined and A3 is comfy, too.
A3 Black edition a sheep in wolf’s clothing?
On the road, the A3 handles and holds the road well, with quality driver feedback. The steering, accelerator, and brakes seem a touch less oversensitive than before too. For the rest, mostly everything this A3 does, sits well on the right side of average. Which is about where this smart Audi will live. On the right side of average.
Once upon a time, cars like this were all you could get. You wanted spec, there it is. Just pay. Trouble is the market is changing far faster than we’d ever imagine. Traditional carmakers desperately trying push everything we don’t need down our throats is countered by new brands that deliver everything. For a lot less money, too.
Which leaves this A3 primarily relying on its premium positioning and the allure of those four rings. Sure, there are far cheaper cars out there that deliver a lot more specification for less. But this is still an Audi, after all. When you sit in it, when you drive it, it shows. And then some.
A good old four-ring Bavarian Audi
So sure, you can get a lot more spec for much less money. However, most of the cars that offer that are unsorted, unrefined and unsophisticated. And have names like ‘eighties boy bands. Which means that traditionalists, and those who don’t really care for the discount, will still keep on buying cars like this for all those good, traditional reasons.
So it’s up to you if you want a car called Kajagoogoo or whatever it is from wherever it comes from. Or a good old Bavarian Audi with its roots squarely in four more than famous rings. That choice is after all entirely yours. Even if those weird new rivals may well cause the traditional lot to rethink how it sells cars, before the new lot get too good to counter on traditional values alone. — Michele Lupini
Images & test data: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Audi A3 Sedan 35TFSI Black Edition
Engine: 110 Kw 250 Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol I4
Drive: 8-speed automatic FWD
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 3.89 sec
0-100 km/h: 8.43 sec
0-120 km/h: 11.64 sec
0-160 km/h: 20.53 sec
400m: 16.0 sec @ 142 km/h
80-120 km/h: 5.63 sec
120-160 km/h: 8.89 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 227 km/h
Fuel: 5.8 l/100 km
CO2: 138 g/km
Range: 850 km
Warranty/Service: 1y unl. /5y 100K km
LIST PRICE: R849K
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