To fully appreciate the 2025 Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S Line model, you need to understand its heritage. It’s been nearly 30 years since Audi first introduced the A3 compact. And the model has evolved considerably since those early days on a platform shared with the beloved VW Golf. Over time, the three-door variant was discontinued due to low uptake, which allowed the Sportback and Sedan variants to flourish on the MQB Evo platform.
The important word for there is ‘Evo.’ Because it is this clever modular architecture that’s enabled the body styles to evolve and grow in size and sophistication. As such, the 2025 Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S Line, retailing for R823 200, is the variant we spent time with. And spoiler alert, it’s pretty faultless in our book …
AUDI A3 SEDAN 35 TFSI S LINE
The brand from Ingolstadt has run ads for the new Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S Line throughout the Formula 1 season. It looked good on screen and we can report it’s even more impressive in the metal. The exterior design improvements deserve genuine recognition. Audi has refined the A3’s proportions with sharper character lines that catch the light beautifully. The front fascia features a more assertive appearance with the signature single-frame grille now sporting an intricate mesh pattern that adds depth and visual interest. Yet, it still retains its essential character of understated elegance. S Line specification includes 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile rubber.
When you’re on the move, the Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI’s updated LED lighting technology steals the show. The marque has long demonstrated why it’s a specialist in automotive lighting. But the clever adaptive technology has more or less been perfected here. The LEDs adjust their beam pattern almost infinitely based on driving conditions, road topography, steering angle, you name it. Driving at night is an absolute pleasure as the lights adjust intuitively, as if it knows exactly where you as the driver are looking. The daytime running light signature has also been redesigned with a cool, distinctive pattern.
PRACTICALLY PERFECT
When viewed in profile, you see how well-proportioned the Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S Line is. But practicality has not died on the altar of style in this instance. The sedan’s boot capacity is an ample 425 litres. This compares favorably to the Sportback’s 380-litre capacity, making it the more practical choice. But more importantly, the rear seats still fold flat so you can create a larger load area for longer or oddly shaped items.
As you might imagine, the cabin showcases Audi’s well-earned reputation for exceptional interiors. The S Line seats are perfect, there’s no other word to describe them. We love the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display, which forms part of the R33 500 Technology package. All driving information is found on a crisp 10.3-inch screen with various layouts to suit your personal preference. Air vents on either side of the binnacle also lend it a driver-focused, cockpit-like feel. And that makes perfect sense when you fire the ignition and take it for a spin.
REFINED AND RIGHT-SIZED
Beneath the bonnet of the Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFI S Line is the familiar 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol. It produces 110 kW and 250 Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic (not a dual clutch), sending power to the front wheels only. And as ordinary as that may sound for an R800k car, it embodies Audi’s right-sizing philosophy to the T. Essentially, the right amount of power and performance for the chassis. And a reduced amount of fuel consumption for everyday drivability. Sure, a 2.0-litre turbo would be more powerful, but also thirstier and probably more of a handful under hard acceleration. Here zero to 100 km/h comes up in 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 227 km/h.
As a result, the Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI delivers more-than-sufficient performance. And it is genuinely quick where it needs to be – between 60 and 120 km/h. The chassis feels beautifully rigid when pushing through bends at a brisk pace. The steering is nicely weighted, too. The whole package is simply confidence-inspiring when you’re on the move. And the drivetrain excels in keeping the engine in its optimal power band. Progress is smooth and assured, with tested fuel consumption of just 7.5 l/100 km. That’s higher than the claimed 5.8 l/100 km, but we thought it mighty impressive for how eager and responsive it is.
AUDI A3 SEDAN 35 TFSI VERDICT
At R823 200, the 2025 Audi A3 35 TFSI S Line isn’t cheap, but it is a masterclass in the compact sedan segment. The genuinely improved exterior styling and exceptionally clever LED lighting showcase Audi’s ever-expanding expertise. Likewise, the proven drivetrain prioritises refinement over performance, which aligns perfectly with what buyers want to see in this corner of the market. All in all, it’s a high-quality offering that we cannot find any fault with. As it has been for 28 years, the A3 Sedan is still the daddy.
THE FIGURES: AUDI A3 SEDAN 35 TFSI S LINE
- Engine: 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol
- Power: 110 kW
- Torque: 250 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic
- 0-100 km/h: 8.2 seconds
- Fuel Consumption: 5.8 l/100 km (claimed) / 7.2 l/100 km (tested)
- Price: R823 200
