Audi's A3 gets a makeover with a new transmission, new engines and, most obviously, a new look.

While following the basic styling principals of its predecessor, the front portion of the A3 has been given a more powerful look, which of course also finds its way onto the Cabriolet. The bonnet lid, front wings and the front bumper that incorporate the characteristic single-frame grille, now all have a more chiselled appearance. The changes might seem subtle at first, but the new face definitely brings a more powerful presence. The new headlights also incorporate curved trim element, which Audi calls the ?wing?. If you want even more distinction, order the Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, which are standard on the S3 and optional on other models.

Other fresh elements on the A3 are sportier-looking exterior mirrors with integral indicators, new door handles and a new range of alloy wheel designs. Move to the back and you?ll see a revised bumper and new taillight design. While the three-door has a modified tailgate with a new light edge, the Sportback creates a futuristic presence at night with new fibre optic rods arranged in a flat, continuous strip.

The A3?s cabin was always well-liked, with its sporty design and premium feel, so rather than radically alter it, Audi simply fine-tuned the details that looked the most dated. Thus, the switches below the audio system have been given a more modern look and the same goes for the black instrument dials, now with sporty red needles. Of course, you can also go to town when choosing the trimmings, as the A3 is available with new inlays and a wide selection of upholstery colours. Opt for the S line package and can even get a flat-bottom steering wheel with aluminium trim. And as part of the wider range of options, roof-rails and panoramic sunroof are available for the A3 Sportback.

New engines

One of new A3?s biggest talking points is its revised engine range, extending from new turbo-charged entry-level variants to the S3 Sportback derivative.

Good news for those of you residing at high altitudes is that the previous naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre FSI entry-level engine has been replaced by the new 1.8 TFSI mill that was recently introduced in the A4 range. The turbo-charged, direct injection petrol motor develops 118kW and 250Nm and it's quite a lightweight too, weighing just 135kg. A feature of the TFSI is its higher compression ratio for a turbo-assisted engine due to the evaporation of the direct-injected fuel to extract heat from the combustion process.

Slotting above the 1.8 is the familiar 2.0 TSFI, which was voted Engine of the Year three times in a row from 2005 to 2007. It develops 147kW and 280Nm and is loosely similar in layout to the 1.8 TSFI.

In addition to the slick six speed manual, the TFSI engines will also be available with Audi?s six-speed S tronic transmission, which has two clutches to allow it to pre-select your next gear change so it shifts ultra smoothly regardless of whether you leave it in automatic mode or change via the gear lever or the paddles on the steering wheel.

The A3 hatchback should become an even more affordable option in January next year, when Audi is expected to launch the 1.4 TFSI version. Don't be fooled by its engine size, this force-fed engine produces 92kW, which is even more than the previous-shape A3 1.8 could muster.

For those with even more frugal requirements, the A3 range also welcomes a new 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel engine, which has been extensively re-engineered with a new common rail injection system among many other innovations. It now produces 105kW and maximum torque of 320Nm between 1750 and 2500rpm.

S3 surprise

Yet the most exciting development is on the S3 front. Yes, you can still have one of the most exciting hatchbacks ever created in three-door form, but if you need more space and versatility for the family you can now opt for the S3 in Sportback form too.

Its brute force comes from an updated version of that vicious 2.0-litre turbo-charged direct-injection engine and overseas versions pelt out 195kW and 350Nm, although at the time of writing we couldn?t confirm whether the local version will share the same output. In three-door form, the new S3 catapults from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds, while the Sportback takes just 5.8 seconds. Fuel consumption is also surprisingly frugal, with a claimed average of 8.5 litres per 100km.

Naturally the six-speed trannie is assisted by the 'quattro' all-wheel drive system while the suspension is 25mm lower and tuned for aggressive driving habits when required.

Visually, the new S3 gets more than its fair share of the updates seen on the A3 ? it gets an even sportier bumper, grille and roof spoiler, in addition to aluminium-look exterior mirrors. The racy feel continues inside, with grippy sports seats up front, aluminium pedals and distinctive inlay options.

Off with the top

Audi cabriolets have attracted a huge following over the last decade and a half, and we can't see how that?s not going to snowball with the new A3 Cabriolet. Not only because of its beauty, but as it's so accessible too, with prices ranging between R303 500 and R358 500.

Given its preference for classically proportioned and uncluttered shapes, it's no surprise that Audi chose the never-aging soft-top route. Lightweight in design, it can be opened in a few seconds in either automatic or semi-automatic versions, the latter even being an acoustic top for more comfort while offering coupe-like looks with low drag coefficients. And more importantly when unexpectedly caught by rain the acoustic top can be closed while driving at 30km/h.

Interestingly, when folded down, the Cabriolet does not have the need of a tonneau cover or box cover as the header board at the front of the top rests flush with the car body forming a suitable cover.

In overall design terms the Cabriolet's rising shoulder line not only elongates the car but adds a certain aggressiveness to complement the impressive dynamic performance it?s imbued with.

A downside of convertibles has been unwanted chassis flex due to the lack of a supportive metal roof for torsional rigidity. To this end V-shaped braces are fitted in the sub-floor and aluminium frame braces at the front and rear of the car, while roll-over protection is afforded by reinforced A-posts.

Passive safety features such as longitudinal supports with defined deformation characteristics at the front and rear with tough profiles in the doors for side collision safety are also in place. Added to this are sensors that respond to air pressure changes to activate head-thorax side airbags in the backs of front seats while full size airbags receive signals from the front of the car.

While the Cabrio shares its front end with the A3 hatch, it has a unique style at the rear, with unmistakable wraparound rear lights with optic rods powered by LEDs generate a sweeping band of light in the dark for improved recognition, a neat trailing wing and striking diffuser panel finish add to the overall visual impact.

Naturally Audi's classic, smooth forms on the exterior are carried into the cabin with those four, round air vents reminiscent of the TT Roadster and elegant curved hood over the instrument panel with large black dials and red sweep needles.

Being performance conscious, seats come in a wide range of choices in fabric, leather or combined with Alcantara. Also available are aluminium, bur walnut and Vanaove wood inlays. And for those seeking more luggage space the boot can be expanded to 674 litres and 150cm in length from the normal 260-litre space.

Equipment levels are high and among others include 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, height adjustable seats, eight-speaker MP3-compatible concert radio, symphony radio with CD changer, Bose sound system and Blue Tooth. There's also an S line option for those seeking more a more purposeful styling package. For motivation, Cabriolet buyers can choose between the aforementioned 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI petrol mills.

Combining style and sophistication, the Cabriolet is a perfect and tempting addition to the new A3 range. Your only trouble will be choosing which one to opt for.

AUDI A3 PRICE LIST

A3 three-door:
1.4 TFSI Attraction manual: R232 000 (Jan 09)
1.9 TDI Attraction manual: R232 000 (Oct 08)
1.8 TFSI Ambition manual: R251 000 (Oct 08)
1.8 TFSI Ambition S tronic: R267 000 (Oct 08)
2.0 TDI Ambition manual: R270 000 (Oct 08)
2.0 TDI Ambition S tronic: R286 000 (Oct 08)
2.0 TFSI Ambition manual: R291 000 (Oct 08)
2.0 TFSI Ambition S tronic: R307 000 (Oct 08)
S3 manual: R365 500 (Oct 08)
S3 S tronic: R381 500 (April 09)

A3 Sportback:
1.4 TFSI Attraction manual: R239 500.00 (Jan 09)
1.9 TDI Attraction manual: R239 500.00 (Oct 08)
1.8 TFSI Ambition manual: R258 500.00 (Oct 08)
1.8 TFSI Ambition S tronic: R274 500.00 (Oct 08)
2.0 TDI Ambition manual: R277 500.00 (Oct 08)
2.0 TDI Ambition S tronic: R293 500.00 (Oct 08)
2.0 TFSI Ambition manual: R298 500.00 (Oct 08)
2.0 TFSI Ambition S tronic: R314 500.00 (Oct 08)
S3 manual: R373 000.00 (Oct 08)
S3 S tronic: R389 000.00 (April 09)