Winning the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists Car of the Year award is no mean feat, especially when you take into consideration the scores of new models that are launched every year in South Africa.
Members of the guild normally whittle down the options (by vote) and the cars are then tested extensively by members (on the racetrack and open road), who again vote for what they think should be the Car of the Year.
To be honest, I was a bit disappointed that the Golf 5 GTi didn’t make the list of finalists as it was an exceptional vehicle when it was launched last year.
However, given that the winning car has the same engine and comes from the same stable, I suppose VW/Audi wouldn’t have been feeling anything but ecstatic about the win.
The winning Audi A3 Sportback 2,0 litre TFSi impressed from the time it was launched in June last year. It entered the premium compact class with coupé-like elegance, the versatility of a five-door vehicle and the appeal of a sporty hatchback.
The overall package is what won the judges over, in my opinion, as the Sportback 2,0 litre TFSi is a car that scores high marks on just about every aspect, from attractive looks to high build quality and excellent comfort and handling.
The interior space is best in this class of compact hatches. Standard features include sports seats at the front and when you put your foot down to unleash the 147kW on tap, you’ll understand just how necessary something like figure-hugging sports seats are.
Also standard are six airbags, dual zone climate control, central locking, leather upholstery, sports suspension and 17-inch wheels. Safety comes into play with anti-skid regulation traction control, ABS and ESP.
The rather long optional-extras list includes cruise control, xenon headlights, heated seats and a large-area glazed glass roof that stretches from the windscreen to the rear window.
The MacPherson set-up at the front with triangular wishbones at the back somehow makes the suspension tough enough when cornering at high speeds, yet comfortable at cruising speeds.
While it doesn’t have that lovely growl that the GTi engine has, the Sportback 2,0 litre TFSi accelerates easily to provide all the power needed and combine the 147kW with excellent steering feedback and handling, you get a car that is a great deal of fun to drive.
Now the tricky part comes into play when considering buying this car because you would also have to consider the GTi, given the similarities. What counts against the GTi is that there is a waiting list of about four months or more, but at R240 000 for the manual, it costs R15 000 less than the Sportback. Given that you are getting a few more gadgets on the GTi, such as a multi-function steering wheel and heated seats (among others), I would lean towards the GTi — if you’re willing to wait for it.
However, if you’re not the patient sort, the Sportback 2,0 litre TFSi is a worthy car, if a little more expensive.