VS
At a Glance
Power
245 kW
104kW@6500
Torque
420 Nm
174Nm@4300
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
6.5
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
11.3
Engine
1984 cc
1798
Choosing between the Audi S3 and the HONDA CIVIC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S3 delivers 245 kW while the HONDA CIVIC produces 104kW@6500. On fuel, the S3 returns 7.8 l/100km while the CIVIC uses 6.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 106 100 for the S3 and R302 500 for the CIVIC. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
245 kW
104kW@6500
Torque
420 Nm
174Nm@4300
0-100 kph
4.7 s
11.3
Top Speed
250 Km/h
207
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
1798
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
5
Drive Wheels
all
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
6.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
9.9
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
5.73
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
50
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
155
Dimensions
Length
4504 mm
4300
Width
1816-1984 mm
-1770
Height
1415 mm
1440
Wheelbase
2630 mm
2595
Ground Clearance
—
—
Kerb Weight
1495 Kg
1324
Doors
4
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
325 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
VSA
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
HONDA CIVIC
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
CIVIC
Value
CIVIC
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
HONDA CIVIC
Better fuel economy (6.5)
Lower starting price (R302 500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or CIVIC?
The S3 uses 7.8 l/100km and the CIVIC uses 6.5 on the combined cycle. The CIVIC is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the S3 or CIVIC?
The S3 produces 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque while the CIVIC delivers 104kW@6500 and 174Nm@4300 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the S3 and CIVIC?
The S3 starts from R1 106 100 and the CIVIC from R302 500. The CIVIC is cheaper by R803 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S3 or CIVIC?
The S3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CIVIC can tow 0. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the S3 or the CIVIC?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.