VS
At a Glance
Power
245 kW
148kW@7800
Torque
420 Nm
193Nm@5600
Fuel
7.9 l/100km
9.3
Towing
—
1400
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
6.6
Engine
1984 cc
1998
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 148kW@7800. On fuel, the S3 returns 7.9 l/100km while the CIVIC uses 9.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 091 100 for the S3 and R331 365 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
148kW@7800
Torque
420 Nm
193Nm@5600
0-100 kph
4.7 s
6.6
Top Speed
250 Km/h
235
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1984 cc
1998
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
all
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9 l/100km
9.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
12.7
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
50
CO2 Emissions
183 g/km
219
Dimensions
Length
4351 mm
4270
Width
1816-1984 mm
1785-2046
Height
1438 mm
1445
Wheelbase
2630 mm
2620
Ground Clearance
—
134
Kerb Weight
1495 Kg
1299
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
325-1145 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1400
Load Capacity
—
1352
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
✓ 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
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S3
Fuel Economy
S3
Value
CIVIC
Practicality
CIVIC
Pros & Cons
Audi S3
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher starting price
HONDA CIVIC
Lower starting price (R331 365)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S3 or CIVIC?
The S3 uses 7.9 l/100km and the CIVIC uses 9.3 on the combined cycle. The S3 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 148kW@7800 and 193Nm@5600 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the S3 and CIVIC?
The S3 starts from R1 091 100 and the CIVIC from R331 365. The CIVIC is cheaper by R759 735 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 1400. 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.