2017 Audi A3 and S3 Preview
- Revised exterior styling
- Upgraded infotainment system with new controls and features
- Available Audi Virtual Cockpit instrumentation
- New driver-assistance system technologies
Introduction
Audi has given its entry-level sedan and convertible models, the A3 and S3, a light refresh for the 2017 model year. Enhanced exterior styling sharpens the car’s appearance and brings it better into line with other Audi models, and the company upgrades the car’s infotainment, instrumentation, and driver-assistance technologies.
For now, Audi has confirmed changes to the A3 2.0T and the S3 model series. Information pertaining to the A3 1.8T and A3 E-tron versions will be available at a later date.
Exterior Features
Audi continues to offer the A3 2.0T in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels. The S3 comes in Premium Plus and Prestige trim.
Exterior styling is updated with a new grille and headlights set into a revised front fascia, while a freshened rear bumper is added around back. New aluminum wheels designs also debut, and Audi adds the S-line exterior appearance upgrade to Premium Plus versions this year. Previously, it was reserved for the Prestige trim.
Continuing from last year, Xenon Plus headlights, LED running lights, LED taillights, and heated side mirrors continue as standard equipment.
Interior Features
As was true previously, every 2017 A3 is equipped with leather seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. A power panoramic sunroof is included for sedans. New for 2017, the A3 Cabriolet returns with a 6-way power driver’s seat, which replaces an 8-way manually adjustable seat. As was true in 2016, the driver’s seat comes with 4-way power-adjustable lumbar support.
Optional Features
Because it is no longer standard equipment, Audi’s Parking System Plus package of front and rear park-assist sensors is effectively an option, included when buyers upgrade to Premium Plus trim.
Additional new options include Audi Virtual Cockpit instrumentation and enhancements to the infotainment system including smartphone-projection technology and new Audi Connect subscription services. Choose the performance-tuned S3 model and a new exterior design kit is available.
Under the Hood
The 2017 Audi A3 2.0T is equipped with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It generates 220 horsepower from 4,500 rpm to 6,200 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,600 rpm to 4,400 rpm. A 6-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automated manual gearbox feeds the power to all four wheels through Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The Audi S3 is similarly outfitted. However, its engine generates 292 horsepower from 5,400 rpm to 6,200 rpm, and 280 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,900 rpm to 5,300 rpm. Audi claims the S3 will accelerate to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, and the car is endowed with a sport suspension and other mechanical enhancements designed to thrill the car’s driver.
Safety
A reversing camera is standard for the 2017 A3, along with Audi Pre-Sense Basic, which identifies an impending collision and prepares the cabin and its occupants for the impact. For 2017, Audi Pre-Sense Front is standard for all A3 and S3 models, a forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking system that was formerly reserved for Prestige trim.
Additionally, new automatic high-beam headlights are offered for the A3, and the optional blind-spot monitoring system gains new rear cross-traffic alert with automatic reverse emergency braking. A lane-departure warning and lane-assist system, formerly offered for the S3, is now available for the A3, and new adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go traffic management technology is available.
Technology
Audi Virtual Cockpit debuts as an option for the 2017 A3, equipping the car with a 12.3-in. virtual instrumentation display. Additionally, the available Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) Touch technology gains a simplified control layout as well as smartphone-projection technology in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
New Audi Connect Prime and Plus subscription service packages also debut. Prime service includes access to Google Earth imagery for the navigation system, real-time traffic, Twitter alerts, and Internet radio. Upgrade to Plus service for a 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection.
You are now subscribed to the J.D. Power Cars Newsletter.
