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Updated US-Spec 2017 Audi A3 Sedan Spied Testing for the First Time with 2.0 TFSI

This is the third time that our spy photographers have sent us photos of the A3 facelift in a matter of only a few days. However, these are the first images of what we believe is the US-spec model.
US-spec 2017 Audi A3 Sedan Spied 10 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
US-spec 2017 Audi A3 Sedan SpiedUS-spec 2017 Audi A3 Sedan SpiedUS-spec 2017 Audi A3 Sedan SpiedUS-spec 2017 Audi A3 Sedan SpiedUS-spec 2017 Audi A3 Sedan SpiedUS-spec 2017 Audi A3 Sedan SpiedUS-spec 2017 Audi A3 Sedan SpiedUS-spec 2017 Audi A3 Sedan SpiedUS-spec 2017 Audi A3 Sedan Spied
What makes us think this is the American import and not a regular sedan sold in Europe? Firstly, we can see those orange elements added on the outer edge of the headlights. The camouflage is obstructing our view, but we're pretty sure that we are right.

But the biggest tell is the exhaust system. You see, this prototype has dual exhaust pipes, which is something you cannot get on any European model. This is the trademark of the A3 equipped with the 2.0 TFSI engine that isn't sold in Germany or any neighboring country.

The 2.0 TFSI engine is just a fancy re-badging of the Golf GTI's 2.0-liter turbo. In the current model year A3, it's rated at 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, pushing the car from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds. Why is it faster than the GTI? Because quattro (check the badge on the grille).

The chances of Audi deciding to increase the output are very slim, but the EA888 powertrain family offers a few options. For example, a new version of the GTI puts out about 260 horsepower. The Germans could even install cylinder deactivation to increase fuel efficiency.

We believe the 2017 model year A3 sedan will make its debut in America next fall, half a year later than in Europe. There will also be a few cosmetic changes going on, chief among them being a new set of headlights copied from the all-new A4.

The $1,900 MMI navigation system should be accompanied by a larger screen with integrated Apple CarPlay. Rumors suggest Volkswagen Group is working on installing a digital dashboard into the Golf and A3, as well as gesture controls. However, we've seen nothing that gives credibility to these speculations.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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