Photo: Audi
In the premium compact segment, the Audi A3 is one of the best bets out there. For 2017, however, Audi decided to one-up its A3 range with a 2.0 TFSI instead of the tried-and-tested 1.8T four-pot.
Losing the 1.8-liter turbo isn’t as bad as it sounds. Boasting 16 hp and 21 lb-ft more than the engine it replaces, the 2.0 TFSI also happens to be an idea more economical than its predecessor. More to the point, the 2017 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI manages 29 miles per gallon on the combined cycle.
To go on sale this fall, the 2017 Audi A3 sends its 186 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels with the help of a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Quattro all-wheel-drive is also available. Curiously enough, quattro AWD models come with a 6-speed version of the S tronic tranny.
Other than the increase in capacity, the differences between the 2.0 TFSI and 1.8T continue in the fine details. Compression ratio, for example, has increased to 11.7:1 from 9.6:1. The engine is also tuned to allow shorter compression and longer expansion phases, therefore improving efficiency.
Standard features for both the A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet include xenon plus front lighting, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather seating surfaces. The 2017 Audi A3 in Sedan flavor also prides itself on a standard panoramic moonroof.
In terms of pricing, the A3 Sedan FWD with the 2.0-liter turbo engine will set you back $31,200 without accounting for the $950 destination and handling charge. If the A3 Cabriolet is what you fancy, then prepare to pay at least $37,600 for the privilege of owning one. When it comes down to direct competitors, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Sedan starts from $32,400, while the 2017 BMW 2 Series Convertible will set you back $38,950.
The only way to get a five-door hatchback version of the 2017 Audi A3 in the U.S. is to go for the Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid model ($39,850).
To go on sale this fall, the 2017 Audi A3 sends its 186 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels with the help of a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Quattro all-wheel-drive is also available. Curiously enough, quattro AWD models come with a 6-speed version of the S tronic tranny.
Other than the increase in capacity, the differences between the 2.0 TFSI and 1.8T continue in the fine details. Compression ratio, for example, has increased to 11.7:1 from 9.6:1. The engine is also tuned to allow shorter compression and longer expansion phases, therefore improving efficiency.
Standard features for both the A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet include xenon plus front lighting, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather seating surfaces. The 2017 Audi A3 in Sedan flavor also prides itself on a standard panoramic moonroof.
In terms of pricing, the A3 Sedan FWD with the 2.0-liter turbo engine will set you back $31,200 without accounting for the $950 destination and handling charge. If the A3 Cabriolet is what you fancy, then prepare to pay at least $37,600 for the privilege of owning one. When it comes down to direct competitors, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Sedan starts from $32,400, while the 2017 BMW 2 Series Convertible will set you back $38,950.
The only way to get a five-door hatchback version of the 2017 Audi A3 in the U.S. is to go for the Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid model ($39,850).
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