Photo: Audi
It sucks when the Europeans are getting better stuff, right? Audi has released all the details regarding the 2017 model year A3 lineup. While the cool Virtual Cockpit system is available, some of the updates from the European facelift must have fallen in the Atlantic on the way here.
You can always see the elephant in every Audi press release. Because while BMW and Mercedes add stuff, the quattro people can't really afford to. From the engineering point of view, it sucks that the 2017 S3 has the old powertrain with 292 PS.
Over in Europe, they bumped that from 300 to 310 PS and gave it 400 Nm of torque on overboost. Even without converting those numbers, you guys know they are screwing with us. The Europeans also got a 7-speed gearbox instead of the 6-speed, which they say is useful for cruising.
The only powertrain for the A3 sedan and cabriolet mentioned is the 2.0 TFSI, which comes standard with quattro and a six-speed. The output is still rated at 220 hp and 259 lb-ft, meaning you've got one over the CLA 250. While prices for the existing models have remained the same, the 1.8-liter turbo with FWD isn't available. That means you can no longer buy an Audi for $30k.
It's not down to low demand at all, as they've removed the 1.8T in Europe as well, replacing it with a de-tuned 2.0 that makes 180 PS. This makes development easier and cheaper for them.
These images are borrowed from the European press office, but the US model will be almost the same. A mid-life facelift for the car includes new headlights stolen from the A4 and the Virtual Cockpit system. This deliciously pointless feature is joined by updated MMI touch hardware and so many safety features that we didn't want to count them.
Everything is listed in the press release below. But before you buy, consider the 2016 model year summer sales event offers discounts of over $2,000. If you're not a fan of A4 headlights....
Over in Europe, they bumped that from 300 to 310 PS and gave it 400 Nm of torque on overboost. Even without converting those numbers, you guys know they are screwing with us. The Europeans also got a 7-speed gearbox instead of the 6-speed, which they say is useful for cruising.
The only powertrain for the A3 sedan and cabriolet mentioned is the 2.0 TFSI, which comes standard with quattro and a six-speed. The output is still rated at 220 hp and 259 lb-ft, meaning you've got one over the CLA 250. While prices for the existing models have remained the same, the 1.8-liter turbo with FWD isn't available. That means you can no longer buy an Audi for $30k.
It's not down to low demand at all, as they've removed the 1.8T in Europe as well, replacing it with a de-tuned 2.0 that makes 180 PS. This makes development easier and cheaper for them.
These images are borrowed from the European press office, but the US model will be almost the same. A mid-life facelift for the car includes new headlights stolen from the A4 and the Virtual Cockpit system. This deliciously pointless feature is joined by updated MMI touch hardware and so many safety features that we didn't want to count them.
Everything is listed in the press release below. But before you buy, consider the 2016 model year summer sales event offers discounts of over $2,000. If you're not a fan of A4 headlights....
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