Audi’s entry-level sedan and convertible get a mild update for the 2017 model year, bringing some new styling, additional features and a simplification of powertrains to the luxury car’s lineup. Changes are coming to the A3 sedan, A3 Cabriolet convertible and S3 performance sedan in October, but the A3 Sportback e-tron hybrid will continue on unchanged; it will get its own updates at a later date.
From the outside, not much has changed. The front end is slightly revised with new undercut headlights and a larger Singleframe grille, while the back end gets new LED taillights and an updated bumper and diffuser for the Cabriolet. The S3 gets a slightly different grille with additional bars, while Premium Plus and Prestige trims get a standard S-Line appearance package. Out back, the A3 and A3 Cabriolet get dual exhaust, while the A3 continues with a quad-outlet exhaust system.
Inside, changes are mostly to the vehicles’ electronics. Audi’s virtual cockpit is now optional, which replaces the gauge cluster with an LCD display screen like the one seen in the new R8, TT and A4 models. Unlike the TT and R8, however, the system will retain the retractable display screen in the dash, allowing passengers to use the system as well.
Two new connectivity options are available: Audi Connect Prime, which brings remote services like Google Earth, traffic and route guidance info, online travel info, internet radio and Twitter alerts, and the additional Audi Connect Plus that adds 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity to the car.
The A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet are powered by a 220-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, employing Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive. The smaller 1.8-liter engine and front-wheel-drive combination will be updated later in the year; for the car’s initial launch, only the 2.0T engine and all-wheel-drive combination will be available. The S3 continues on with a more powerful version of this engine, making 292 hp and using the same transmission.
Audi has made some updates to the A3’s available electronic safety equipment as well; the automaker’s radar-based forward collision warning and autonomous braking system is now standard. If a collision is imminent, the system will begin to close the windows and sunroof and pre-tighten the seat belts. In addition to a standard backup camera, Audi offers a full complement of optional safety systems, including active lane keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, adaptive full-speed cruise control, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
