The 2017 Audi A3, enhanced with a few modest style and equipment changes from the previous year, remains a serious competitor among entry-level compact luxury sedans. Available as a four-door sedan or a two-door convertible, the redesigned A3 continues to offer a practical blend of ride, handling and comfort that has made it a success with shoppers on the hunt for an upscale vehicle that's modest in size yet big on features.
For 2017, the A3 sports a face-lifted front end with a reshaped high-gloss grille and more aggressive headlight framing, as well as an updated back end with standard LED taillights and a new rear diffuser. There are also changes to the engine lineup and a new seven-speed transmission. But perhaps the most significant changes are in the areas of technology. There's an available revamped infotainment system and Audi's Virtual Cockpit, featuring a configurable data display. In the realm of safety tech, Audi has added a number of standard or optional advanced systems.
Inside, the A3's design has changed very little from last year. The quality of materials remains high. The style, while conservative, is up to date and attractive. Front seat occupants will find plenty of leg- and hiproom as well as shoulder room, although larger adults may feel a tad cramped in the back. Trunk space also lags that of many other cars in its class, especially in the all-wheel-drive models. On the plus side, the rear seatbacks do fold flat to increase cargo room.
Power for all models arrives via a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, tuned to 186 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque in front-wheel-drive vehicles and 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in those with all-wheel drive. FWD models get the all-new dual-clutch automatic transmission, while AWD A3s continue with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Belying its compact size, the 2017 A3 provides a luxury driving experience, with comfortable, compliant suspension that nevertheless delivers handling rivaling that of some its sportier competitors. Buyers interested in upping the performance factor can order a stiffer sport suspension package that lowers the car and flattens out the corners. The flexible and refined powerplant should be more than lively enough for most drivers.
Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive Audi A3 is EPA-rated at 20 mpg combined (26 city/35 highway). Choosing an all-wheel-drive model will lower the rating to 27 mpg combined (24 city/31 highway).
You can order the A3 as a sedan or a convertible in three trim levels, Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige; all are available in an all-wheel-drive Quattro version. The base Premium trim comes well equipped with such luxury touches as leather seats and a 10-speaker sound system. The Premium Plus and Prestige models pile on the upscale exterior and interior features. Whatever your preference, let Edmunds help you select the best 2017 Audi A3 to meet your needs.
2017 Audi A3 Overview
The 2017 Audi A3 is offered in the following submodels: Convertible, Sedan. Available styles include 2.0 TFSI Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), and 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM). A3 models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2017 A3 comes with front wheel drive or all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed automated manual, 6-speed automated manual. The 2017 A3 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2017 Audi A3 a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Audi A3 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 A3 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2017 Audi A3? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Audi A3 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 A3 a 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 A3.
Vehicle 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
Review If you want to turn heads, a great ride, and affordability, this is the car for you. When I say great ride, I mean great ride. It hugs the road. It's almost as if the car is saying, "Let me show you what I can do". I was on the highway one afternoon, and the engine was purring like a much contented cat, when I glanced at the tach, and it was around 2000rpms. Then, I looked over to the speedometer, and I doing close to 90mph. It' just that smooth. Of course I slowed down, but jeez! Curves, cake. Passing, let's go. When you get in, you feel pampered, but not overwhelmed. The controls and appointments are laid out in a pleasing and thoughtful manner. Yes, the trunk is small, but are you really going to throw 100 pounds of mulch back there? Didn't think so. I looked at the Mercedes CLA-4 MATIC, and the Cadillac ATS, but neither came close. If you like to drive as much as I do, drive the Audi A3.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Audi A3
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MPG
2017 audi a3 2.0 TFSI Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 7-speed automated manual, premium unleaded (recommended) 29 combined MPG 26 city MPG/35 highway MPG
2017 audi a3 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 6-speed automated manual, premium unleaded (recommended) 29 combined MPG 26 city MPG/35 highway MPG
2017 audi a3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), 6-speed automated manual, premium unleaded (recommended) 29 combined MPG 26 city MPG/35 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2017 Audi A3?
Available Audi A3 2017 Submodel Types: Sedan, Wagon, Convertible, Diesel
