The Audi A3 is offered as a sedan, convertible, or 5-door Sportback. The only available engine for 2017 is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Audi A3 sends power all-four wheels via quattro all-wheel drive, though front-wheel drive versions are available as well. A high-performance version of this same engine powers the Audi S3, where it makes 292 horsepower -- enough to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
Finally, the A3 Sportback e-tron hybrid utilizes an electric motor that makes 102 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, plus a 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine capable of 150 horsepower. When combined, the two powerplants make 204 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful hybrids available. The Sportback e-tron can drive on purely electric power for about 17 miles,
The Audi A3 is available in just two trim levels, Premium and Premium Plus, with each being available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The Premium trim includes leather seating, a panoramic glass sunroof, bi-xenon automatic headlights, power adjustable side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-way power adjustable driver's seat, rearview camera and parking sensors, "Alu-optic" interior trim, heated mirrors and washer nozzles, and a 10-speaker sound system with a 3-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.
A convenience package adds keyless start, stop and entry as well as Audi's music interface and better smartphone integration. The sport package on the other hand, adds sportier front seat, a driving mode selector and a flat bottom steering wheel with shift paddles. A sport suspension is also available that lowers the ride height by 15mm.
The Premium Plus trim adds 18-inch wheels, aluminum interior trim, and a keyless entry system. The Prestige package, meanwhile, includes everything in Premium Plus, as well as an S-line exterior body kit, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, a navigation system, Audi connect and LED headlights.
Option packages on the Premium Plus include a technology package that includes Audi Connect PRIME and PLUS, a navigation system, Audi's side assist system with rear traffic alert and what audi calls their "virtual cockpit" which is a digital display in the instrument cluster featuring a view of the road ahead as well as plenty of relevant driving information.
Safety features on the A3 and S3 include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system. Airbags include advanced driver and passenger front airbags, knee airbags, thorax side airbags as well as side curtain airbags. An anti-theft alarm system comes standard, while Active Lane Assist, Audi Pre-Sense automatic braking and adaptive cruise control are all optional on the A3 Prestige.
Compact Size
Upscale Feel
Clean Styling
Available All-wheel Drive
Three Body Styles, Including Convertible
Hybrid Model
High-performance S3
The Audi A3 returns for 2017 minus its two less powerful engine options. For 2017, the only remaining option on the A3 is the powerful and efficient 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
The Audi A3 competes against other compact premium cars such as the BMW 2-Series, the Mercedes CLA and, to a lesser extent, the MINI Cooper. In past decades, owning a small car meant dealing with little more than bare bones transportation. These days though, owners of small cars need not be deprived of anything, and the A3 looks to continue that trend by offering a vehicle with a small footprint but with luxury-car performance and amenities. The A3 starts under $31,000.
