2017 Audi A3 and S3 Review | Keeping Audi’s Premium Compact Fresh
Revitalised with a fresh face, new lighting signatures, and revised specifications, the Audi A3 - the best-seller in the premium small car segment - introduces new engines, and a new transmission to keep itself fresh against recently updated competition from the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series.
With a sharp new face that follows the styling direction set by the larger A4 range, improved connectivity, and entry level pricing that’s bound to prove popular the A3 range looks set to continue its momentum in Australia, with hatch, sedan, and cabriolet models all revised at the same time.
Vehicle Style: Prestige small sedan, hatch, and convertible
Price: $35,900 - $72,000 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 85kW/200Nm 1.0-litre 3cyl turbo petrol, 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre 4cyl turbo petrol, 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol, 213kW/380Nm 2.0 4cyl turbo petrol | 6sp maual (S3 only), 7sp automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 4.8-7.1 l/100km | Tested: 9.5 l/100km (S3 Sportback manual)
OVERVIEW
New for the A3 range is a three-cylinder entry-level model, which is offered exclusively in the Sportback bodystyle and gives the A3 range a lower starting point of $35,900. From there, all variants are offered with a choice of 1.4 litre Cylinder On Demand or 2.0 litre turbo petrol engines with the performance-oriented S3 running a more potent 2.0 litre engine.