The 2017 Audi A3 lineup has been refreshed, adding new driver assistance systems along with new safety technology.
A fresh headlight design along with some slight changes to the front fascia are the most obvious visual changes to the A3, while a new rear bumper and diffuser have been added to the A3 Cabriolet. The standard LED taillights can now be had with dynamic turn signals, while finally, new wheel designs for both the 17- and 18-inch units are here.
The biggest changes to the lineup come inside, with the addition of Audi’s new virtual cockpit, a 12.3-inch color display that replaces the traditional gauges in the info cluster. The car also gets Audi’s MMI touch interface with handwriting recognition and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Finally, a new 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound systen is now available.
New ways to connect the A3 are also now available through Connect PRIME and Connect PLUS. Prime service adds navigation apps like Google Earth and live traffic updates while the plus service offers 4G LTE Wi-Fi for up to eight passengers.
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Driver safety has also been upgraded with a number of new features, including a standard backup camera, automatic high beams, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
Power still comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, making 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the A3 and A3 Cabriolet. In the S3, the same engine offers 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
Audi also released pricing for the 2017 A3 lineup, with the base A3 Sedan starting at $35,150. Pricing for the A3 Cabriolet begins at $41,200, while the high-performance S3 model is available for $43,800.
