Full Specs + Compare These Cars
all family carsThe Best Hatches Under $60,000All Audis
Find similar cars
all family cars
The Best Hatches Under $60,000
All Audis
mate campbell
00:0125. mayo 2016
0 comments
The updated Audi A3 brings new 1.0 and 2.0-liter engines, and is even better for it.
what we love
- The new 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine is an interesting proposition as a possible price leader
- 2.0 liter Peach motorized model
- Infotainment and upgraded screens
what we don't do
- In wet weather, the front-wheel drive models tested experienced wheel slip and axle drift.
- sometimes a hesitation with the double clutch
there is a little moreAudi A3 2017than a simple style update.
of course the newA4Inspired headlight and front bumper treatment along with slightly revised rear styling and new wheels mark the changes for the updatedaudi a3outside, but there are bigger, more important changes under the plate.
Perhaps the most important of these is the addition of a new entry-level three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine: the first of three canisters that grace theAudiA3 range, and there's a good chance the powertrain will be the new entry point to the range when the new A3 arrives in Australia in late 2016.
The A3 range currently starts with the 1.4 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder model, which is expected to be phased out as part of this update. If you read between the lines, the 1.0 TFSI is the current base model.Check here the changes between the new model and its predecessor.
The 1.0 turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 85 kW of power (7 kW less than the 1.4) and 200 Nm of torque (on par with the four-cylinder). It consumes less fuel -4.7 liters per 100 kilometers compared to 4.9 l/100 km - and is only a few tenths of a second slower from 0 to 100 km/h (9.7 seconds compared to 9.3 seconds). .
There may be some skeptics who would argue that a three-cylinder engine has no place in a luxury brand's portfolio, but Audi isn't the first brand to add this type of engine to its ranks:BMWmiMinithey have three-pot models, and Audi itself has themA11.0 TFSI too.
In the A1, this engine variant forms the platform to attract new buyers to the brand and is a success, with the 1.0-litre variant accounting for 28% of sales in this range. In the current A3 series, the 1.4 TFSI, which is expected to be replaced by the 1.0 TFSI, accounts for 18% of sales.
Part of the appeal of the 1.0 TFSI in the A1 range, and part of why it's likely to succeed if sold here, is that it's offered with an automatic transmission, in this case a seven-speed dual-clutch, or S tronic. Similar to Flame Audi. And the powertrain is a nice touch.
Power delivery is perfectly acceptable for a car of this size, and there is some degree of driveability, though the inherently unbalanced engine roar may be less of a hindrance for some. This reviewer is of the opposite opinion: the shocks are not very strong, nor are there annoying vibrations when idle.
It's responsive at low speeds and on the highway, with good acceleration and decent mid-range torque (especially from 2000 to 3500 rpm) if you pick up a bit of pace.
The gearbox handles well, too, with quick shifts in gear, and isn't as harsh at low speeds as other stable Audi models with this type of gearbox.
We have also pushed the new 2.0 TFSI model, a new powertrain for the A3 range, scaled down compared to the new A4 and converted to a transverse for the first time, which will replace the 1.8 TFSI and deliver more power.
Get a great deal today
Interested in one of these cars? Enter your details and we will connect you with our team.
select car
audi a3
audi a3
The existing engine produced 132 kW and 250 Nm, while the new one produced 140 kW and 320 Nm, putting it in hatchback territory, not to mention coming much closer to the Mercedes-Benz A250, which has 160 kW/ 350 Nm, but The model is now fully all-wheel drive, the A3 2.0 TFSI is available with front-wheel drive or with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive.
We tested the Frontrider on the humid outskirts of Munich and it's fair to say that given the greasy road conditions, the quattro version would have been a better choice. Occasionally the front tires would spin and we even witnessed some axle shifting (with the front suspension bobbing up and down as the powertrain tries to feed the ground), which is undesirable.
Otherwise though, the 2.0 TFSI was well refined, with a very linear power delivery and good midrange torque over a much wider range than its underpowered sibling (1400-4200rpm). On the Autobahn this model showed what it had to offer and seemed eager to hit its limited top speed of 150 mph.
The old 1.8 TFSI used a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but the new 2.0 TFSI model has a new seven-speed S tronic which, unlike the 1.0 TFSI model and its seven-speed cogger, was a bit wobbly at low speed. .
The driving experience was pretty similar to A3s we've tested in the past, which is to say, a solid performance. Compliance and ride comfort, even with 18-inch alloy wheels, were impressive, while steering, via a new flat-based three-spoke steering wheel, was also remarkably good. We did notice some difference in steering weight between the 1.0 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI, with the former feeling a bit heavier and perhaps a bit more direct, which might have been the case with the Audi Drive Select system's steering modes. .
It's not just about the driving though - there have been significant changes to the interior as well, including the addition of the high-tech virtual cockpit display in front of the driver, with the 12.3-inch digital display giving the driver of the car all kinds of possibilities Information such as navigation (with Google Maps), speed, trip and speedometer, driver assistance systems, phone and audio options and much more.
This will be optional on all A3 models, and while it's an impressive piece of equipment, it's still a question buyers will have to answer for themselves whether it's worth the expected $2,000 price tag for the option.
The A3's interior also receives a few other minor upgrades, including a new frameless rear-view mirror and a revised button layout for the Audi MMI Touch media interface, which is presented on a 7.0-inch pop-up display. .
The menus have been updated and are now the same as the new A4 and Q7 models (a carousel setup with much cleaner graphics), which look more modern and help give the cockpit a technological edge.
As we have seen in this generation of the A3 in the past, the seats are comfortable and offer a good fit in the front, while the second row is suitable for a couple of adults or children (with two ISOFIX anchor points for the seats). exterior) . Storage space is good, too, and trunk space varies between FWD and AWD and hatchback and sedan, but there's plenty of room for a weekend's worth of luggage in all configurations.
The A3 is covered by a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty plan, and buyers can again take advantage of a three-year/45,000 km flat-rate service plan with annual or 15,000 km service. Currently, the plan costs $1680.
The updates to the 2017 Audi A3 may not look like much from the outside, but as we found out at the international launch, there's a lot to come from this mid-life update. And just like the previous version, there's a lot to like.
We're curious to see if the 1.0 TFSI will be homologated for Australia, as it could be a fitting prelude to the impressive 2017 Audi A3 range.
FURTHER:Audi A3 News, Reviews, Videos and Comparisons
Fence
Audi A3 Sportback 2017 to test
thumbnail
23 Photos
General rating
unit choice
Audi A3 Sportback 2017
8,0/ 10
8,0/ 10
Classification details
Performance
Audi A3 Sportback 2017
8,0
driving quality
Audi A3 Sportback 2017
8.5
driver technology
Audi A3 Sportback 2017
8.5
Interior comfort and packaging
Audi A3 Sportback 2017
8,0
cost-benefit
Audi A3 Sportback 2017
11
Our ratings explained
mate campbell
Read more about Matt Campbell
FAQs
What problems do Audi A3 Sportback have? ›
However, while Audis are known for being high-quality machines, the A3 isn't perfect, and is known to suffer a few common problems. These include noisy front suspension, a grinding sound from the steering and air-conditioning that is prone to the odd failure.
Is the Audi A3 Sportback reliable? ›Audi A3 reliability
The A3 came 59th out of the top 75 models in our latest Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, with a below average score for reliability. Unsurprisingly, owners were most impressed with its build quality, practicality and its engine and gearbox.
How Reliable Is the 2017 Audi A3? The 2017 Audi A3 has a below-average predicted reliability rating of 2.5 out of five from J.D. Power.
What's the difference between an Audi A3 and an Audi A3 Sportback? ›It's likely that you already know which Audi A3 you prefer. Those after a sportier look and who don't need the practicality will need nothing more than the standard three-door, whereas the A3 Sportback retains plenty of kerb appeal but boasts better space for both passengers and luggage.
Is Audi A3 sportback discontinued? ›This isn't true and has been debunked by Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board at Audi, according to a report by Motor1.com. In this interview, he reassures us that the Audi A3 is here to stay and that it's only the A1 and Q2 that are up for discontinuation but that the A3 will continue to exist in more than one form.
Are Audi A3 worth the money? ›The A3 is a four-star car in our rankings, which are scored out of five, putting it on a par with competition including the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class. Overall, we regard its comfort and space most highly, as well as the fact it is good to drive and has strong petrol, diesel and hybrid engines.
What is the best engine in Audi A3 sportback? ›Best Audi A3 Sportback engine
Despite the availability of fuel-sipping diesels and high-tech plug-in hybrids, the best engine in the Audi A3 range is the straightforward 1.5-litre petrol one found in the 35 TFSI models, as even this is pretty good at the fuel pumps, offering claimed fuel consumption of nearly 50mpg.
...
Exterior checks
- Rust (don't forget to check the underbody)
- Dents and scratches.
- Check windshield for chips or cracks.
- Tyre tread depth and wear.
- Panel gaps.
- Misaligned bodywork or mismatched paint.
That makes the average annual Audi repair cost comparatively high. That's partly down to the fact that they are luxury cars using speciality parts. It's exactly the high quality of these parts that make Audi parts more expensive than other makes.
How long does a timing belt last on a Audi A3? ›It is recommended that you change your cambelt every 40,000-60,000 miles. Alternatively, your handbook should tell you the suggested mileage from the manufacturer that you should change your cambelt.
Is the 3.0 Audi engine reliable? ›
Audi 3.0 T Engine Reliability
Despite the long list of issues mentioned above, the 3.0T engine from Audi remains one of the most dependable engines to date. While early 3.0T engines were plagued by thermostat and water pump leaks, this one is a rock solid performer.
The older version's 1.4 TFSI engine used a timing chain, but the 1.4 TFSI engine in the newer car used a timing belt.
Why is it called a sportback? ›A sportback combines traits of a sedan, a fastback coupe, and a hatchback. Audi sportbacks have the roomy interior dimensions of a sedan, the sloping roofline and truncated rear end of a fastback coupe, and the rear door of a hatchback. This highly practical body design is a favorite of our customers.
Is Audi A3 engine is the same as VW Golf? ›Performance and price
Kicking off the engine ranges in the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf are 1.0-litre petrol units. The good news is that they're adequate too, with a 110bhp and average 50mpg combined fuel economy meaning it's punchy and economical.
Essentially, a sportback is 5-door hatchback with a fast roofline and a sportier design. Sportbacks offer more utility than a traditional sedan but less utility than a traditional SUV or station wagon.
What is the most common problem of Audi? ›Failure of the Ignition coil of an Audi is its single most common mechanical problem. It is also among the prime reason behind engine misfire.
Is Audi A3 high maintenance? ›An Audi A3 will cost about $9,035 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury sedan models by $2,926. There is also a 26.81% chance that an A3 will require a major repair during that time. This is 12.75% better than similar vehicles in this segment.
Which Audi engines have problems? ›Vehicles recalled: 2021-2023 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The problem: Due to a manufacturing defect, the engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged. This could lead to stalling, engine failure, and fire.
What does Sportback mean on Audi A3? ›A sportback combines traits of a sedan, a fastback coupe, and a hatchback. Audi sportbacks have the roomy interior dimensions of a sedan, the sloping roofline and truncated rear end of a fastback coupe, and the rear door of a hatchback. This highly practical body design is a favorite of our customers.