Audi A3 2017 on test (2023)

Somewhere in Ingolstadt there's an Audi product planner who probably has an "Employee of the Month" badge on his desk in one of the hundreds of cubicles that no doubt make up Audi product planning. This product planner invented a new segment for cars as early as 1996: the "Premium A", a segment that Audi has dominated ever since with its A3 model.

for three generations,audi a3It became the brand's go-to car for buyers who want the luxury of a German-built car without the high price tag. Of courseaudi a1It's smaller and more affordable, but its microcar size appeals to a smaller demographic, allowing the A3 to maintain its position as the volume seller for the business. And Australia hasn't been immune to the lure of affordable luxury, with the top three cars in the $40,000-plus subcompact category coming from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. In fact, the Audi A3 is the brand's best-selling model in Australia.

introduce theAudi A3 2017, supposedly a facelift from the previous generation, but also introducing a new entry-level model in an expanded lineup. The new Audi A3 range was unveiled to local media in Melbourne last week, and judging by first impressions, potential buyers are spoiled for choice.

With three body styles and three engine options to mix and match across the lineup, potential buyers have 10 variants to choose from. And leading the way is the new entry-level A3 1.0 TFSI Sportback, which will arrive in dealerships this week with elevated prices that could attract even more buyers to an already competitive segment.

Starting at just $35,900 plus road costs, the1,0 TFSIIt features Audi's first three-cylinder engine mated to a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque while consuming 4.8 l/100 km of fuel. As there is unfortunately only one car available for testing,car tipsunfortunately I couldn't get behind the wheel, but you can read our first impressions of the carinternational starts here.

With the 1.0 TFSI being as popular as the office lollipop (which it is), we settled for a bit of drive time on two higher-spec variants from the A3 range.

First we handle themA3 1.4 TFSI BACALAO Sportback, and our first impression was good. With a 1.4 turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 110 kW and 250 Nm between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm, the old two-cylinder A3 is a confident little car. In pursuit of efficiency, the four-cylinder engine shuts down the second and third cylinders under certain conditions, allowing it to get the job done with just two pots.

Basically, the Cylinder on Demand (COD) system deactivates both cylinders at torque loads up to 100Nm and at deceleration, as long as the engine speed is between 1400 and 4000rpm. This technology certainly helps the 1.4 TFSI to achieve the advertised fuel consumption of 5.0l/100km, although we did see a figure of 6.8l/100km during a fast drive on some of the most attractive roads in Yarra. Valley.

I tried to recognize how intrusive the COD system is and so tried to steer towards the parameters that would trigger the active cylinders to drop. There wasn't a noticeable difference in the slowdown experience, though I did notice a slight delay in acceleration when the two idle potentiometers came back up. But it is by no means a deal breaker.

The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the front wheels is completely new to this range, and Audi has designed the gear ratios to work more efficiently. Short, low range ratios will get the car up to third quickly, while higher ratios are longer and offer more oomph when acceleration is needed. The lower gears are ideal for city driving, as they keep revs low and fuel consumption is minimal.

If you like to work the gears while revving the engine, you can override the standard ratio setting using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters that are standard on this model.

Regardless of your driving style, the 1.4 TFSI sits confidently on the road and handles potholes and small potholes with ease. That the car calms down well after hitting potholes and rolling the body around turns, let's say, excited, it is noticeable, but it is acceptable. One minor complaint, however, is road noise in the cabin, especially with the 18-inch alloy wheels, sported by our tester. It's far from noisy, but it's a bit noisier than comparable models we've driven, and it does detract from the cabin ambiance a bit.

A shame, because the newly designed interior of the A3 series is a statement in terms of minimalism. From the uncluttered center console to the easily accessible instrument panel cleverly integrated into the dash, the interior offers an understated, premium feel. A simple rotary dial cycles through the infotainment functions and it's reasonably intuitive to use.

Plus, there's a sometimes frustrating feature where you can enter your navigation options, such as your destination, simply by typing your finger across the top of the dial, similar to a mouse pad. My first attempt at typing "Airport" ended with the A3's navigation system trying to send me to Airlie Beach. However, I suspect this has more to do with my pathetically inadequate handwriting, at best, than an inherent flaw in the system.

The seats in the A3 are good, if not amazing. Our test car featured leather seating, with a leather-trimmed Alcantara seat and back. They are comfortable with a decent attendance, although a lack of attendance was noted in some eager corners.

The Audi A3 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic starts at $39,900 plus road cost, though our test car came with Tango Red metallic paint (a $1,150 option) and the Styling Package ($2,400) including headlamps including lights LED taillights with dynamic turn signals (a clean evolution), 18-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and Titanium Gray-painted interior trim.

Our tester also touted the Technology Package ($2,900) which adds MMI plus navigation, Audi Virtual Cockpit, a flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel and paddle shifters, while the Audi sound system adds another $500 to the results. Step out of the Audi sound system and your music needs are taken care of via Bluetooth streaming via an eight-speaker MMI audio system or, if you still use those things, a CD player cleverly tucked away in the glove box.

Overall, the added options brought our test car to $46,850 plus highway, at which point buyers might want to consider the more powerful one.A3 2.0 TFSI quattroS tronic sedan, starting at $51,100 plus travel.

We tested the 2.0 TFSI sedan at Audi's Yarra Valley test track and found it to be just as attractive as its smaller 1.4-litre brother. This new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine replaces the previous 1.8-litre engine and offers more power and torque (140 kW and 320 Nm between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm) than its smaller A3/h equivalents with only 6.2 seconds. while consuming only 6.1 l/100 km of 98 RON fuel. We saw 7.7L/100km on our test track, which mixed urban and country driving.

The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox offers an engaging driving experience, especially when using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which allow you to extend the revs beyond the range of the slightly roaring 2.0-litre turbo. But even on its own, most of the time the S tronic transmission knew exactly what was being asked of it. During our time behind the wheel and navigating a twisty, hilly 10km route, it never left me wanting, instead offering the perfect ratio for each specific stretch of road. To be honest with myself, he probably knew better than I what equipment would work optimally.

With its sportier claim, the 2.0 TFSI offered a successful handling package without coming across as overzealous. The suspension (separate front and rear four-link spring/shock absorber), together with Audi's excellent permanent all-wheel drive system, once again offers the best of both worlds, remaining soft and supple on smoother urban roads, ensuring that the car keep its wheels steady. planted in our most dynamic rural circuit.

Road noise remained an issue, albeit a minor one, but again it was enough to spoil the ambiance of the beautifully designed cabin, which came with the S-Line Sport package (a $4,200 option).

In fact, our tester came with several option packages that brought the price up to $62,650 (plus highway). Our Tango Red metallic paint finish is a $1,150 option, while the Assist Package adds adaptive cruise control that includes Audi Pre-Sense, Active Lane Assist, Side Assist, High Beam Assist, and Hill Start Assist ($1,500). Gloss black exterior trim is $900, while matte brushed aluminum inlays on the interior are another $500. Again, the Audi sound system is an extra $500.

The S-Line Sport Package is the biggest option ticket for this reviewer and is worth every penny of its $4,200, S-Line exterior accents, S-Line Sport Interior Package, Alcantara/leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy sport suspension, and leather upholstery adds a flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters. Our test vehicle was also equipped with the technology package described above for another $2,900.

Audi offers a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty on the entire A3 range, with service intervals and costs varying from model to model. We will definitely explain this in detail as we go through the entire range.car tipsgarage in the coming weeks and months.

We scored a lot with the new A3 seriesAfter its international launch earlier this year and having tested part of the range in Australian conditions, I see no reason to adjust this rating. The A3 is a safe car that offers premium German quality and an immersive driving experience at a relatively affordable price. It's the segment leader in Australia and this new update should ensure it retains its place at the top of the pecking order.

And somewhere in Ingolstadt, an Audi product planner will look back with pride at the "Employee of the Month" badge in recognition of good work.

Close

Prueba Audi A3 2017

thumbnail

29 photos

(Video) Audi A3 e-tron long-term test review