Benchmark redefined

Never a company to rest on its laurels, Audi has applied a comprehensive upgrade to its A3 and S3 range, its 2017 line-up showered with a remarkable list of improvements intended to position the compact affordable luxury car at the top of the hit parade with local buyers once again.

The A3/S3 recharge – which embraces the Sedan, Sportback and Cabriolet models – includes one new fuel-thrifty turbo petrol engine (and most likely a second), a smooth all-new seven-speed twin-clutch S tronic transmission and an almost overwhelming array of spectacular technology, all packaged in a sportier, more expressive new look.

How does Audi make its most popular seller even more desirable?

One obvious change is the introduction to the A3 of a rationalised engine line-up headed by a powerful new turbocharged petrol 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder producing a more-than-generous 140kW and 320Nm, to supersede the outgoing 1.8 TFSI. Seen first in the bigger A4 range, this four-cylinder has been rejigged in a first-time transverse application in the A3. The new 2.0-litre TFSI and S tronic will be available to Australian buyers in both front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive forms. Either way, the drivetrain is a seducer with its absence of any turbo lag and enthusiastic perkiness.

The A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI has the traits we love – delightful throttle reaction, easy torque that comes on strong at lowish revs, and an ability to slip easily into highway cruise mode, where the S tronic transmission usefully shifts into higher gears to save fuel. Punch the throttle though, and it reacts instantly, dropping into more appropriate lower gears and accelerating hard.

It’s fair to say that with the 2.0 TFSI, the A3 has evolved towards a more sporty on-road character, still with excellent ride compliance. Confirming its performance credentials, the A3 Sportback with 2.0 TFSI and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox whips from standstill to 100 km/h in a very swift 6.8seconds.

The 2.0-litre TFSI’s fuel thriftiness (5.6 litres per 100km) and glorious-low-down throttle response is such that Audi Australia has decided to delete the 1.6 and 2.0 turbodiesel choices from the A3 catalogue (although the 1.6 TDI may be purchased by special order). 

Under serious consideration for Australia too is a turbocharged three-cylinder variant of the A3, which would become the new entry-level model, replacing the present 1.4-litre TFSI. The 1.4-litre FFSI COD (cylinder on demand) version would remain.  

Australian owners of the smaller A1 Sportback are already familiar with the 1.0-litre TFSI. Upgraded to 85kW and 200Nm for the A3, and hooked up to the seven-speed S tronic, it does the regulation 0-100km/h burst in under 10 secs and is of course disarmingly thrifty (4.7L/100km). In Germany during a drive at walking speeds around a small village, the 1.0-litre A3 proved surprisingly responsive. Then the no-limit autobahns proved irresistible and soon we were cruising comfortably at 160km/h in the fast lane with the big boys.

The plug-in 150kW A3 e-tron 1.4 hybrid Sportback is also improved, with LED daytime running lights and new e-tron specific gauges in the driver information system.  

The in-demand performance 2.0-litre TFSI S3 quattro sedan, Sportback and Cabriolet have been tickled too with a power hike to 213kW, new seven-speed S tronic with freewheeling function (or six-speed manual) , tauter S sport suspension with matched 18-inch tyres.  There is also an S3-specific control system for the stability system and multiplate clutch.

Previous A3 cabin trim terminology has been consigned to history, replaced by two new grades called Design and Sport. The more exclusive S Line level continues.

The cabin, very spacious for a car of this segment, is a welcoming place to travel with cloth and leather-look trim of the quality expected of Audi. Confirmed standard gear for Australia includes multi-function steering wheel, sports seats, dual-zone air conditioning, Bluetooth with voice control, drive select, cruise control, and parking system plus, with rear camera.

Unsurprisingly, infotainment technologies are hugely important to the A3 target market. Again, this 2017 upgrade meets and sometimes exceeds the want list, with the MMI (multi-media interface) navigation bringing many desirable functions into the car. 

The MMI rotary push-button control has been redesigned for easier access into and through the newly designed menu structure. There’s a touchpad to enter characters and for multi-finger gestures, and enhanced voice control for navigation, radio, media and phone. An electrically extending 7-inch MMI monitor is standard.

The dominant 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is now available optionally in the smaller range where it dazzles again with its clarity, and, via the ‘view’ button, the ease of prioritising, the most important driving-relevant info to the screen. 

Smart phones – Apple and Android – can be integrated into the A3 via the Audi interface and a USB slot. Another option, the Audi phone box in the centre armrest offers wireless charging.

Audi also offers a comprehensive range of driver-safety technology either as options or standard in Australian A3s/S3s.

Pioneering features now available include emergency assist, Audi pre-sense front and traffic assist rear. Audi has also optimised existing systems – park assist, active lane assist, side assist, and adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go.

The 2017 A3 comes with standard 17-inch alloy wheels and the tyre offering has also been modified to enhance performance and reduce rolling resistance for better fuel economy. Visually, a new sharper contoured, wider grille and now standard xenon headlights give a bolder look. Optional LED headlights and for the first time, Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals and cornering lights are also offered. The rear lights have been redesigned too.

Prices and final equipment levels won’t be announced until closer to the fourth-quarter 2016 launch date.