2017 Audi A3 Pros vs Cons

Drivers in the market for a luxury compact vehicle would be well served to check out the 2017 Audi A3. It is quick and fun to drive, as well as loaded with great features. It looks great, even at its base standard model, and it is surprisingly affordable. There are a host of great reasons to explore the Audi A3, but the vehicle also has a few drawbacks that could give drivers pause.

What’s New For 2017

For 2017, Audi has given the A3 a number of great upgrades. Its looks have been spruced up, and its engine options simplified. It also has a new, seven-speed transmission and some new high-tech features. A forward collision mitigation system is now standard, making the A3 safer than ever before.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2017 Audi A3 – The Pros

1. Luxury Interior

The 2017 Audi A3 has a large interior, especially for such a small car. It also packs far more luxury into its cabin than drivers have come to expect in an entry-level compact vehicle. Its seats are soft and comfortable, and it is engineered with quality materials and has a high-quality fit and finish. The dash is clear and well laid-out, and its center console is attractive and easy to use. While tall adults may find the rear seats a bit small when it comes to headroom, its roof is still higher than most others compacts, and smaller adults and children will be able to sit without complaint.

2. Stylish, Upscale Exterior

The 2017 Audi A3 comes in two attractive body styles. The four-door compact sedan has smooth lines and a low, aggressive front end, with a sporty roofline and rear-end. The two-door convertible is even nicer looking, with a power-folding fabric roof that looks good up and great when it is down. Entry-level compacts are not typically known for their looks, but the Audi A3 is a gorgeous automobile.

3. Tight, Nimble Handling

The 2017 Audi A3 is a pleasure to drive. Its suspension handles tight corners without a problem, whether going slow or at top speed. Its steering it tight and responsive, and the driver feels in complete control at all times. The A3 handles like a sports car, rather than a functional entry-level compact.

4. Great Ride

The 2017 Audi A3’s great handling does not come at the expense of ride quality. The A3 is comfortable even over rough roads, and it remains level even in tight turns. Combined with its comfortable seats, the A3’s occupants will be able to ride in comfort, even on the longest drives.

5. Quick, Responsive Engine

The 2017 Audi A3 has only one available engine, but it is a great one. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine comes equipped with a turbocharger and puts out a solid 186 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. If drivers opt for the all-wheel drive transmission option, the same engine is tuned up 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While those numbers don’t necessarily catch the eye, in a compact vehicle like the A3 they translate to a quick, nimble automobile the accelerates quickly both from a stop and at speed.

6. Optional Quattro All-Wheel Drive

Over the years, Audi has become known for its ‘Quattro’ all-wheel drive system. The A3 can be equipped with this all-wheel drive, and when it is, drivers will notice the difference. Stability and traction become excellent, and acceleration is noticeably boosted. Tire spin is minimized, and it makes the 2017 Audi A3 even more fun to drive.

7. Safety

The 2017 Audi A3 comes standard with great features like traction control and stability control, as well as strong antilock brakes and a full set of airbags. Optional features like lane departure warnings and blind spot monitoring make the A3 even safer. The A3 received a full five stars in government crash tests, so drivers can rest easy knowing they, and their passengers, are protected.

8. Tons of Great Options

The 2017 Audi A3 comes standard with an array of great equipment. On top of this, it has some great options that drivers can choose from to fit their needs. The Premium Plus and Prestige trim packages each add more luxury and high-tech features, from automatic xenon headlights in the Premium Plus package to a full navigation system with Google Earth in the Prestige package. Additional Convenience and Sport packages can add even more onto the A3.

9. Great Fuel Economy

The 2017 Audi A3 gets great gas mileage. The sedan gets a combined 29 miles per gallon with its front wheel drive transmission and 25 miles per gallon with all-wheel drive. Both of these numbers are among the best in the luxury compact car class.

10. Luxury Quality at an Entry Level Price

The 2017 A3 has many of the luxury touches that more expensive Audi’s like the A7 and S6 have become known for, and the A3 delivers them at an entry level price. This vehicle gives more drivers than ever the opportunity to experience Audi quality.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2017 Audi A3 – The Cons

1. Road Noise

While the 2017 Audi A3 rides comfortable over uneven roads, the cabin can get a bit loud going over these surface. It is not always noticeable, but when it is, it can be distracting.

2. Back Seat on the Small Side

As the 2017 A3 is a compact vehicle, seating space is expected to be tight. While its front seats have plenty of room, the rear row can be a tight fit for tall passengers, and they can become uncomfortable on longer rides.

How it stacks up to the competition:

Among other entry-level luxury compacts, the Audi A3 faces some tough competition. The BMW 2-Series might be the A3’s closest comparison, as it has similar levels of refinement and performance. The 2-Series out-performs the A3 on the track, but it does so with a higher price tag. The Acura ILX is another similar vehicle, but is heavier than the A3 and has poor handling, making the A3 a much better choice.

Conclusion

The 2017 Audi A3 is a great entry-level luxury auto that delivers a ton for the price. Drivers looking for a luxury feel at an affordable cost should check out the A3, as it is a great choice.