Audi has refreshed its 2017 A3 range with a revised exterior design and some new extras including an updated engine line and extra trim.
The A3 maintains the same dimensions but it has undergone some notable visual changes. The headlamps have been slimmed down and designed to match the ones found on the current A4 while the grille now makes use of a single frame with more frequent and sharper contours to give it a broader and longer visage. Changes to the rear include a simplified taillamp cluster and a redesigned diffuser.
Audi’s virtual cockpit will be available in the A3 as an option and updates have been made to the infotainment system found on the 7-inch screen. For those who will find themselves in traffic on a frequent basis, the traffic-jam assist option, working through the adaptive cruise control, is also available.
New to the range is the 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (replacing the 1,8-litre powertrain) which produces 140 kW and 320 N.m of torque. Audi’s 1,0-litre and enhanced 1,4-litre engines have also been added. The diesel engines remain the same in the A3 but they have both been provided with a bit more power.
In addition to this, the S Tronic transmission will now make use of a wet clutch to deliver power to the front wheels (quattro for the 2,0-litre model). The A3 gains some revisions to the suspension, a new wheel design and the Matrix LED headlamps which will be fitted as standard equipment.
The Audi S3 also makes use of a few enhancements. The high performance hatch sees a power increase bringing its total output to 228 kW and 380 N.m of torque. No performance figures from this increase have been mentioned.
Expect the facelifted A3 range to make its way to South Africa this November. Pricing will be revealed closer to that date.
