Audi is relying heavily these days on their superb 2.0 liter TFSI engine to carry some of the weight of their environmental responsibilities without compromising the power and performance their customers have gotten used to. So after putting this engine in the latest Q7 SUV, they have now announced the launch of a new version of the 2017 Audi A3 with the unit.
Mind you, in the 2017 Audi A3 you don’t get the most powerful incarnation of the TFSI four-banger as it’s tuned at 186 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Still, that’s a good amount of oomph for a small sedan and provides satisfying performance with a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. More importantly, the engine features a combustion method with shorter compression and longer expansion phases to enhance fuel efficiency which stands at an EPA-estimated 29-mpg combined.
So unless you are complete speed freak there really is no need to spend more on the high performance RS3. The TFSI-powered Audi A3 should deliver all the day to day performance you require. The car comes as standard with a new seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission with front-wheel drive, and boasts features such as leather seating surfaces, panoramic sunroof on the sedan, dual-zone automatic climate control, xenon plus front lighting with LED daytime running headlights and LED taillights.
As for the pricing, the A3 Sedan with front-wheel-drive and low-output TFSI starts at $31,200 for the Premium model, $34,450 for the Premium Plus, and $40,150 for the Prestige trim. AWD is available with the higher output 2.0 liter models in conjunction with the six-speed S tronic DSG.