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2017 Audi A3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Audi A3 gets a mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. Its biggest change is a sharper front end, backed by a new front-wheel-drive gas powertrain and standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
About the 2017 Audi A3
3rd generation A3 (8V, U.S. 2015-2020 sedan/cabriolet; Sportback e-tron sold alongside it), mid-cycle refresh year.
Audi positions the A3 as a small luxury car that gives drivers the look, cabin finish, and road feel of a larger Audi in an easier-to-park size. The core appeal is upscale interior design, crisp styling, and a tidy, athletic driving character without moving up to an A4. The family widens that formula with a Cabriolet for open-air driving and the Sportback e-tron for hatchback usefulness plus plug-in efficiency.
The Premium trim is the straightforward small-luxury version, with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, and automatic emergency braking. Premium Plus adds daily-use comforts such as heated front seats, keyless entry, and parking sensors. Prestige is the technology-focused model, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Bang & Olufsen audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Front-wheel-drive gas models replace the 1.8-liter turbo and six-speed dual-clutch automatic with a 2.0-liter turbo and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. All-wheel-drive gas and plug-in hybrid hardware carry over, while the TDI diesel trims leave the lineup.
Styling
A new grille, reshaped headlights, revised front-end details, and updated LED lighting signatures give the A3 a sharper look.
Safety
Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and the pre-collision occupant-protection system become standard across the A3 family.
Tech
Newer digital instrument-cluster and infotainment features arrive mainly on upper trims or through option packages. Gas Premium Plus models gain standard smartphone integration, while Prestige gains standard automatic high beams.
2017 Audi A3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.4T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.4T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 1.4T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd S tronic / Auto, 7-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S tronic / Auto, 7-Spd S Tronic | Auto, 6-Spd S tronic / Auto, 7-Spd S Tronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Plug-In Hybrid / Gas | Plug-In Hybrid / Gas | Plug-In Hybrid / Gas |
| MPG City | 22–24 mpg | 22–24 mpg | 22–24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30–31 mpg | 30–31 mpg | 30–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 204–220 hp | 204–220 hp | 204–220 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3300 lb | 3300 lb | 3300 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9.9–13.6 cu-ft | 9.9–13.6 cu-ft | 9.9–13.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.9–35.4 in | 31.9–35.4 in | 31.9–35.4 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Electric Range | 16 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 16 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 16 (Plug-In Hybrid) |
| MPGe Combined | 83 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 83 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 83 (Plug-In Hybrid) |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| SD Card Slot | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Audi A3 a full redesign?
No. The 2017 Audi A3 is a mid-cycle update of the existing generation, with refreshed front styling, revised equipment, and powertrain changes rather than a new platform or body structure.
What changed from the 2016 Audi A3 to the 2017 model?
The 2017 A3 gets a sharper front end, standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and newer cabin technology. Front-wheel-drive gas models also move from a 1.8-liter turbo and six-speed automatic to a 2.0-liter turbo and seven-speed automatic.
Does every 2017 Audi A3 have automatic emergency braking?
Yes. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking became standard across the 2017 A3 family.
Was a diesel Audi A3 offered for 2017?
No. The TDI diesel trims were dropped for the 2017 model year.
Which 2017 Audi A3 trim has the most driver-assistance features?
Prestige is the most driver-assistance-focused 2017 A3 trim. It has adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
2017 Audi A3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Audi A3.
4.1
2017 Audi A3
(298 reviews)
“great car, super fun to drive. Electric driving only great if you have mostly drive locally for short distances. Expect higher costs for servicing.”
“Audi offers an amazing driving experience. Compared to other automobiles, you can feel the road, then react to it, Audi vehicles act as a liaison between you and the road.”