2017 Audi A3 and S3 facelift revealed

Audi’s A3 range served as the stepping stone for those exploring the brand for the very first time. Currently in its first generation as a sedan alongside the third-generation hatchback, Audi has revealed the newly-facelifted versions of the 2017 A3.

The front flaunts a revised grill flanked by the remodelled Xenon headlights. At the rear, a new diffuser is added along with slight changes to the tail lamps. The colour options are widened and Audi’s LED Matrix headlights are included as an option.

On the safety front, a Traffic Jam Assist system, which automatically drives the car up to 64 km/hr, takes the limelight. It also has pre-collision restraint prep, simulated torque vectoring on the front wheels via ABS, and other safety systems like the blind-spot monitor etc.

The interior is mostly the same as the previous model. Audi has included a new 3-spoke electromechanical steering wheel and a 12.3-inch TFT display for Audi’s Virtual Cockpit System.

The engine list is also expanded with the addition of a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol with 115 hp and 200 Nm of torque. The other options include a turbocharged 1.4-litre with 150 hp and 250 Nm, a turbocharged 2.0-litre with 190 hp and 320 Nm, and two diesels with 150 hp and 184 hp.

If going green is your thing, the A3 sportback e-Tron plug-in hybrid is on offer as well. The 1.4 TFSI motor is coupled with an electric motor and an 8.8 kWh Lithium-ion  battery in the e-Tron to churn out a combined output of 204 hp.

The performance model S3 will come with a turbocharged 2.0-litre motor capable of 310 hp and 400 Nm of torque.

The 2017 A3 facelift will go on sale in Germany from the next month. Expect it to come to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other GCC markets before the end of the year.