The 2017 Audi A3 Premium Sedan represents a pivotal moment for the brand, bringing the iconic three-ring badge into the mainstream compact luxury segment. This model year solidified the sedan's position as a sophisticated and engaging alternative to traditional family cars, offering a blend of refined performance, cutting-edge technology, and meticulous German engineering. Its arrival signaled Audi's commitment to making the brand's core design language and driving dynamics accessible to a wider audience without compromising on quality or luxury.
Design and Exterior Sophistication
Visually, the 2017 A3 Sedan commands attention with its unmistakable Singleframe grille, a signature Audi design element that gives the car an immediate and assertive presence. The sleek, flowing lines of the bodywork transition gracefully into sharp LED headlights, creating a modern and athletic stance that suggests both elegance and agility. Available in a palette of sophisticated colors, from classic solid finishes to more dramatic metallic and special edition hues, the sedan allows for personalization while maintaining its refined aesthetic. The premium sedan configuration typically includes larger alloy wheels and enhanced trim pieces, setting it apart from the base models and emphasizing its elevated status within the lineup.
Refined and Comfortable Interior
Step inside, and the 2017 Audi A3 Sedan Premium welcomes you with an atmosphere of understated luxury. The cabin is a masterclass in minimalist design, centered around the iconic Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard. This customizable display provides crystal-clear graphics for the instrument cluster, navigation, and media functions, offering a futuristic and highly legible user experience. Premium materials, such as supple leather upholstery, brushed aluminum accents, and meticulously finished plastics, are used throughout the interior, creating a tactile and visually appealing environment that feels both modern and welcoming.
Spacious Cabin and Practicality
Despite its compact exterior, the A3 Sedan offers a surprisingly generous and well-appointed cabin. The supportive front seats provide excellent comfort for long drives, while the rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom for passengers, making it a genuinely practical choice for small families or professionals who frequently carry colleagues. The trunk space is equally impressive, offering a generous 13.2 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats. This space can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats, providing flexibility for everything from weekly grocery runs to weekend getaways with luggage.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the 2017 A3 Premium Sedan is typically powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provides more than enough power for confident highway merging and spirited back-road driving, all while maintaining respectable fuel efficiency for daily commuting. The standard front-wheel-drive system is complemented by Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system as an available option, providing exceptional traction and control in various weather conditions. The chassis tuning strikes a near-perfect balance between comfort and handling, absorbing road imperfections smoothly while still offering precise and communicative steering that makes every drive engaging.
Technology and Infotainment
Audi's commitment to innovation is evident in the 2017 A3 Sedan's technology package. The centerpiece is the MMI infotainment system, which features a responsive touch-screen display that controls navigation, audio, climate control, and vehicle settings. The system integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for seamless smartphone connectivity and access to a vast array of apps directly through the car's interface. Advanced safety features are also prominent, including available blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a comprehensive parking sensor system, providing drivers with confidence and peace of mind in tight parking situations.
