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2017 Audi A3 range (8V Facelift)
- Thread starter FiestaST
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
DRIVEN: 2017 Audi S3 Sedan
Modern life. So many things to see and do, but so little time. When Audi's latest sedan, the updated S3, arrived on test, I was glad to nip out of the office if only to beat the pesky Cape Town traffic.
Here are takeaways from a few days I had with the rapid compact sedan.
What's new on the S3?
In late 2016, Audi gave its A3 range a minor style updated comprising of: new head- and tail lights, a new bonnet, integrated front bumper with a redesigned singleframe grille and a new contoured rear diffuser.
The S3's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine now produces 228kW/400Nm that's an increase of 18kW/20Nm.
Four-wheel drive or 'Quattro', as the Ingolstadt-based firm calls it, is standard fare.
Audi says the sedan will makes its way from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds and after driving it I can well imagine it is capable of achieving that figure.
It uses a revised seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that offers rapid shifts, our test unit was equipped with paddle-shifts to give drivers that 'racecar' feel.
Talking about 'feel', the S3 is fitted with electrically operated progressive steering system as standard. Audi says this special steering rack yields different gear ratios depending on the steering angle, reducing driver input on tight bends.
Does its extra power make a difference?
The S3 feels rapid but you're swathed in leather and a cabin that's tight as a drum, and this means its speed can feel artificial.
The gearbox does a truly understanding job, when switching between four driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Auto and Dynamic) it offers tangible differences in the manner gears are swapped.
The biggest plus for the S3, for non-racing drivers, is the fact that it's so rewarding. You can drive it to eight-tenths and know that you'll go further. The grip levels are fantastic but you won't want to push it further and that's not a bad thing.
It's a car that eats up the kilometres, but not one that will excite the pants off you.
Dynamic mode tightens the steering rack, but don't for a second think you'll get the same feedback from something like a Honda Civic Type R.
The S3 is a brute but underneath you know it has a science degree. It's not the type of car that performs MMA or gets involved in Long street brawls.
Does it deserve to succeed?
Absolutely, it offers fantastic package in a (smallish) business suit. Let's be real, everyday drivers don't need to be driving the sharpest tool in the shed.
They want something that feels quick (tick), looks good (tick), sounds good (tick) and gives the driver a sense of adaptability (tick).
Getting to eight-tenths in the S3 is suffice. Why would you want more? Don't be a hero. Calm down and realise this is more car than you could need for our roads and you'll enjoy, in fact you may love it.
There's one problem, the 300kW RS3 sedan arrives before the end of the year. Decisions.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/driven-2017-audi-s3-sedan-20170331
Modern life. So many things to see and do, but so little time. When Audi's latest sedan, the updated S3, arrived on test, I was glad to nip out of the office if only to beat the pesky Cape Town traffic.
Here are takeaways from a few days I had with the rapid compact sedan.
What's new on the S3?
In late 2016, Audi gave its A3 range a minor style updated comprising of: new head- and tail lights, a new bonnet, integrated front bumper with a redesigned singleframe grille and a new contoured rear diffuser.
The S3's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine now produces 228kW/400Nm that's an increase of 18kW/20Nm.
Four-wheel drive or 'Quattro', as the Ingolstadt-based firm calls it, is standard fare.
Audi says the sedan will makes its way from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds and after driving it I can well imagine it is capable of achieving that figure.
It uses a revised seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that offers rapid shifts, our test unit was equipped with paddle-shifts to give drivers that 'racecar' feel.
Talking about 'feel', the S3 is fitted with electrically operated progressive steering system as standard. Audi says this special steering rack yields different gear ratios depending on the steering angle, reducing driver input on tight bends.
Does its extra power make a difference?
The S3 feels rapid but you're swathed in leather and a cabin that's tight as a drum, and this means its speed can feel artificial.
The gearbox does a truly understanding job, when switching between four driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Auto and Dynamic) it offers tangible differences in the manner gears are swapped.
The biggest plus for the S3, for non-racing drivers, is the fact that it's so rewarding. You can drive it to eight-tenths and know that you'll go further. The grip levels are fantastic but you won't want to push it further and that's not a bad thing.
It's a car that eats up the kilometres, but not one that will excite the pants off you.
Dynamic mode tightens the steering rack, but don't for a second think you'll get the same feedback from something like a Honda Civic Type R.
The S3 is a brute but underneath you know it has a science degree. It's not the type of car that performs MMA or gets involved in Long street brawls.
Does it deserve to succeed?
Absolutely, it offers fantastic package in a (smallish) business suit. Let's be real, everyday drivers don't need to be driving the sharpest tool in the shed.
They want something that feels quick (tick), looks good (tick), sounds good (tick) and gives the driver a sense of adaptability (tick).
Getting to eight-tenths in the S3 is suffice. Why would you want more? Don't be a hero. Calm down and realise this is more car than you could need for our roads and you'll enjoy, in fact you may love it.
There's one problem, the 300kW RS3 sedan arrives before the end of the year. Decisions.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/driven-2017-audi-s3-sedan-20170331
FiestaST
Honorary Master
[video=youtube_share;GchkqnmRfvU]https://youtu.be/GchkqnmRfvU[/video]
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Last edited:
chopsky
Expert Member
Wrong thread? :-D
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Lol...Thanks...Sorted now
FiestaST
Honorary Master
[video=youtube_share;JKtMbVhjLck]https://youtu.be/JKtMbVhjLck[/video]
chopsky
Expert Member
Peugeot's i-Cockpit is super gorgeous:
[video=youtube;bqZk3ZXmSME]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqZk3ZXmSME[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
ABT reveals 294 kW package for the Audi S3 Cabriolet
The Audi RS3 will soon be available in both hatch and sedan form, but there is still no sign of an open-top variant. German tuner ABT has decided to fill this gap by taking the current S3 and massaging its turbocharged 2,0-litre engine.
By implementing a custom control unit and a “sport catalyst with metal cells”, ABT has pushed peak outputs to 294 kW and 500 N.m of torque, which translates to claimed a 0-100 km/h time of 4,6 seconds (admittedly far slower than the new RS3’s claimed time of 3,7 seconds).
A 272 kW version is also available for those who want a slightly less thrilling experience, and this model doesn’t employ the fancy catalyst. There’s no 0-100 km/h time for this milder conversion, but top speed for both models comes in at 265 km/h.
The ABT S3 Cabriolet also boasts a custom anti-roll bar for the front and rear axles, while the air intakes on the front fender have increased in size. A bespoke set of alloy wheels also helps to create a more purposeful stance.
ABT hasn’t listed a price for the package, but it does come with a two-year/100 000 km warranty (eligible for the European market only).
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/abt-builds-294-kw-package-for-the-audi-s3-cabriolet/
The Audi RS3 will soon be available in both hatch and sedan form, but there is still no sign of an open-top variant. German tuner ABT has decided to fill this gap by taking the current S3 and massaging its turbocharged 2,0-litre engine.
By implementing a custom control unit and a “sport catalyst with metal cells”, ABT has pushed peak outputs to 294 kW and 500 N.m of torque, which translates to claimed a 0-100 km/h time of 4,6 seconds (admittedly far slower than the new RS3’s claimed time of 3,7 seconds).
A 272 kW version is also available for those who want a slightly less thrilling experience, and this model doesn’t employ the fancy catalyst. There’s no 0-100 km/h time for this milder conversion, but top speed for both models comes in at 265 km/h.
The ABT S3 Cabriolet also boasts a custom anti-roll bar for the front and rear axles, while the air intakes on the front fender have increased in size. A bespoke set of alloy wheels also helps to create a more purposeful stance.
ABT hasn’t listed a price for the package, but it does come with a two-year/100 000 km warranty (eligible for the European market only).
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/abt-builds-294-kw-package-for-the-audi-s3-cabriolet/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
my word, what a boring review
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Lol...My work buddy knows that bloke. He used to speak even slower!
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi boss backs gas-powered cars
Compressed natural gas has many advantages as a fuel for cars, says Audi’s chief
Audi boss Rupert Stadler has added his voice to the defence of diesel as a road car fuel — but also urged rule makers to give more consideration to cars powered by natural gas.
Talking in response to growing governmental, legislative and academic pressure to restrict and even ban diesel use, especially in built-up areas, Stadler said: “Diesel is a key technology yet the value of it as a fuel is no longer recognised.
“I’d prefer to see its value through the eyes of the customer, who gets good torque, range and fuel consumption. These values should be respected, especially when we know that, for the next 10-15 years, 70-80% of the market will be diesel, petrol or mild hybrid. Even the most positive expectation is 30% pure electric.
“We are investing heavily in battery technology, but we should never forget that most mileage will be covered for a long time by vehicles with internal combustion engines. We need to have the best options for those, and restricting choice will not help.”
In some markets, Audi sells gas-powered cars under the g-tron banner, with the A3 g-tron leading sales and costing just over £21,000. It is powered by CNG (compressed natural gas) and so-called Audi e-gas, which is produced via a low-CO2 system that uses a process of electrolysis and methanation to split oxygen and hydrogen before using CO2 to produce synthetic methane. However, the cars have proved to be relatively slow sellers to date.
“I’m a big supporter of CNG,” said Stadler. “It’s very clean, can be stored everywhere, you get a long range and you can refuel in two to three minutes. The trouble is it has an image problem, but I’m convinced of its advantages. The strategy is right, but we need industrial partners to make it work on a wider level.”
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/audi-boss-backs-gas-powered-cars
Compressed natural gas has many advantages as a fuel for cars, says Audi’s chief
Audi boss Rupert Stadler has added his voice to the defence of diesel as a road car fuel — but also urged rule makers to give more consideration to cars powered by natural gas.
Talking in response to growing governmental, legislative and academic pressure to restrict and even ban diesel use, especially in built-up areas, Stadler said: “Diesel is a key technology yet the value of it as a fuel is no longer recognised.
“I’d prefer to see its value through the eyes of the customer, who gets good torque, range and fuel consumption. These values should be respected, especially when we know that, for the next 10-15 years, 70-80% of the market will be diesel, petrol or mild hybrid. Even the most positive expectation is 30% pure electric.
“We are investing heavily in battery technology, but we should never forget that most mileage will be covered for a long time by vehicles with internal combustion engines. We need to have the best options for those, and restricting choice will not help.”
In some markets, Audi sells gas-powered cars under the g-tron banner, with the A3 g-tron leading sales and costing just over £21,000. It is powered by CNG (compressed natural gas) and so-called Audi e-gas, which is produced via a low-CO2 system that uses a process of electrolysis and methanation to split oxygen and hydrogen before using CO2 to produce synthetic methane. However, the cars have proved to be relatively slow sellers to date.
“I’m a big supporter of CNG,” said Stadler. “It’s very clean, can be stored everywhere, you get a long range and you can refuel in two to three minutes. The trouble is it has an image problem, but I’m convinced of its advantages. The strategy is right, but we need industrial partners to make it work on a wider level.”
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/audi-boss-backs-gas-powered-cars
FiestaST
Honorary Master
[video=youtube_share;88NKuAaVsqs]https://youtu.be/88NKuAaVsqs[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
[video=youtube;DQeC1-bHbjg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQeC1-bHbjg[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi A3 liftback to replace three-door hatchback in next generation
Three-door hatchback version of the A3 to be dropped when 2019 model arrives; five-door liftback variant is under consideration for 2021
The Audi A3 line-up looks to be getting a revamp when the fourth-generation model arrives in 2019.
Reacting to dwindling demand for the three-door hatchback version of the A3, Audi officials have indicated to Autocar that this will likely be dropped as part of a model consolidation programme instigated as part of the cost-cutting initiatives in the wake of the Volkswagen Group’s Dieselgate emissions cheating scandal.
This will leave the successor to today’s five-door A3 Sportback as the only traditional hatchback model in the new line-up, according to Audi sources.
Joining the five-door hatchback version of the A3 from 2020 will be a new version of the of the popular four-door A3 Saloon, which will grow slightly in order to provide it with improved rear leg room and boot space.
Although not yet confirmed for production, Audi has also initiated development of a third A3 variant for sale from 2021 in the form of a five-door liftback, which could take over the A3 Sportback name.
With Mercedes-Benz having already announced it will introduce a new A-Class Saloon as well as successor models to today’s CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, and with word that BMW is set to take its currently China-only 1 Series Saloon into global markets in 2020, senior Audi officials are said to be pushing hard for the liftback model, which has been conceived as a more sporting alternative to the A3 Saloon in the same way as today's A5 Sportback is positioned against the A4.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...-replace-three-door-hatchback-next-generation
Three-door hatchback version of the A3 to be dropped when 2019 model arrives; five-door liftback variant is under consideration for 2021
The Audi A3 line-up looks to be getting a revamp when the fourth-generation model arrives in 2019.
Reacting to dwindling demand for the three-door hatchback version of the A3, Audi officials have indicated to Autocar that this will likely be dropped as part of a model consolidation programme instigated as part of the cost-cutting initiatives in the wake of the Volkswagen Group’s Dieselgate emissions cheating scandal.
This will leave the successor to today’s five-door A3 Sportback as the only traditional hatchback model in the new line-up, according to Audi sources.
Joining the five-door hatchback version of the A3 from 2020 will be a new version of the of the popular four-door A3 Saloon, which will grow slightly in order to provide it with improved rear leg room and boot space.
Although not yet confirmed for production, Audi has also initiated development of a third A3 variant for sale from 2021 in the form of a five-door liftback, which could take over the A3 Sportback name.
With Mercedes-Benz having already announced it will introduce a new A-Class Saloon as well as successor models to today’s CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, and with word that BMW is set to take its currently China-only 1 Series Saloon into global markets in 2020, senior Audi officials are said to be pushing hard for the liftback model, which has been conceived as a more sporting alternative to the A3 Saloon in the same way as today's A5 Sportback is positioned against the A4.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...-replace-three-door-hatchback-next-generation
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Audi to axe three-door A3 but add new body style?
More than a year ago, a report out of Germany suggested that Audi would kill off the slow-selling three-door variant of its A3 in the line-up’s next generation. And now a fresh report from the United Kingdom backs up these claims, but adds the news that a new “liftback” body style may well replace the three-door derivative.
According to Autocar, the A3 range will be significantly rejigged for its fourth generation, which is due to launch in 2019.
The British publication says Audi officials have indicated that the three-door hatchback will be culled (due to “dwindling demand”) as part of a consolidation programme designed to cut costs associated with the wide-ranging diesel emissions scandal.
The report said that the five-door A3 Sportback and four-door A3 sedan would live on, but added that the Ingolstadt automaker was furthermore in the process of developing a third A3 variant, which would likely arrive in 2021.
This new derivative, Autocar said, would take the form of a five-door liftback, positioned as a “more sporting alternative” to the A3 sedan (essentially as the A5 Sportback is to the A4 sedan).
The liftback model is apparently being considered in response to Mercedes-Benz’s decision to expand its upcoming compact vehicle range, which will include a new A-Class sedan and a fresh take on the CLA.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/audi-to-axe-three-door-a3-but-add-new-body-style/
More than a year ago, a report out of Germany suggested that Audi would kill off the slow-selling three-door variant of its A3 in the line-up’s next generation. And now a fresh report from the United Kingdom backs up these claims, but adds the news that a new “liftback” body style may well replace the three-door derivative.
According to Autocar, the A3 range will be significantly rejigged for its fourth generation, which is due to launch in 2019.
The British publication says Audi officials have indicated that the three-door hatchback will be culled (due to “dwindling demand”) as part of a consolidation programme designed to cut costs associated with the wide-ranging diesel emissions scandal.
The report said that the five-door A3 Sportback and four-door A3 sedan would live on, but added that the Ingolstadt automaker was furthermore in the process of developing a third A3 variant, which would likely arrive in 2021.
This new derivative, Autocar said, would take the form of a five-door liftback, positioned as a “more sporting alternative” to the A3 sedan (essentially as the A5 Sportback is to the A4 sedan).
The liftback model is apparently being considered in response to Mercedes-Benz’s decision to expand its upcoming compact vehicle range, which will include a new A-Class sedan and a fresh take on the CLA.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/audi-to-axe-three-door-a3-but-add-new-body-style/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
This car boasts the ‘best seats’ of 2017, says JD Power
The seats in the Audi A3 came out tops in the 2017 JD Power study.
The results of the JD Power 2017 Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study are in … and they suggest that the Audi A3 boasts the best seats in the business.
The study, which JD Power says provides automotive manufacturers and suppliers with “quality and satisfaction information” related to seating systems, takes place in the United States.
More than 77 000 new-vehicle owners were asked to rate the quality of their vehicle’s seats and seat belts with respect to whether they have experienced defects, malfunctions or design problems during the first 90 days of ownership.
And the seats in the A3, which are supplied to the Ingolstadt automaker by Magna International, returned a perfect score, with owners expressing zero problems per 100 cars sold.
Second place went to the Porsche Cayenne (which uses seats supplied by Adient), with buyers reporting 0,8 problems per 100 vehicles, while the BMW X4 grabbed the final spot on the podium, with its Lear-supplied seats registering a PP100 score of 2,0.
The study revealed that the most common seat problems reported by owners were blue-dye transfer, cracking or peeling (of leather and vinyl seats) and squeaks and rattles.
Check out the graphics below to see the top three performers in each of the seven featured segments…
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/this-car-boasts-the-best-seats-of-2017-says-jd-power/
The seats in the Audi A3 came out tops in the 2017 JD Power study.
The results of the JD Power 2017 Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study are in … and they suggest that the Audi A3 boasts the best seats in the business.
The study, which JD Power says provides automotive manufacturers and suppliers with “quality and satisfaction information” related to seating systems, takes place in the United States.
More than 77 000 new-vehicle owners were asked to rate the quality of their vehicle’s seats and seat belts with respect to whether they have experienced defects, malfunctions or design problems during the first 90 days of ownership.
And the seats in the A3, which are supplied to the Ingolstadt automaker by Magna International, returned a perfect score, with owners expressing zero problems per 100 cars sold.
Second place went to the Porsche Cayenne (which uses seats supplied by Adient), with buyers reporting 0,8 problems per 100 vehicles, while the BMW X4 grabbed the final spot on the podium, with its Lear-supplied seats registering a PP100 score of 2,0.
The study revealed that the most common seat problems reported by owners were blue-dye transfer, cracking or peeling (of leather and vinyl seats) and squeaks and rattles.
Check out the graphics below to see the top three performers in each of the seven featured segments…
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/this-car-boasts-the-best-seats-of-2017-says-jd-power/
What's the code for that 17" wheel? Trying to have my A3 2.0 Sportback specced with that wheel but dealership keeps giving the incorrect code
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Dunno. Can't the site help you out?
Unfortunately not. The site has the wheel but just description and no code. In the extras brochure the wheels aren't listed again