2017 Audi A3 facelift review, test drive

What is it?

A very commendable entry point into Audi’s line-up, the A3 is for those graduating to the luxury car segment as well as for existing luxury car owners looking to add a second or third or even a fourth car to their driveway. To keep the above mentioned members of the car-buying public interested, Audi has updated the A3. Differentiating this car from the one it replaces are a few visual changes, a few new features on the inside and a new petrol engine under the hood.
One of the most critical requirements of a luxury car is that it should make an impression, and the A3 does so in an understated fashion that’s typical Audi. Dominating the restyled face is a large ‘diamond’ grille that the latest of Audis sport, flanked by sharper, more angular, headlights that link the A3 to the new A4. Bi-xenon headlights are standard but Audi will offer an LED lights package (on our test car) as an option.

Part of the package are reprofiled tail-lights that get excellent LED detailing, including indicators that swipe in the direction of the turn. It really does look very cool. On the whole, the A3’s design is not dramatic like the Mercedes-Benz CLA’s, but it is neat, clean and likeable.

What is it like on the inside?

On the inside, things are much the same as before though the new three-spoke steering wheel adds a degree of sportiness to the cabin. One of the most interesting bits, without question, is the front air con vent design – the jet-turbine-like vents look and feel, for a lack of a more polished word, awesome. There is a pervasive sense of quality to every surface and every knob, and the cabin is fantastically put together too; definitely not something you would call ‘entry-level’. Sadly, the Indian A3 does not get Audi’s Virtual Cockpit or Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

In terms of equipment that it does get, there’s two-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch screen for the MMI infotainment system, electronically-adjustable front seats, a sunroof, a rear view camera, proximity sensors at the front and rear, a wireless phone charging pad in the front armrest and seven airbags.

The front seats are very comfortable and supportive, and offer loads of adjustment too. The rear seats are comfortable, but legroom in the back is not generous and headroom is outright tight. You’ll still be better off than you would be in a Mercedes-Benz CLA.