Car & Driver: Refreshed 2017 Audi A3 e-tron Plug-In Hybrid Starts at $39,850

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Like the run-of-the-mill Audi A3 sedan and cabriolet, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron enters the 2017 model year with a host of changes both inside and out. Unfortunately, though, Audi failed to update our biggest gripes with plug-in hybrid hatchback: Namely its high cost of entry and middling gasoline-electric powertrain.

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With a starting price of $39,850 for the base Premium trim, the 2017 Audi A3 e-tron sees its base price jump by $1025 compared to its 2016 counterpart. Those extra bills do, however, bring new features: Audi’s digital gauge cluster (dubbed “Virtual Cockpit“), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, and Audi’s Pre-Sense frontal-collision-warning system that can also apply the brakes on its own if necessary.

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A refresh wouldn’t be complete without exterior revisions, though, and the e-tron sports revised front and rear fascias, including head- and taillights, that evolve the hatchback’s attractive looks. A $1350 Sport package adds 18-inch, 15-spoke wheels and a roof spoiler, as well as sport seats and a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters.

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As before, the 2017 A3 e-tron continues to use a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine and electric motor to send 204 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Although we were able to coax a 2016 A3 e-tron from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.5 seconds, we were ultimately unimpressed with the plug-in powertrain’s EPA-rated EV range of just 16 miles, as well as its EPA-combined rating of 83 MPGe. Although the EPA has yet to release figures for the 2017 Audi A3 e-tron, we expect little, if any, change.

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Along with the base Premium model, the 2017 A3 e-tron is also available in Premium Plus and Prestige trims, which start at $42,950 and $48,500, respectively.

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Audi also released pricing information for the updated A3 sedan and cabriolet, and S3 sedan. As expected, many of the revisions made to the European market 2017 Audi A3/S3 come to the American-spec model. Arguably, the biggest change to the car is the loss of the base 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. All A3 models will now be powered by the company’s 220-hp 2.0-liter turbo four.

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• 2017 Audi A3 Updated!-
• First Drive: 2017 Audi S3 Sedan-
• Audi A3 Sportback e-tron: Reviews, Pricing, Details-

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Just as on the the e-tron, the A3 sedan and cabriolet are available in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Sedans start at $35,150 for the base Premium, $38,400 for the mid-line Premium Plus, and $44,100 for the top-of-the-line Prestige—add $6100 for the cabriolet. Meanwhile, the 292-hp S3 sedan is available in Premium Plus and Prestige trims, for $43,850 and $49,350.

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