The 2.0T engine is mated to a new seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission with front-wheel drive. System output is 186 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 N·m) of torque; the 2017 A3 sedan sprints from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, a reduction of 0.6 seconds compared to the previous model.

The new 2.0 TFSI is a version of the Millerized 2.0 TFSI ultra in the new A4 (earlier post). The Miller cycle uses a higher expansion ratio than compression ratio (i.e., over-expansion) obtained by either early or late closing of the intake valves (EIVC and LIVC, respectively), and results in a smaller effective compression stroke; combustion and expansion proceed normally.

The Audi 2.0 TFSI intake valves close much earlier than usual; in connection with increased pressure in the intake manifold, this reduces throttling losses. With the shortened compression phase, Audi engineers increased the compression ratio from 9.6:1 to 11.7:1.

Owing to the shortened compression, for compressing a particular certain mass of fresh gas to the compression pressure of a comparable 1.4-liter engine, the 2.0 TFSI requires about the same effort as the 1.4 TFSI. In the subsequent expansion phase, the engine delivers work and fully exploits the two liters of displacement. The approximately 40% longer expansion of the combustion gas compared with the 1.4 TFSI leads to more engine work delivered at the same rate of fuel consumption. This leads to a significant increase in efficiency in wide areas of the characteristic map.

In order for the fuel-air mixture to swirl sufficiently despite the short intake time, the combustion chambers, piston recesses, intake ducts and turbocharging of the new 2.0 TFSI are specially adapted to the new combustion method. Under higher loads, the Audi valvelift system opens the intake valves later, resulting in a higher charge, which ensures good power and torque delivery. Injection pressure has been increased to 250 bar.

The A3 model line offers a range of standard premium features such as leather seating surfaces, panoramic sunroof on the sedan, dual-zone automatic climate control, xenon plus front lighting with LED daytime running headlights and LED taillights.

New for 2017 is a redesigned exterior that includes a new headlight design and updated design cues such as an all-new front fascia with a wider Singleframe grille, making the A3 appear even sportier and more aggressive on the road.

The A3 Sedan and Cabriolet models are also available with the higher output 2.0 TFSI quattro all-wheel drive turbocharged four-cylinder engine with six-speed S tronic dual clutch automatic transmission.

Pricing for the A3 Sedan starts at $31,200 for the Premium trim, raning up to $40,150 for the top-of-the-line Prestige trim. The A3 Cabriolet starts at $37,600. Prices exclude destination charge ($950), taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.