25 MPG combined is what you can reasonably expect from the 2017 Audi A3 Cabriolet quattro 2.0L, but it’s important to consider the vehicle’s purpose. This isn’t just a commuter car; it’s a stylish convertible designed for all types of weather with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. These drivers likely prioritize enjoying an open-air experience and a premium drive, and accept fuel economy that’s about average as a tradeoff for the lifestyle it provides.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the A3 Cabriolet quattro gets 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city number is respectable for a turbocharged engine paired with all-wheel drive. The highway number might be slightly optimistic, especially if you often drive at higher speeds or on hilly roads. The turbocharger has to work harder then, using more gas. The six-speed automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive, but it is an older design than the 7- or 8-speed units in some newer cars, impacting its efficiency on the highway. Drivers who mainly cruise on the highway might see numbers closer to the mid- to high-20s in real-world conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates an annual fuel cost of $1,750 for the 2017 Audi A3 Cabriolet quattro. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Premium fuel is recommended for the A3 Cabriolet, so your actual costs might be higher if you live in an area where premium fuel is expensive or require more fill-ups because of more aggressive driving.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard measurement, but your actual fuel economy will change depending on your individual driving, the road conditions, and even the weather. Expect slightly lower numbers in the winter because the engine takes longer to warm up and tire pressures are lower, increasing rolling resistance. Pushing hard on the gas pedal will also greatly decrease your MPG. Driving carefully with smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic can help you approach, or slightly exceed, the EPA estimates.

How it compares

The A3 Cabriolet quattro’s fuel economy is competitive, but not the best in its class. A similarly equipped BMW 2 Series convertible specifically, the xDrive version, delivers comparable figures around 24 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet, like the C300 4MATIC, tends to get slightly better fuel efficiency, often around 27 MPG combined. The important point is that someone shopping for an A3 convertible won’t be looking at economy cars. They’re comparing it to other small luxury convertibles and weighing fuel economy against other factors like styling, driving, and brand reputation. See A3 MPG across all years to see how the 2017 model compares to other model years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid letting the engine run when the car isn’t moving. The turbo engine in the A3 Cabriolet burns fuel even when idling. If you’re waiting for more than a minute, especially in traffic, turn off the engine. Modern stop-start systems help with this, but you can sometimes disable them.

Keep tires properly inflated. Tires that don’t have enough air increase rolling resistance, using more gas. Check your tire pressures often and inflate them to the levels recommended on the doorjamb sticker.

On the highway, use cruise control. Keeping a consistent speed helps save fuel, especially on long drives. Use the A3’s cruise control to minimize speed changes and get better mileage.

Look ahead and brake gently. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, because these waste fuel. Look ahead, predict traffic, and brake smoothly to save energy.

Try “efficiency” mode. The Audi Drive Select system has different settings for driving. Selecting Efficiency mode changes the engine and transmission settings for maximum fuel economy, which is useful for city driving. Find all Audi fuel economy data to see if there are other efficient Audi models.