Audi A3: Six things you must know about the Sports Limousine

Probably one of the most vital launches for Audi in India has to be the forthcoming Audi A3 — it’s most affordable sedan. Audi believes that the Indian buyers’ psyche or the automotive hierarchy in our country has the SUVs as the most appealing; followed by sedans which have great pride of ownership; and right at the bottom rung the hatchbacks. Following this philosophy, the company launched the Audi Q3 compact SUV, which made a huge impact on the market. And now, the German car luxury maker hopes to carve a bigger niche with the new Audi A3 luxury sedan.

What’s special about this ‘sports limousine’ (as Audi refers to the A3) which will set it apart from its rivals and even some of its siblings?

Positioning 

Since the Audi A3 is a sedan, and sedans are perceived to be more premium and are seen as a status symbol in our country, the company feels people won’t hesitate signing the hefty cheque for it. In terms of positioning the A3 does have a benefit since its current competition includes the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class, all of which are hatchback models.

Having said that, Mercedes-Benz will soon be launching the Mercedes CLA and Mercedes CLA45 AMG, which are essentially sedans and good looking ones, at that. 

Within the company, the Audi A3 is expected to come dangerously close to the price point of sibling Audi A4, which retails from Rs 28.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). To create a distinction between the two car models, Audi prefers to call the Audi A3 a Sports Limousine, while the A4 is a Luxury Saloon. Although the Audi Q3 S is expected to continue being the most affordable Audi in India, the Audi A3 will be positioned as the most pocket friendly Audi three-box sedan in the country.

Design

Just like other Audi designs, the new Audi A3 is a good looking car, with larger proportions. It has a distinct Audi face with sleek and jagged headlights with Audi’s signature LED day time running lights, a large hexagon chrome grille, and a pair of distinct air dams on the front bumper. Keeping to the Audi family design, the Audi A3 will get a prominent shoulder line, dropping roofline and smooth flowing body lines. 

The top-of-the line model is also expected to feature nine spoke alloy wheels along with the fine leather upholstery. The rear design is equally attractive with sharply designed bootlid, and knife edged tail-lights which are in line with Audi’s new design language.

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Powertrain

Audi will be introducing the new Audi A3 with two of its most trusted powertrains. The more refined and powerful 1.8-litre TFSI will be the petrol offering, which also does the duty on the new Skoda Octavia, but in a different state of tune. In the Audi A3 the turbo charged, direct injection engine produces an impressive 180PS of peak power and 250Nm of maximum torque, which will not disappoint petrolheads with its brisk performance. 

In diesel the Audi A3 will sport a frugal 2.0-litre TDI unit which can churn out 152PS power and a strong torque rating of 320Nm. It’s proven oil-burner which is efficient and at the same time quick off its feet. The sports limo would be offered in both manual and automatic transmission options including the 6-speed manual ‘box which is also seen on the Q3S, and the popular S-tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Interiors

It’s just in size that the Audi A3 is smaller than its sibling, but when it comes to fit and finish, the sports limousine is absolutely on par to the rest of the line up. The cabin design is sporty yet simple, and looks astounding in the all-black treatment. The dashboard is divided by an aluminium strip, and has a seven-inch high resolution display on top. The aviator style circular air-conditioning vents are highlighted with brush metal accents and resemble the ones see on the Audi TT.

It’s a neatly designed cabin with clutter free centre console. It gets a sporty gear-shift, the MMI control knob, and just a handful of buttons. Other features include dual-zone air-conditioning system, satellite navigation, sun-roof, sports car inspired steering wheel with mounted controls, and plenty of cubbyholes for storage. It’s a beautifully crafted cabin, with not much to complain about.

Comfort

In all honesty, it is a compact sedan laden with luxury. So space in the cabin is fair for its size, but cannot be compared to any of its larger siblings. The front seats have a sporty bucket-seat like design, are fairly larger, well contoured and offer good support. The front passengers get an armrest in between the seats, which also has storage space within.

The sloping roofline and compact size doesn’t offer much luxury space at the back of the Audi A3. Rear seat passengers get limited knee- and leg-room. Moreover, the rear seat bench is narrow due to which under thigh support isn’t the best. This makes the Audi A3 better option as a self driven car.

Price

As we had revealed few days ago, the new Audi A3 is expected to begin from Rs 26 lakh onwards, which makes it a pricy proposition, especially if you consider that the larger Audi A4 costs just a couple of lakh more. But the smaller, stylish and more modern A3 will surely attract younger and first time luxury car buyers in India. The new Audi A3 sports limousine will be officially launched in August this year and the deliveries will commence soon after.