Audi A3 Facelift To Be Launched Tomorrow

Audi is all set to launch the updated version of the most affordable car in its India line-up, the A3, tomorrow. The current generation Audi A3 has been quite a success story for the German luxury brand in the country and while the updates in the facelift aren’t extensive, it still looks to continue its impressive streak. The A3 is the third car from Audi in India this year following the launch of the updated A3 cabriolet and the A4 sedan. 

The updates on A3 includes a redesigned modular hexagonal grille and a sharply cut headlamp design as on the new A4. The headlamps get a full-LED option now while bi-xenon headlamps will be offered as standard. On the side, you’d notice a slightly different design on the 16-inch alloy wheels and the engine badge on the front fender has been skipped. At the rear, the tail lamps now feature a crisper design theme and Audi claims it to simulate a three-dimensional effect. The new tail-lamps also feature dynamic turn-indicators now.

Interiors largely remain the same barring a new multi-functional steering wheel and an updated MMI system. The Audi’s popular ‘Virtual Cockpit’ system has been given a miss and the A3 still gets the same classic analogue dials. Features like a dual-zone air-conditioning system, panoramic sunroof, rear aircon vents and Milano leather upholstery are carried forward.

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The new A3 now comes with a new 1.4-litre TFSI unit, borrowed from the A4 which puts out 150PS of maximum power and 250Nm of peak torque. The motor also gets the ‘Cylinder-On-Demand’ feature that shuts off two of its cylinders while cruising. Audi claims that the new petrol motor will return 19.2kmpl - up 2.8kmpl from the current model! On the other hand, the diesel variants will be powered by the same 2.0-litre TDI motor that produces 140PS of maximum power and 320Nm of torque. The diesel motor comes mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox, while the petrol motor gets a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission.

The new Audi A3 is expected to have a starting price of Rs 30 lakh and will rival the Mercedes-Benz CLA in India. Presently, the Audi A3 is priced between Rs 28-37 lakh. 

Recommended Read: 2017 Audi A3 First Drive Review