The Audi A3 is all set to be launched today at an event in Delhi and will be a ticket to set afoot into the world of Audi. This World Car of the Year 2014, did manage to impress us with its premium, sporty styling and never came across as a watered down offering from a premium brand, built to lure customers with it’s fancy moniker, rather, it felt surprisingly uncompromised. (Read our review of the Audi A3, Click Here).
The car will be available in both Petrol and Diesel options. The Diesel is a 4-cylinder, DOHC, TDI unit which puts out 143 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox it boasts of an ARAI certified, 20 kmpl fuel-efficiency figure. With a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.6 seconds, and a top speed of 224km/h it is termed as the 35 TDI under the new performance based naming system.
The 40 TFSI model has a 1.8 TFSI petrol unit under the hood rated for 180 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, mated to a mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox it boasts of an ARAI rated efficiency of 16.6 km/l. It is quicker to the 100kmph mark with a time of 7.3 seconds and has a higher top speed of 235 km/h.
The interiors exude minimal elegance and materials reek of quality craftsmanship. The less is more approach might take you aback, but you got to spend some time in there for the new approach to possess your heart.
We are at the launch event and this post will be updated with all the announcements Audi India makes, including the most important bit, the price. Stay glued.
12:30 Pm:
The entry level Premium offering from Audi has been priced at 22.95 Lakhs for the 35 TDI Diesel version and 28.95 lakh for the 40 TFSI Petrol Version (Ex-Showroom, Delhi).
Audi is calling the A3 their first Luxury Compact Sedan and have loaded the car with features.
Design & Body:
- Sporty design with elongated styling, long wheelbase and short overhangs; length of 4.46 metres (14.63 feet)
- Intelligent Hybrid construction, aluminium hood, occupant cell consists primarily of high-end steel.
- Kerb weight of the A3 TFSI is just 1270 kgs.
- Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED Daytime running lights.
- Sporty 5-Spoke 16″/17″ Alloy Wheels.
Interiors:
- Spacious and well built interiors feel premium
- 3-dimensional inlays, Jet turbine inspired vents with spot and diffuse function
- Wide range of infotainment components with MMI touch, Handwriting recognition and 7-inch retractable screen
- Luggage capacity of 425 litres, folding rear seats
Drivetrain:
- 2.0 litre 35 TDI Diesel engine which puts out 143 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox. ARAI certified fuel efficiency figure of 20 kmpl
- 1.8 TFSI petrol is rated for 180 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, mated to a mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic gearbox it boasts of an ARAI certified efficiency figure of 16.6 kmpl
Equipment List:
- MMI Navigation plus with MMI Touch
- MMI 7-inch retractable display
- Automatic Dual-zone air-conditioning with Sun Position Sensor
- Turbine shaped AC vents with spot and diffuse function
- Audi Parking system plus with rear view camera
- S line exterior package
- Milano Leather Upholstery
- Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Audi sound system
- Audi Music Interface
- 20 GB Jukebox with 2 SD card slots
- Electrically adjustable front seats
Safety:
- 7 Airbags
- Rest recommendation system
- Active Bonnet for pedestrian safety
- Secondary Collision Assist
The Audi A3 could be the cat among pigeons for the experience it offers at a good starting price. Rival offerings like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the BMW 1-series are both hatchbacks, while the Audi A3 offers proper sedan styling which the car buying population generally favors when spending a premium amount for a car purchase. Getting used to the interiors might take time, but in entirety, the package is good value for money and with all it’s virtues, it should find space in a lot of parking garages across India.
2014 has been a year of many firsts for Audi. Audi India completed their best-ever annual sales (10,002) and financial-year sales (10,126). This achievement was also a first for the luxury car industry in India, as a whole. Audi began the year with the introduction of the most powerful Audi model from its product range – Audi RS 7 Sportback. Audi also introduced the new Audi A8L in May 2014.
The company has opened new showrooms in Udaipur, Visakhapatnam and Nashik. Audi also inaugurated the country’s largest pre-owned luxury car showroom, ‘Audi Approved: plus’ in Gurgaon in April. Audi India plans to expand its network to 40 dealerships by the end of 2014.