Audi’s much anticipated entry level sedan the A3 will make its Indian debut next week on the 7th of August. According to sources, dealerships will start accepting the bookings for the A3 sedan from 1st itself for an amount of Rs 3.5 lakh.
The A3 is slated to take on the likes of the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A & B Class offerings. For India, the sedan gets two engine options of a 1.8-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel unit. The former puts out 177Bhp of power while the latter manages 143Bhp. Both these engines are mated to DSG gearboxes, a 7 speed for the petrol with paddle shifts and a 6-speed for the diesel.
The A3 sedan looks brilliant for the price point and can be mistaken for a smaller version of the popular A4. This car certainly looks very dynamic and fresh in the segment and Audi designers have really managed to achieve a perfect compact entry level luxury sedan as far as the profile is concern. The petrol version gets day time running lights in the form of striking LEDs and there are various alloy wheel designs on offer but we are yet to get the official confirmation, something that will be revealed at launch.
The A3 sedan might be one of the cheapest entry level luxury sedans but in terms of cabin design and feel, this car doesn’t feel compromised in anyway. The design is a departure from what we have been used to seeing in the bigger A4 and A6 models and does grow on you in a while.
While the central console looks minimalistic and simple, it works well in giving a near and clutter-free look. The cabin does charm you with its simplicity but attention to detail is excellent. In terms of space, the front seats are pretty comfortable and supportive though space at the back isn’t the best around. That said, the A3 will not really be used as a chauffeur driven car and in this regard, we have no complaints here.
Audi will also be equipping the A3 with a long list of standard features which will include bi-xenon headlamps, panoramic sunroof, 7-inch MMI screen, S-line exterior package along with a host of passive and active safety features including 6 airbags.
We expect the A3 to be priced between Rs 25 to Rs 30 lakh and at this price point, it makes for quite a desirable buy in the segment. Watch this space for exact pricing on 7th August 2014.
