Audi India could be on to something very big with the A3 sedan if internal demand from Audi’s dealer network is anything to go by. A source has told Autocar India that dealers expect the Audi A3 to be a very strong seller and many have requested Audi to double their allocation of cars. This follows the positive response to the A3 sedan at the Auto Expo in February where the car got its first Indian showing. Audi India has confirmed the car will be launched in August this year though final pricing is yet to be revealed. However, you can expect prices for the Audi A3 to start in the region of Rs 22-23 lakh.
The car will be launched with a 1.8-litre turbo petrol motor and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine while Audi’s S-tronic dual-clutch transmission will be standard. Audi could also explore the option of a manual gearbox Audi A3 at a lower price point further down the road.
At launch, the A3 will have no direct competition, being the only luxury small sedan in India; Mercedes-Benz’s A3-rivalling CLA sedan arrives only in 2015. While that should play into Audi’s hands, Indian buyers’ preference for sedans also means the launch of the A3 is likely to impact sales of the Mercedes A-class and BMW 1-series hatchbacks.
Audi has stated in the past that there would be no overlap between A3 and A4 prices. The distinct positioning and price point would help Audi expand overall sales rather than suffer cross cannibalisation amongst its two brands. Either way, Audi seems to be on track for yet another year of record sales in India.
NIKHIL BHATIA
More on the Audi A3 sedan
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