The new Audi A3 sedan is available in both petrol and diesel guise. While the 177.5bhp 1.8-litre turbo petrol motor comes mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox, transmission duties in the 141bhp 2.0-litre diesel-powered A3 are handled by a six-speed auto.
The Audi A3 petrol is available only in Premium Plus trim and the diesel gets four trims – Attraction, Premium, Premium Plus and Technology. The Audi A3 40TFSI Premium Plus sports a price tag of Rs 28.95 lakh and the diesel range starts at Rs 22.95 lakh for the Attraction trim going up to Rs 32.66 lakh for the top-end Technology trim.
Though it is the most affordable Audi in India, the manufacturer has not skimped on the luxury factor with this entry level sedan. Here's a look at the features on the new Audi A3 sedan.
On all the A3 trims, a seven-inch display for the infotainment system, 20GB on-board memory, two SD card slots, rear parking sensors and steering mounted audio and Bluetooth controls are provided as standard. On the safety front, all the A3 trims come equipped with seven airbags. There's also the option of a sunroof for Rs 1 lakh on all trims except the Technology variant, on which it costs Rs 1.5 lakh.
The base Audi A3 Attraction trim comes with 16-inch alloys and halogen headlamps along with halogen daytime-running lights, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and electric wing mirrors as standard.
On top of all the kit on the base trim, the Premium variant gets automatic dual-zone climate control, cruise control and leather seats. Both the front seats get electric adjustment function and the wing mirrors are heated and can be electrically adjusted and folded.
The A3 Premium Plus carries over the features of the Premium trim but gets bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, S-line exterior package (sportier looking bumpers and grille), front parking sensors, fog lamps, automatic headlight range adjustment and 17-inch alloys as standard kit. On the petrol Audi A3, there's also engine start-stop function.
Only the top Technology trim gets a rear view camera, satellite navigation and the infotainment system gets a trackpad with handwriting recognition. It also gets Audi's pre-sense basic safety system which adjusts front seat belt tension and closes the windows (and sunroof if it's present) if it detects an upcoming crash.
The new Audi A3 sedan range does span a nearly Rs 10-lakh bracket, so you'd be able to find one that suits your budget. However, the base diesel car, we feel, is a little sparsely equipped for the badge and you may just want to have the Premium variant as your stepping stone into the luxury club.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
