Audi’s downsized, 1.4 TFSI turbo-petrol engine in the all-new A4 sedan has upset the natural order of things in the entry luxury market. This is especially true of Audi’s own line-up that is currently slightly at odds with the logical, step-by-step progression normally followed by the various models in a carmarker’s range.
The A3, for example the smaller and cheaper of the two sedans, currently has the larger-capacity, more powerful 1.8 TFSI engine, while the new A4 only gets the smaller-capacity, lower-powered 1.4. The situation, however, is likely to correct itself once Audi launches the face-lifted A3 sedan in February next year. This is because, along with the new ‘blitz’ headlights and freshened single-frame grille, the new A3 will also get the 150hp 1.4 TFSI engine.
Whereas performance is unlikely to be as good as that of the 180hp, 1.8 TFSI, the smaller-capacity A3 petrol will allow Audi to drop the price making the car more affordable for potential owners waiting to get into the brand. While the current A3 powered by the 1.8 TFSI sells for Rs 27.1 lakh, the new A3 is likely to start at a price below Rs 25 lakh. Using a smaller-capacity engine compared to the competition is something Audi has actually done quite regularly and successfully. The A4, for example, always has a slightly lower starting price than competition, like the Mercedes C-class and the BMW 3-series, and Audi seems to be wanting to explore something similar here too.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Lenny D'sa
Saptarshi Mondal
