Audi A3

Expert Review by Maxabout

At the New York Auto show, Audi revealed the 2014 version of its sedan, A3. The car has been finally launched in India where it has been placed below Audi A4 and will compete with other cars from BMW and Mercedes. The diesel A3 is priced at Rs. 22.95 lakhs and the petrol model is available for Rs.28.95 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). Let’s check out this new sedan.

Quick Facts about Audi A3 Sedan

• Length - 4456mm | Width - 1796mm | Height - 1416mm
• Wheelbase - 2637mm | Kerb Weight - 1270 kg
• Boot Space - 425 litres | 17-inch alloy wheels
• 7 airbags | ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) | Rear View Camera
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control) | Electronic Limited Slip Differential
• Turbo Petrol - 177.8 BHP | 250 NM | 7-speed S-Tronic automatic | 16.6 KMPL
• Turbo Diesel - 141 BHP | 320 NM | 6-speed S-Tronic automatic | 20.38 KMPL
• Top Speed - 224 KMPH | 0-100 KMPH - 8.6 SECS (Diesel)
• 35 TDI Diesel (Attraction) - Rs. 22.95 lakhs
• 35 TDI Diesel (Premium) - Rs. 25.95 lakhs
• 35 TDI Diesel (Premium Plus) - Rs. 29.95 lakhs
• 35 TDI Diesel (Technology) - Rs. 32.66 lakhs
• 40 TFSI Petrol (Premium Plus) - Rs. 28.95 lakhs

Exterior

This new car seems to be inspired from its elder sibling, A4 in terms of styling. The front face of the car looks dynamic and looks much like the Audi A4. The black finished large front grille forms the deep nose of this car and gels well with the aerodynamic styling of its front bumper. The characteristic LED headlights of Audi sit on the top of this bumper which looks sharp and aggressive. The multi-layered air-inlets below headlights look attractive and give edgy look to this car when seen from the front. The elegantly designed broad bonnet of A3 features two smart lines over it which leads to the wide front windscreen of the car. A3 has thick A-pillars which merge well with the bulgy wheel arches. The car may have 16 inches and optional 18 inches alloy wheels which will add muscularity to A3.

This car is based on the A3 sport back but it’s relatively longer and wider than it and it’s quite noticeable when seen from either side. The large doors and swept back roof looks similar to its elder sibling A4. The short rear overhang gives it a coupe look and it looks quite attractive when seen from the back. The tail section of A3 features smartly designed rear glass and boot which gives it a balanced look. The up-raised lip spoiler on its boot suits the sleek designing of its LED tail lights. The twin chrome exhaust pipes add premium touch to this car while its broad rear bumper looks catchy with sharp lines on it.

Interior

The car comes with premium quality of leather, fabric and plastic work inside. It’s available in dual tone colors as well as three different single tone colors. The chrome finishing on buttons, door pads and inside door handles also gives it a premium touch. The car is wide and long enough to occupy five adults with proper knee and shoulder room. The front seats are more spacious and comfortable than the rear bench.

Comfort and Convenience

The car features driver information display with 3D graphics and revised MMI system with controls mounted on its steering wheel. The car has dual climate control, power windows, electronic outside mirrors, adjustable seats, cruise control and much more.

Dashboard and Storage

The car has a long and wide dashboard with four circular AC vents on it. These vents are chrome finished and look premium with the chrome strip on this dashboard. A3 also features an integrated centre console just below the AC vents. This dashboard feels quite soft to touch and feels up market. The instrument console also lies in the dashboard and offers clear visibility. The air-cooled glove box and door pockets can be used as storage space inside while there are many useful cup and bottle holders in A3. The car has large boot which can hold your luggage easily.

Music System

The car has an integrated touch screen music system in its central console. With in-built speakers and subwoofer, the car gives you great musical journeys. A3 also features Bluetooth connectivity and navigation system with audio and Bluetooth controls mounted on its leather wrapped steering wheel.

Ride and Handling

The car comes with three optional electronic steering wheels which work differently. The light steering helps you to steer this car accurately and it also gives positive feedback at high speeds. The car always feels connected to road which boosts your confidence on highways. The broad tyres and extended wheelbase 2636 mm gives stability to this machine around corners. The low ground clearance helps this car to get momentum easily and with improved aerodynamics, the car feels quite confident at high speeds. The all-wheel drive system will further enhance the racing skills of this car. A3 shows minimal body roll around corners thanks to its hydraulic suspension system and ESP.

Dimensions

The sedan looks compact and classy with a length of 4456mm, width of 1796mm and height of 1416mm as its dimensions. The car has a kerb weight of 1270Kgs.

Engine and Gearbox

The Audi A3 is available in petrol as well as diesel engine options. The 2.0L TDI diesel engine produces a maximum power of 141 bhp with a torque output of 320 Nm while the 1.8L TFSI petrol engine churns out a maximum power of 177.8 bhp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. The car is mated with a 7-speed dual clutch S-tronic automatic (petrol) and 6-speed dual clutch S-tronic automatic transmission (diesel).

Mileage and Brakes

The ARAI certified mileage for the petrol variant is 16.6 kmpl while the diesel variant is rated to deliver an ARAI certified fuel economy of 20.38 kmpl which is extremely good. The sedan shares its suspension and braking system with Audi A4 and will feature ventilated discs on all the four wheels and ABS with EBD for accurate and effective braking.

Safety Features

The Audi A3 comes equipped with seven airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), electronic limited slip differential, adaptive brake lights, anti-slip regulation (ASR), anti pre sense basic, fog lamps and rear view camera. All these for the safety of driver and passengers.

Verdict

Audi A3 is a value for money car. The diesel A3 is priced at Rs. 22.95 lakhs and the petrol model is available for Rs.28.95 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). It is a good option in the entry level luxury segment of cars in India.

Audi A3 Diesel vs. BMW 1-Series Diesel vs. Mercedes A-Class Diesel