The German automaker Audi has introduced a new base variant of its A3 sedan at INR 25.50 lac. The company has now discontinued the 40 TFSI premium Plus variant, the only petrol trim in the A3 series, that was sold with a sticker price of INR 30.2 lac. The new model is now the cheapest offering in the country by the car manufacturer. Interestingly, the price gap between the Audi A3 and its rival Mercedes CLA petrol base trims is INR 10 lac, which is huge in terms of competition. The CLA comes to Indian shores via CBU route that makes it an expensive car.
The new petrol variant of A3 now gets a fair price tag and its almost 3 lac cheaper as compared to the diesel powered siblings, making it a perfect choice for the buyers who are looking for a luxury sedan. The car will lock horns with the likes in the segment they are Mercedes–Benz CLA Class, Volvo S60 and Toyota Camry.
With the cut in the price, the vehicle also loses some of the features like it will now won’t come fitted with front parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system and the fog lamps. Other features scaled down are 16-inch alloy wheels from 17-inch alloys, audio response parking sensors instead of the full display and the Xenon headlamps replaced by the halogen ones. Other features like the start/stop system and the energy recuperation in the vehicle remains the same. The car from the outside looks very attractive and features rain/light sensors, electrically retractable door mirrors and is also available with Audi’s High Gloss package.
Coming to the inside, besides the downgrading, the new A3 sedan reflects the same aura of comfort and convenience. The car gets new ambient apparent insets in the 3D looks, the seats are covered with leatherette-fabric upholstery while the car owner can also make a choice from the Chestnut brown, black and pashmina beige upholstery for their car. The new A3 TFSI is equipped with four-spoke, multi-functional steering wheel, dual-zone air conditioning unit, rear AC vents, sun sensor, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
On the other hand, adding to the gadgets, the new base variant gets upgraded MMI infotainment unit with Audi’s music interface, Bluetooth connectivity, MMI radio and Passive Speakers. The new Audi’s interface is the feature that allows the phones and many portable media players to get connected with the MMI which helps the owner to select album, genres, artist or a particular track.
Under the bonnet, the new A3 40 TFSI premium is powered by the 1.8-litre petrol mill that can churn out output of 178 bhp and the maximum torque of 250 Nm. The engine comes coupled with the 7-speed dual clutch S-Tronic transmission gearbox. The car is also good on mileage with 16.6kmpl fuel economy in one liter of petrol. The vehicle can go from 0-100 kmph mark in mere 7.3 seconds. On the safety front, the car incorporates various features like 7 airbags, electronic stabilisation control, anti-slip regulation and anti-theft wheel bolts.
Mr Joe King, Audi India head, talking about the A3 40 TFSI premium said that the company’s Audi A3 sedan loaded with luxurious performance, youthful design and visionary technology has set the new standards in the compact luxury car segment. As the car has completed its one year in the country, the company is very happy to include the new model that makes an exceptional car even better. They are confident that the new features will further increase the appeal of the compact, sophisticated, sporty and progressive sedan among the Audi’s lovers.
He further added that a petrol customer is a unique customer who wants both power as well as fuel efficiency, and with Audi A3, they are offering the best combination of fuel economy and power.
