Audi’s most affordable offering in India, A3 gets a new entry level variant named 40 TFSI premium. The premium variant is priced at Rs. 25.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and replaces premium plus as the new base variant in the lineup. The premium plus trim has been discontinued which was priced at Rs. 30.50 lakh and hence 40 TFSI is now the only petrol variant in the lineup.
The Audi A3 hasn’t been selling in great numbers due to certain limitations such as its expensive price range as compared to Merc CLA class. In terms of power, it doesn’t feel like an Audi as its specs and drivability reminds of a C segment sedan. The new variant with such a price would put A3 in a commanding position against its arch rival Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan at least for now.
The affordable pricing results in ripping off some features over premium plus which had 17 inch alloy wheels, Bi-xenon headlights, rear parking sensors with display assistance, fog lamps and tyre pressure monitoring system. While the new premium variant comes with 16 inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors with audio guidance (no display) and halogen headlights. New variant misses out on even fog lamps and TPMS.
Other features remain same like dual zone air conditioning, rear AC vents, four spoke leather packed multi function steering wheel, front-rear floor mats, cabin with aluminum accents all around, sunlight dependent control to keep intact the royal-ish touch of the vehicle.
To add freshness to the cabin of the vehicle, new A3 now boasts ambient 3D transparent inlays, regatta fabric upholstery, lighting package plus with chrome package and adjustable driver seat. The consumer can choose between various options of interior upholstery- Pashmina beige, Chestnut brown and black colors.
The premium variant of A3 features an updated infotainment system with bluetooth interface, passive speakers, MMI radio and Audi music interface which integrate portable media devices into Audi MMI letting users to choose artists, albums and tracks with MMI controls.
Powering the new premium variant is a 1.8 litre TFSI unit delivering 177bhp power and 250Nm of torque. The seven speed dual clutch S-tronic transmission impels the car to from 0 to 100 km in just 7.1 seconds with a claimed fuel efficiency of 16.6 KMPL. Safety element has been tackled by traction control, seven airbags, anti-slip regulation, ABS, EBD, anti theft wheel bolts and electronic stabilization control (ESC).
Mr. Joe King, Head, Audi India said, “The Audi A3 Sedan packaged with youthful design, visionary technology and luxurious performance has set new benchmarks in the compact Luxury car segment. As it completes one year in India, we are happy to introduce this new model that makes an exceptional car even better. We are confident that the new features will further enhance the appeal of this Compact, Sporty, Progressive and Sophisticated sedan amongst the Audi enthusiasts,”
