Audi launches 2017 A3 in India
Venerable 2.0-litre TDI remains, new 1.4 TFSI from the A4 makes debut
The new Audi A3 is the fifth car from the German manufacturer’s stables for India in 2017. Not a great deal has changed since we first drove it in 2014, so for India, this is but a facelift.
Updates are visible in the front bumper and grille, and in the taillight cluster. The A3 is the last Audi sedan to get the (optional) LED ‘Matrix’ headlights and dynamic indicators. Also new are 16" alloys and minor tweaks in the cabin. Sadly, we don’t see the new “virtual cockpit” TFT display of the international model here, with the India-spec A3 making do with a traditional instrument cluster. There’s a wireless phone charger for the phones that can use it in one of the storage areas, but no smartphone integration, or much else new inside.
The 1.4-litre TFSI motor is new for the A3, replacing the old 1.8-litre mill. The new motor makes almost as much power — 150hp and 250Nm, and is mated to a 7-speed S tronic transmission. It also has “Cylinder On-Demand”, which enables the motor to shut down two cylinders when cruising, saving fuel. This allows the petrol A3 to deliver a fuel efficiency of 19.2kmpl, which is pretty darn impressive. It’s even better for the 2.0 TDI-equipped model, which generates 143hp and 320Nm, is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and delivers 20.38kmpl.
Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi)
A3 Premium Plus (petrol) ₹30.5 lakh
A3 Premium Plus (diesel) ₹32.3 lakh
A3 Technology (petrol) ₹34.25 lakh
A3 Technology (diesel) ₹35.8 lakh
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