Audi launches A3 sedan at Rs 22.9 lakh

Audi has launched its entry-level offering the A3 sedan in India at a starting price of Rs 22.9 Lakh, ex-showroom in a Delhi. The A3, which will compete against the likes of the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A- and B-Class, is available with two engine options. The petrol is a 1.8-litre turbocharged unit with nearly 180PS on tap and is mated to a 8-speed automatic. It starts at Rs 28.9 Lakh. The diesel A3 which is priced at Rs 22.9 lakh sports a 2-litre diesel engine that develops over 140PS of power and comes with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The A3 sedan will go on sale in three diesel variants and just one petrol trim. 

With the launch of the A3, Audi has also shifted to a new nomenclature. Instead of badging the cars based on the engine capacity - as was the case before - Audi cars will now carry badging that represents their acceleration performance. So what would have been the A3 1.8 TFSI under the older naming system is now called the A3 40TFSI. Similarly the diesel version is not badged as the A3 2.0 TDI but A3 35TDI.

As far as equipment goes, the A3 in its top-of-the-line spec - the S-Line -comes fully loaded. It comes with the MMI system with navigation plus a touchpad, automatic dual zone air-conditioning, parking system with rear view camera, Xenon headlights with LED day time running lights, LED interior lighting, Panoramic sun-roof, 17-inch alloy wheels and 20 GB jukebox.

Since the A3 is the only sedan offering in its class, we expect it to do well. But, its real competition will come from the Mercedes CLA sedan which will debut in December this year. Like the A3, the CLA too will come with the option of both petrol and diesel powertrains. Expect the CLA to be launched with all the bells and whistles.