Bollywood actress Nimrat Kaur with the new A3 and Rahil Ansari, Head, Audi India
Audi’s entry-luxury sedan, the A3, has been given a makeover with the petrol variant getting the biggest cut of the updates. The new A3 is the fifth launch of the year for Audi and they have confirmed that there are five more launches in the pipeline.
The A3 has been a popular car since its launch. This success is perhaps the reward of a well-rounded design and equally competent performance. The 2017 Audi A3 is now available in two variants; the 35 TDI and the new 35 TFSI. Both cars have received freshly-designed headlamps and tail-lamps. The MMI navigation plus with the electrically-operated retractable monitor is now available as standard in both variants. These are the changes that both the cars share.
The biggest change, however, is in the petrol variant, which has gone from being a 1.8-litre unit to a 1.4-litre unit, hence the 35 TFSI badging. The new 1.4-litre, in-line four, turbo-petrol engine produces 150 PS between 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via Audi’s highly smooth and seamless seven-speed, dual-clutch, S tronic gearbox. Making an appearance for the first time in the A3 is the Cylinder On Demand (COD) technology. COD cuts off two out of the four cylinders when they are not required, that is, while the engine is idling or when maximum output is not needed, for instance, when cruising. The Audi A3 35 TFSI has a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.2 km/litre.
The A3 35 TDI does not receive any engine upgrades and continues to be powered by the same 2.0-litre, in-line four, turbo-diesel engine that produces 143 PS between 3,500 and 4,000 rpm, and a maximum torque of 320 Nm between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. This engine is mated to a six-speed, dual-clutch, S tronic gearbox sending the output to the front wheels. The A3 35 TDI has a claimed 20.38 km/litre efficiency.
The Audi A3 35 TFSI and the 35 TDI are attractively priced at Rs 30.50 lakh and Rs 32.30 lakh onwards (ex-Delhi) respectively. Audi dealerships across the country have opened bookings for both the variants.
Story: Joshua Varghese
