Audi has just taken the wraps off the new A3 Sedan at the New York International Auto Show.
The A3 Hatchback and Sportback model have been around for some time now but the sedan version looks like it was made to hit Indian shores right from the outset. With a length of 4,456mm and a wheelbase of 2,637mm, the new A3 isn’t as large as the CLA-Class on the outside, but when it comes to space, it will almost certainly be just as generous as its competition.
The A3 Sedan will bring in a host of new technology to make for even more efficient motoring without compromising on safety, luxury or practicality in the least. The car is even more lightweight, crash-safe and quiet. Internationally, the new A3 Sedan will offer a choice of petrol and diesel drive-lines, beginning with the new 1.4-litre TFSi inline-4 petrol engine. It makes 140 PS and 250 Nm of torque and is equipped with Cylinder on Demand (COD) technology; which shuts off two of the cylinders when more power isn’t needed. There is a more powerful 1.8-litre TFSi petrol which serves up 180 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The diesel engine on offer is the 150 PS 2.0-litre TDi. However, India can expect a more efficient 105 PS 1.6-litre TDi as well. Depending on the engine, you can have a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed S-tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It’s interesting to note that the 1.4-litre TFSi model with the manual transmission has a kerb weight of just 1,250 kg.
The A3 Sedan will be launched internationally by mid-2013 and we can expect it in India around the end of the year. It will compete with the new Mercedes CLA-Class, as well as the upcoming BMW 2-series sedan and new Volvo S40.
