Audi New A3

Release date

The Audi A3 is expected to be launched in mid-2022.

Exterior 

Adopting Audi’s new design language, the A3 sedan now looks a lot more attractive. It is also longer, wider and taller than the older model. However, the wheelbase remains the same. But the roof line is now more coupe-like. Upfront, the single-mesh honeycomb grille is flanked by Audi’s latest headlamp design which first debuted with the Q8. These headlamps consist of pixel array made up of 15 LED segments. In profile, the three-box design has sharp and well-pronounced creases running along the side. At the back, the downsized A6 aesthetics is apparent with similar taillamp design, well-defined boot and simple bumper design. And the boot size remains unchanged over the older model.

Interior and features

The new-gen A3 sedan gets a thoroughly new cabin coupled with Audi’s latest Virtual Cockpit and a heads-up display. The 10.25-inch MMI touchscreen features latest MMI user interface. The compact sedan also gets all the connectivity features Audi has on offer. Even the steering wheel is new, and air-vents are repositioned while the centre console is connected with the dashboard like the ones seen on sports cars. The gear lever is replaced by a small joystick which is shift-by-wire scrounged from Mk8 Golf. Overall, the new A3 sedan’s cabin looks more upmarket and expensive than before.

Performance

In terms of powertrain, the new A3 sedan is available with a choice of two TFSI petrol engines and one TDI diesel engine and we in India are expected to get it with petrol power only. The most likely candidate will be the TFSI motors producing 150bhp and is a 1.5-litre unit with 48V mild-hybrid system. It’s mated to a seven-speed DCT and can recover over 16bhp on regenerative braking. An improvement of 10 per cent in fuel consumption and reduction in CO2 is claimed by the German carmaker.

Pricing 

It’s expected to be priced in the range of Rs 39 lakh to Rs 45 lakh. 

Rivals

It rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan and the new BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe.