Audi A3 Sedan

Editorial Test Drive Review of Audi A3 Sedan

 While BMW and Mercedes have revealed new for India budget offerings respectively Audi meanwhile has the all important A3 sedan for us. We say important because just like the Mercedes CLA it will be the key to Audi’s growth in India and grabbing more market share. The A3 sedan will be the most affordable Audi offering in India promising huge sales. Unlike Mercedes it will not launch the A3 in hatchback form and only the sedan will come. At first glance it is a good looking sedan for sure. Though there is no mistaking in the fact that this is a typical Audi it looks well proportioned from every angle. Its design is a cross between the classic three-box concept and the coupe philosophy. There are some cool design details like the “tornado line” design element forms an edge that runs over the entire side. The A3 Sedan has a 2.64 meter (8.66 ft) long wheelbase and an overall length of 4.46 meters. It is compact looking but muscular with loads of presence on offer especially with the flared wheel arches. The A3 Sedan is eleven mm (0.43 in) wider than the A3 Sportback and has the trademark Audi design details like the singleframe grille, integrated spoiler at the rear and of course the full-LED headlights. In-fact we are tempted to say that design wise it looks like a scaled down A6. Step inside and a lot is obviously shared with the A3 hatch and quality, fit and finish is pretty much the best. The instrument panel with its curved front is stylish, and the center console is slightly turned towards the driver. Equipment list is long and has features like the MMI system plus a high-resolution 7-inch-screen. Thanks to the long wheelbase, it will be more comfy at the back than the A3 hatch but not as spacious as the A4 sedan. There is a range of engines to choose from though for India the 2.0 TDI and the 1.8 TSI would be favourites. The 2.0 TDI makes 150 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. Performance is good as the A3 Sedan goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 220 km/h. The 1.8 TFSI produces 180 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. Pricing is key and it will be slotted below the A4 and will be the cheapest Audi on sale in India. For a detailed analysis read below..