Rule of three

Audi has given the A3 a serious overhaul with more tech and extra space, and it’s coming to our shores soon!

THE A3 IS THE ENTRY-LEVEL SEDAN IN Audi’s lineup and to keep it relevant, Audi has lent it some fresh updates, including a super sexy body kit. While this second-generation A3 is no luxo-barge, it does get a plethora of technology thrown at it, an upgrade in quality of materials, more space, and even a fresh face.

In terms of styling, the new A3 gets a more aggressive front end thanks to the Matrix LED headlights with a distinct signature available on top-end trims, a wider ‘Singleframe’ grille and more pronounced arches. Along the sides, the shoulder line extends all the way to the taillights, a signature of newer Audi models. The body under the shoulder line is concave, making the flared arches look even more dramatic. The rear end gets refreshed LED taillights and a reworked bumper.

On the inside, there’s a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster as standard — of which the latter is upgradable to 12.3 inches. These screens run on the latest MIB 3 platform, said to be ten times more powerful than before. Audi’s suite of connected car features include the ability to remotely lock and unlock the car, or start the engine, among others. The almost plain interior layout of the outgoing A3 is replaced by sharp lines and angular surfaces, with what looks to be an upgrade in material quality too. Thanks to it being 40mm longer, 20mm wider and 10mm taller, the new A3 will get slightly more legroom and headroom.

In terms of the powertrains, there are a range of options internationally but we expect it to come to India with a 1.5-litre TFSI petrol engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, putting out 147bhp and 250Nm of torque. Internationally it also gets a 48V mild-hybrid system latched on to this powertrain, improving efficiency and providing an extra 50Nm of torque.

Expect the new A3 to be priced around `38 lakh when it goes on sale sometime next year. It will compete with the soon-to-be-launched Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.