Audi unveiled the 2014 A3 small premium sedan at the 2013 New York Auto Show. The car has been derived from the German automakers A3 hatchback and has used most of its design cues. It is Audi’s entry into rapidly expanding premium compact sedan segment which is now being populated by cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the BMW 1-Series.
The Audi A3 sedan has been designed to look different from its siblings and this has been achieved by giving the car sharper lines as well as slightly more flared wheel arches. It is 4.4 meters long, 1.8 meters wide, 1.4 meters high – that makes it comparable to Honda City and other midsized sedans on size. With the standard front-wheel-drive setup of Audi, the car should have decent passenger cabin and boot space. Also with the typical Audi LED treatment and gadgets, the sedan will look premium and worth the money.
Inside, the A3 sedan gets the usual sets of luxuries that one can expect in an Audi like the modular infotainment system and on the top-end version the MMI Navigation Plus. It has been fitted with two-tone interiors which can be either Alacantra or Nappa leather. Audi is offering the option of having the steering wheel with two spokes, three spokes or with a flat bottom. Also available in the form of an optional extra is a colour display which uses 3D graphics. The boot has a capacity of 425 litres and can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
Under the hood, The A3 Sedan is being offered with three sets of turbo charged four-cylinder engines; 1.4-litre petrol, 1.8-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel churning out 140bhp+250Nm, 180bhp+250Nm and 150bhp+320Nm respectively. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed manual or Audi’s S Tronic dual clutch automatic gearbox.
Audi has also unveiled the S3 sedan (in pictures) which as the name goes is a sportier version of the A3 sedan. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol mill which produces 296bhp and 379Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels via the six-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox and the Quattro four-wheel drive system. The S3 sedan gets modified bumpers, OVRMs, rear spoiler and quad chrome exhausts. The interior option includes sports seats and the instrument cluster with grey dials.
While no date has been given for the S3s official launch, the A3 will be officially unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show and will reach dealerships across Europe by summer for a starting price of 25,000 Euros (Rs 17.39 lakh).
