2017 Audi A3 to be launched in India tomorrow

The 2017 Audi A3 will be launched for the Indian market tomorrow. This is a mid-life update for the German automaker’s entry-level vehicle and includes both mechanical and cosmetic changes. It is available both in petroland diesel avatars and we have test-driven both models ahead of their launch.

The biggest change is that the 1.8-litre unit powering the petrol model has been replaced by a more frugal 1.4-litre producing 150bhp/250Nm of torque. This engine has been mated to a seven-speed DSG sending power to the front wheels. The diesel variant, on the other hand, is the 2.0-litre unit in the 35TDI state of tune producing 141bhp/320Nm with power going to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG.

This facelifted A3 gets a revised grille, tweaked headlamps as well as tail lamps as a part of the 2017 update package. The alloy wheels also sport a new design but, retain the same front-heavy and stubby-rear silhouette which defined the model when it was launched in 2014. The cabin is an all-black affair with features like climate control, seven-inch screen for MMI (multimedia interface), panoramic sunroof, parking sensors and a wireless charging point in the front armrest. 

We believe that this 2017 Audi A3 will be priced at Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.2 lakh over the current model. It takes on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, Volvo V40 and the BMW 1 Series. Of this, its main rival is the CLA sedan which was also updated recently.