Audi recently launched the much anticipated 2012 Audi A4 in the Indian market. After the RS, this was the second product of the German automaker to the Indian customers. Interestingly, the officials also announced that Audi will be launching three more products in the current calendar, which includes the Q3 crossover. The German auto giant has received tremendous admiration in the five year venture in Indian market. As every major automaker is drifting towards a volume-driven small car segment in Indian market, Audi does not plan to lag behind.
Competing in the market with the cheapest BMW, X1, and the upcoming Mercedes A-Class and B-Class is the four-ringed brand’s premium class small car will be given a host of features. Although Audi has not yet confirmed the body style of the upcoming Audi A3, a short wheelbase, five-door sedan is what seems to be a practical solution.
Moreover, the Audi A3 may have a cabrio version follow soon that will share the MQB platform with the mainstream version. A three-door version is also possible, but Audi is more likely to first go for the five-door, short wheelbase sedan style. This model will go up against the Volkswagen GTI and BMW 1-Series. Expected to arrive by 2014, the new Audi A3 will shell out more than the current runner. As the newly launched A4 undercut the Rs 30 lacs price tag, the Audi A3 can see a price challenging the BMW X1.
Following is the power plant options on the Audi A3:
- 1.2 TFSI petrol – 105 hp
- 1.4 TFSI petrol – 127 hp
- 1.8 TFSI petrol – 177 hp
- 2.0 TFSI petrol – 198 hp
- 1.6 TDI diesel – 95 hp
- 1.6 TDI diesel – 105 hp
- 2.0 TDI diesel – 137 hp
- 2.0 TDI diesel – 177 hp
As a part of the 2014 venture, Audi is likely to add the clever hybrid drive to several models in its lineup, and A3 may be one of them. Driving power to the wheels will be a six-speed manual, and the intelligent S tronic transmission is also likely to find its way under the hood. Watch this space for more from the Audi.
