Audi India may have showcased the A3 Sedan at the Auto Expo last month, but the market launch of the entry-level luxury car is still four months away according to the company. As a result, we don't expect to see deliveries of the A3 Sedan commence before end of July.
However, Audi India will allow customers to pre-book the car before its market launch. While prices and engine specs of the car remain unconfirmed, Audi India's ex-CEO, Michael Perschke, said that prices will start below INR 25 lakhs.
Based on the VW Group's MQB platform, the A3 Sedan will challenge the Mercedes A Class and BMW 1 Series in India. Audi believes that at this price point, it makes better sense to introduce a sedan or a crossover rather than a hatchback.
The A3 Sedan will be locally assembled in India from the start with CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits being sourced from Gyor, Hungary, which happens to be the only manufacturing site for the car.
Engine options could start from a 1.4-liter TFSI petrol producing 140 hp. A more powerful 1.8-liter TFSI petrol produces 180 hp, while the possible volume spinner, a 2.0-liter TDI develops 150 hp. Lower variants of the A3 Sedan could sport a 6-speed manual transmission, while a 7-speed DSG will be offered on the higher models.
