Audi A3 launched in South Africa, India next

CarDekho has been constantly informing you about Audi India's plans for the growing Indian auto industry, which includes a compact premium sedan A3. While we are waiting for the A3 sedan, the German luxury manufacturer has introduced the vehicle in the South African market, with deliveries starting from January 2014.

Audi A3 sedan has been priced at R323,500 (around Rs. 19 lakh). While BMW and Mercedes-Benz introduced 1-Series and A-Class respectively, Audi India is aiming to capture the market with its most affordable A3. It is expected to be the company's top selling product in developing nations including India. The vehicle is expected to be unveiled at the next year's Indian Auto Expo, where Mercedes will also unveil the CLA Class.

In South Africa, the new Audi A3 is being offered in both petrol and diesel guise. The petrol model gets the 1.4-litre TFSI which is tuned to deliver two power output- 123bhp (MT) and 120bhp (AT) and a 1.8-litre engine producing 177bhp and 250Nm. The diesel version is powered by the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that churns out a maximum power output of 148bhp and 350Nm of top torque. For Indian buyers, we strongly believe that the car will get the 1.8-litre TFSI petrol and 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre TDI powertrains. The company could also launch the sedan with 1.4-litre TFSI engine producing 140PS.

Expected to be the company's cheapest offering, the new A3 sedan is likely to be tagged around Rs. 22-25 lakh. The vehicle will be loaded with several features including Audi's drive select system, two zone climate control, MMI and a multi-functional steering. The company could also introduce a stripped down version of the sedan, like Audi Q3 Sport.  

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