New Audi A3 Road Test Review

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine		1395cc, 4 Cylinder, Turbocharged Petrol
Power		150hp@5000-6000rpm
Torque		250Nm@1500-3500rpm
Transmission		7-Speed S Tronic Dual Clutch Transmission
Suspension	Front	McPherson Strut with lower wishbones
	Rear	Four-Link
Front Brakes Rear Brakes		Ventilated Discs Solid Discs
Tyres		205/55 R16
Boot Space		425L
Top Speed		224kmph
0-100kmph Time		8.2 seconds
Fuel Tank		50 Litres
Price (ex-showroom Delhi)		Rs. 30,50,000

Exterior Design and Features of new 2017 Audi A3

Audi's entire lineup resonates a very sophisticated and neat design language. The A3 is no exception to that, it features clean straight lines and gets a bold stance. The list of changes includes a larger hexagonal front grille which makes the fascia look bolder than before. Audi has also redone the headlamps and LED DRLs. On offer are projector lamps with an almost surround like LED DRL setup. This, however, is not standard fitment. Adding more flair to the front is a revised bumper with larger air intakes along with subtle hints of chrome. The front looks chiseled and neat with a muscular hood adding to this sedan's bold character. The side features new smart looking 16-inch 5-spoke alloys and a bold shoulder line. Audi has also introduced redesigned tail lamps in the rear along with a new LED pattern. The rear also gets a refreshed bumper and dual tip exhausts. The changes which have been made on this facelift do give the sedan a smart and sporty look while keeping it very functional and sophisticated.

Interior Design and Features of new 2017 Audi A3

Inside the cabin of the new A3 one can find a stark similarity with the design language of the exterior. The cabin is sleek and refined, which only goes to compliment this sedan's design scheme. The dash maintains a similar layout and does not see much change. The multi function steering wheel has been updated and definitely looks more contemporary. Audi has bolted on a suave looking three spoke steering wheel which goes well with interior design. Also on offer is the Audi Phone Box for wireless charging of select devices. Features such as dual zone automatic climate control, retractable MMI display, bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity and a lot more have been added for the convenience of passengers. What Audi could have included is push button start stop and more contemporary features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which are at present being widely offered even in mass market cars.

Engine and Performance of new 2017 Audi A3

We got our hands on the 1.4L, 4 cylinder, TFSI turbocharged petrol variant of the A3. Like the A4, Audi has done away with the 1.8L engine and introduced the more efficient 1.4L variant. Capable of unleashing 150 horses this engine is more than able and quite quick through the paces. The new engine also comes with Audi's Cylinder on Demand (COD) technology which ensures a fuel efficient drive. The company has claimed a fuel efficiency figure of 19.2kms to a liter which is quite impressive. The COD tech ensures all four cylinders are running when power is needed, in situations like coasting, idling or even at lower speeds two of the four cylinders shut down.

The engine has been mated to a 7-speed S Tronic Dual Clutch Transmission. The gear operations are smooth giving the driver a seamless and powerful experience. The ride is comfy and jolt free with the suspension soaking in most of the undulations and bumps rather well. The overall engineering standard is top notch and leaves very little room to complain. The performance of the A3 is admirable but will not leave you breathless.

Verdict

The Audi A3 is essentially a workhorse which was made to delight customers looking to upgrade to a more premium brand. It has all the underpinnings of the Audi brand and offers a more refined experience. Some subtle changes and some bold ones do ensure this new A3 is a tad bit more functional and sporty. For the asking price of Rs. 30.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), one cannot possibly find a better deal.