Wraps have come off the all-new Audi A3 sedan. In its second-gen now, the A3 has grown bigger in size, while it also comes with a thoroughly revamped interior. Plus, it's lost its understated styling for a more aggressive appearance.
The second-gen Audi A3 sedan is out! Updates on the new model are quite similar to the all-new A3 Sportback, which was revealed just over a month ago. However, unlike the Sportback, the new sedan will be coming to India soon.
The new A3 sedan is all-new, and it’s grown bigger in size. The new model is 40mm longer, 20mm wider and 10mm taller than the outgoing version. The wheelbase is unchanged from the previous version though. Having said that, Audi claims the A3’s cabin is now roomier than before. The biggest change, however, is in its appearance – it looks way more aggressive now. The single-frame grille is bigger in size, while the whole car has a hunkered down stance. The LED headlamps are typical Audi, but they’re sharper and meaner – not to mention, the top-end variants get Matrix LED headlamps. Overall, the sedan’s bodywork features sharper creases and it’s a more muscular stance. It has gone from looking subtle to quite sporty and aggressive, we’ve to say.
Inside, the updates are even more prominent. The cabin layout is similar to the A3 Sportback, and that means there are fewer buttons and big screens all around. There’s 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment in the centre along with a 12.3-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’ that sits right behind the new steering wheel. The Virtual Cockpit is optional though – a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster will be fitted as standard. The gear-lever is new, too, and the whole interior looks edgy and upmarket.
Audi will be launching the new A3 sedan with three engines at the time of its launch in Europe. This will include two petrol and diesel. The petrol range will feature a common 35 TFSI variant, featuring a 1.5-litre four-cylinder 148bhp unit. There will be two versions – one with a six-speed manual gearbox and the other with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic version. The latter will come with a 48V mild-hybrid system that’ll add 50Nm of electrical boost during acceleration from low-speed and it’ll also allow the sedan to the coast at speeds by turning the engine off in 'many situations'. Audi is also expected to add a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine to the sedan’s petrol range later.
The diesel version of the new sedan will feature a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, which is also rated at 148bhp. This version will only come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. All the models will be front-wheel drive.
The 2021 Audi A3 sedan is expected to go on sale in European markets by June/July 2020. The sedan is expected to come to India by the end of 2020, but it’s arrival here will hugely depend on how the Coronavirus outbreak takes shape in the next few months. When launched, the Audi A3 will compete with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan in India, which is expected to go on sale here as soon as the ongoing lockdown restrictions are lifted.
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