For a long time, German auto giant Audi has been working aggressively in the Indian auto market and is reaping exceptional returns. Recently, the brand with four rings outpaced its rival Mercedes-Benz and claimed the title of the second largest luxury car seller in India. In order to continue the success run, the dynamic company is all set to claim the numero uno position by dethroning the current market leader BMW.
Going way ahead of the schedule, it aims to shoot past BMW by 2015 on the back of the excellent reception of its compact luxury SUV Q3. Moreover, it is also gearing up to unveil the A3 sedan in the Indian market in the next couple of years. Audi seems to be in no mood to wait to be at the top and the new target for them is to lead the Indian auto market before the end of 2014.
According to the Head of Audi India, Michael Perschke, “We have certain products in mind which we want to introduce to gain leadership position in the Indian market. We are looking at adding on A3 to our portfolio and are conducting a market study to assess the feedback among consumers here.”
The company has been able to record a decent growth of 37.09 per cent till May 2012 and with the overwhelming response being garnered by Q3, Audi further anticipates to record even more impressive figures. To attain its desired goals, the company will have to introduce vehicles which are placed in competitive price range of around Rs. 20 lacs. With approximately the same length as A4, the lesser priced A3 will be considered as an entry level sedan in the German automaker's portfolio and would probably help it attain volumes.
In the international engine line-up of Audi A3, the company has offered following powertrains.
| Engine Name | Power |
| 1.2 TFSI | 105 bhp |
| 1.4 TFSI | 125 bhp |
| 1.8 TFSI | 160 bhp |
| 2.0 TFSI | 200 bhp |
| 1.6 TDI | 90 bhp |
| 1.6 TDI | 105 bhp |
| 2.0 TDI | 140 bhp |
The new Audi A3 can clock a speed of 250 kmph with utmost ease due to its high performance engine. It comes with safety features like top speed of 8 airbags, Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), 3 rear seatbelts, electric driver seat arrangement and parking sensors are the other notable features of the model.
It is also expected that the some A3 variants shall come assimilated with Quattro 4x4 drive chassis. The transmission system equipped within the car would likely be a six speed manual option. In addition, the company will also offer the extremely fast and convenient S tronic gearbox with the car. It is anticipated that in automatic versions of A3, shift paddles will be provided on the steering wheel. The automatic transmission variants will feature dual clutch six or seven speed transmission system, depending upon the power generated by the powertrain.
Recent updates indicate that the A3 will grace Indian showrooms with a price tag of around Rs. 16 lacs. In order to maintain the competitive pricing, the model will be assembled in the India. Due to the brand name itself, it will not be a challenge for A3 to outpace its big rivals, which include Honda AccordV6, Superb V6 and Passat, among others.
