Audi A3 sedan unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo

On the A3 sedan rests the onerous task of holding on to Audi’s number 1 tag in 2014. The car was unveiled for the Indian market at the Auto Expo, and will go up against the likes of BMW’s 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class and CLA. Audi chose to launch the sedan instead of the hatchback, as they believe that the sedan will make more sense to our market, though plans are afoot to bring the hatchback in later. India is the pioneer market for compact sedans and Audi’s entry into the premium side of the segment is a cash cow for the German manufacturer. Other premium manufacturers are expected to follow suit with sedan versions of their hatchbacks like a sedan trim BMW 1 Series or a sedan variant of the Merc A-Class. Visually, the A3 sedan looks every bit an Audi which is a good thing.

The A3 sedan will share engine options with its convertible sibling including the 1.8-litre TFSI turbo petrol developing 178bhp and 250Nm of peak torque and the 2.0-litre TDI producing 148bhp and 320Nm of torque. With a dry weight of just 1250kg, both engines will make the A3 sedan a fire cracker on the road. The front-wheel drive A3 sedan will be launched mid-2014 and pre-orders are already open. While the premium compact sedan is available with ‘quattro’ all-wheel drive internationally, this option will not come to India yet. Expect pricing to be in the region of Rs 25 lakh, a slight premium over the A-Class and 1 Series hatchbacks, and below the A4 sedan. From the looks of it Audi are on to a winner.