Launching Tomorrow: Audi A3 Facelift

The facelifted entry-level model in Audi’s lineup in India gets a new frugal, downsized petrol engine with a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.2kmpl. And it is expected to become popular like the similarly specced all-new A4 petrol. 

Update 06/04/2017: Launching Today: Audi A3 Facelift

Ingolstadt-based luxury automaker Audi will launch the mid-cycle update of its most economical offering in the country, the A3, tomorrow. The A3 facelift was revealed through a set of official images in April 2016 and it later went on to sale in Europe and other international markets last year. Speaking of its rivals, the 2017 Audi A3, like the previous model, will have the Mercedes-Benz CLA has its prime adversary, which also received its facelift last November in India.  

(In Picture: All-new Audi A4)

As for the aesthetic changes, the updated A3 gets Audi’s latest single-frame grille, which is more hexagonal in appearance than before. Its headlamps have the all-new A4-like kink in them. In fact, the entire front fascia is very A4-esque. The side profile remains unaltered, save for the new set of alloys. At the rear, it gets new graphics for the tail lamps and subtly restyled bumper. 

• Audi A3 Cabriolet Facelift Launched In India At Rs 47.98 Lakh

On the inside, the 2017 A3 gets a new three-spoke steering wheel which has been lifted straight from the India-bound Audi Q2 compact SUV. Rest of the elements remained unaltered. In terms of features, it now can be had with a set of full-LED headlamps, while bi-xenon ones are standard (no more multi-reflector halogen headlamps on offer). The tail lamps get Audi’s dynamic turn indicators. The infotainment system now comes with Audi's latest MMI unit. Besides these, rest of the features have been carried forward.    

Mechanically, it now comes with a brand new 1.4-litre TFSI turbocharged petrol engine replacing the 1.8-litre turbo unit. The new unit puts out 150PS of max power (a drop of 30PS), but the peak torque remains the same at 250Nm. The overall efficiency has gone up by nearly 3kmpl at 19.2kmpl and it also features cylinder deactivation for better fuel efficiency. The diesel, on the other hand, remains the same – the 2.0-litre TDI (143PS/320Nm). The petrol is mated to a seven-speed DSG auto, while the diesel is coupled to a six-speed DSG automatic transmission. 

Check how the new petrol engine feels to drive in our 2017 Audi A3 review here: 2017 Audi A3: First Drive Review

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