Audi A3 2014-2017 35 TDI Premium

Audi India has launched their much awaited A3 sedan in the country's car market with both petrol and diesel engine options. The company is offering this luxurious sedan in quite a few variants, out of which, Audi A3 35 TDI Premium is the mid range trim. This variant comes with an attractive body structure, a set of 16 inch alloy wheels, high gloss package, a set of rain sensing wipers and many other such aspects. At the same time, its spacious internal cabin is equipped with leather covered seats, storage package, advanced air conditioning unit and so on. This variant is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1968cc. It is cleverly mated with a six speed S-Tronic automatic gear box, which helps in delivering an impressive performance. With the help of common rail based direct injection fuel supply system it allows the sedan to generate 20.38 Kmpl of decent fuel economy. This sedan comes with an overall length of 4456mm along with a total height of 1416mm and a decent width of 1960mm, which includes external rear view mirrors. It also has a large wheelbase that measures about 2637mm and offers a spacious cabin inside. It has a centrally located fuel tank, which can store about 50 litres diesel and it is perfect for planning longer journeys.

Exteriors:

The front fascia is designed with a chrome garnished radiator grille, which is embedded with a prominent company emblem in the center. It is flanked by a sleek headlight cluster that is incorporated with high intensity halogen lamps. The body colored bumper is distinctly designed and houses a pair of air ducts. Its windscreen is made of heat insulating glass and integrated with a pair of rain sensing wipers. The large bonnet has a couple of visible character lines that gives the frontage an attractive look. Its side profile is dominated by strong character lines. It has body colored door handles and external rear view mirrors. Its pronounced wheel arches are fitted with an elegant set of 16 inch alloy wheels, which are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres. The electrically foldable ORVMs are integrated with side blinker and it comes with heating function as well. The rear end is equipped with body colored bumper, a large windshield and a radiant tail light cluster. The company is selling this sedan in quite a few metallic paint option for the buyers to choose from. These are a Glacier White, Beluga Brown, Florett Silver, Scuba Blue, Brilliant Black and a Misano Red with pearl effect finish.

Interiors:

The internal section of this Audi A3 35 TDI Premium variant is incorporated with wide seats, which are covered with leather upholstery. Its front seats are electrically adjustable and integrated with adjustable head rests. The leather covered 4-spoke steering wheel, inlays in a 3D look, black finished door sill trims and lighting package gives the interiors a decent look. The smooth dual tone dashboard is equipped with a spacious glove box, AC vents and an instrument panel with a lot of functions for the convenience of the driver. This variant comes with a smoking package, which includes cigarette lighter and an ashtray with the Audi rings in center console. Apart from these, it also has storage package that has map pockets in all doors, storage box in the dashboard and under the driver's seat. It also ahs a spacious boot compartment of 425 litres, which can be increased by folding rear seat.

Engine and Performance:

This newly launched variant is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel mill, which has a displacement capacity of 1968cc . This 4-cylinder based power plant is mated with a six speed S-Tronic automatic gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 143bhp between 3500 to 4000rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 320Nm in the range of 1750 to 3000rpm. This motor allows the sedan to achieve a breathtaking top speed of 215 Kmph, which is rather remarkable for this segment. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 8.6 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

The front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, which also has lower wishbones, while the the rear axle gets four link type of suspension with separate springs. Both front and rear axles are further assisted by tubular anti roll bar. The company has given this variant a dual circuit braking system with diagonal split . This braking mechanism is augmented by electronic stability control (ESC) with limited slip differential and hydraulic brake assist function. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated discs, while rear ones have solid disc brakes. Its electromechanical steering system comes with speed dependent power assistance function, which makes handling convenient even in peak traffic conditions.

Comfort Features:

This Audi A3 35 TDI Premium variant is incorporated with a lot of sophisticated features, which gives the occupants a plush feel while traveling. For in-car entertainment, it is bestowed with an advance Audi music interface along with passive speakers. It supports MMI radio and Bluetooth interface. This variant also has a driver information system with color display . The leather wrapped steering wheel is mounted with a call, cruise and audio control buttons. The cruise control function maintains a steady speed on the highways as set by the driver. The deluxe automatic air conditioning unit cools the entire cabin quickly and it also sun sensor. Apart from these, it is bestowed with rear parking aid, front center armrest and electrically adjustable front seats.

Safety Features:

The list of features include six airbags including front passenger airbag deactivation switch, seat belts for all occupants along with reminder notification, remote central locking system, first aid kit with warning triangle, rear doors with child safety lock, ABS along with EBD, ESC (electronic stabilization control) and anti slip regulation (ASR) function.

Pros:

1. Eye-catching exteriors with high gloss package.

2. Spacious internal cabin.

Cons:

1. High cost of maintenance.

2. Ground clearance is quite less.