Audi A3 2014-2017 35 TDI Technology

A3 2014-2017 35 TDI Technology Review

Audi India has finally launched its most anticipated sedan model, A3 in the automobile market. This latest vehicle is available with petrol and diesel engine options, among which, Audi A3 35 TDI Technology is the top end diesel variant. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel mill. It is capable of producing a maximum power of 143bhp along with a maximum torque output of 320Nm. This newest sedan is considered as the least expensive version in Audi India's portfolio, but it still gets some innovative comfort features. It has aspects like a deluxe automatic climate control unit with rear air con vents, a 7-inch MMI touchscreen and electrically adjustable front seats. At the same time, it has safety features like six airbags, engine immobilizer, warning triangle with first aid kit and tyre pressure monitoring system. It has an attractive external appearance that is beautifully decorated with hallmark cosmetics like LED DRLs, hexagonal radiator grille and a set of stylish five-spoke alloy wheels. The insides looks quite decent wherein the company has opted for new design patterns and materials in order to give it a cosmopolitan look. This vehicle will now lock horn with the likes of Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana, Skoda Octavia and Volvo V40 in the luxury sedan segment.

Exteriors:

This newly introduced sedan inherits the design cues of its sibling A4, which makes it look eye-catching. The main highlight is its signature LED lighting pattern on both front and rear profile. Its frontage has a sleekly sculptured headlight cluster that is powered by xenon plus headlamps along with LED DRLs and turn indicators. In the center, the radiator grille has glossy black strips and a thick chrome surround. Furthermore, it is affixed with a stylish company's logo that gives a magnificent stance to the front facade. The front bumper is designed with a body colored chin guard along with a pair of air ducts. Coming to the sides, this sedan has trendy aspects cosmetics like body colored wing mirrors, door handles and high gloss black B pillars. Its window sill is treated with brushed metallic inserts, which gives a distinct look to the side facet. Its neatly crafted wheel arches have been fitted with a set of 5-spoke styled, 17-inch alloy wheels , which are covered with 225/45 R17 sized radial tubeless tyres. The rear profile is quite attractive owing its wide taillight cluster that is powered by LED brake lights, courtesy lamps and turn indicators. The rear bumper has a dual tone look as it is affixed with a black protective cladding. In addition to these, it also features a pair of fog lamps and two chrome plated exhaust pipes.

Interiors:

The Insides of this Audi A3 35 TDI Technology trim are done up with good quality material along with an attractive color scheme. Its elegantly crafted dashboard represents the new design pattern adapted by the company for its models. The dashboard along with door panels are affixed with expressively sculptured stripes, which gives an ultra-modern look to the cabin. It is further equipped with a glove box, an infotainment unit, instrument panel and a proficient climate control system. The steering wheel has four spokes and is further equipped with audio and call control switches . On the other hand, the driver information system features a color display that provides crucial information regarding vehicle speed, fuel levels, rpm meter along with several other warnings and notifications. The main highlight of this sedan is its ergonomically designed seats, wherein the front seats also have electrically adjustable function. It is bestowed with several utility aspects including front sun visors, accessory power socket, rear center armrest with two cup holders and an inside rear view mirror as well.

Engine and Performance:

This vehicle is powered by a 2.0-litre, TDI diesel engine that has a displacement capacity of 1968cc . It is based on a DOHC valve configuration with 4-cylinders and 16-valves, which receives fuel through a common rail injection system. This motor is further incorporated with a turbocharger, which allows the motor to produce a maximum power of 143bhp at between 3500 to 4000rpm and a commanding torque output of 320Nm between just 1750 to 3000rpm. This motor is mated with a six speed dual-clutch automatic transmission gearbox that allows the front wheels to extract its torque output.

Braking and Handling:

This sedan is blessed with a reliable braking mechanism, wherein its front wheels are paired with ventilated discs and the rear ones have conventional disc brakes. The car maker has also installed an anti lock braking system along with an electronic brake force distribution , which prevents any possibility of skidding on slippery roads. At the same time, it comes installed with an electronic stability program and anti slip regulation, which reduces the loss of traction. On the other hand, it is also incorporated with a maintenance-free electro-mechanic power assisted steering with speed dependent control that provides an effortless driving experience.

Comfort Features:

This Audi A3 35 TDI Technology trim is blessed with several advanced comfort features, which helps in providing a fatigue-free driving experience. Its cabin is fitted with a deluxe automatic air conditioning unit along with adjustable rear air con vents, which keeps the ambiance pleasant irrespective of the temperature outside. It also comes with an advanced 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is integrated with a navigation including 3D maps, audio system, radio and provides controls for various functions of the car. It has a list of features including electrically adjustable front seats, a leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, adjustable head restraints, rear center armrest with two cup holders, driver information system, reverse parking sensors and a large glove box unit. Apart from these, this sedan also has power steering with tilt adjustable, electrically adjustable outside mirror and windows.

Safety Features:

This luxury sedan has a rigid body structure integrated with impact protection beams and crumple zones that provides enhanced protection to its occupants. It has quite a number of features including airbags, 3-point ELR seat belts, engine immobilizer , first aid kit with warning triangle, ABS with EBD, ASR and electronic stability program as well.

Pros:

1. Asserting exterior appearance with signature cosmetics.

2. Engine performance and acceleration is good.

Cons:

1. There is more work to do on its interiors.

2. Several more comfort features can be added.