Audi A3 sedan to be launched in second half, 2014

The A3 sedan - Audi's cheapest offering for India will be launched in the third quarter, 2014. However, the production might start in the middle of the year. The company will bring the A3 via CKD (completely knocked down unit) route, and then assemble it at its Indian facility to price the vehicle competitively. The company will also launch the performance-oriented version of the A3 called the S3 in India.

Though, there will be no direct competitor for the A3 sedan in India initially, Mercedes-Benz will launch the the CLA class by the end of this year. So, till there's no direct competition for the A3 in India, the car might be a threat for BMW 1-Series and Mercedes-Benz A Class, which are the most affordable products offered by their respective makers in India today.

Globally, the car's diesel version is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI engine, which churns out 150bhp and 320Nm. The engine helps the car return an impressive 25kmpl of mileage. The base petrol engine sold globally carries a 1.4-litre TFSI engine that produces 140bhp and 250Nm and give 20kmpl.A more powerful 1.8-litre TFSi petrol engine too is on offer globally, which belts out 180bhp and 250Nm. Transmission options available are a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox. What all engine options will be made available in India, is a bit early to comment as of now.

With 4.46m length, 1.8m width and 2.64m of wheelbase, the A3 sedan will be the smallest sedan in India, but it will be spacious enough to accommodate five passengers comfortably. Also, the car will have a boot space of 425 litres.