Audi India have tasted fair success with their cars in India but somehow down the line, they lost the plot by offering cars with more focus on the economy front but probably less on the power front. Audi India has already brought down the mighty Rs.2.8 crore Audi R8 to India and they have already delivered 10 of those demons to customers. However not everyone can afford Rs 2.8 crore and hence keeping the Audi core values intact but taking performance to almost supercar territory is the new Audi A3 or rather Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro in India. Yes, you read it right. Audi India are planning to get the A3 to India for the enthusiastsac
Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro Looks
This is usually a subjective topic however all would agree on the fact that the Audi A3 is one of the best looking Audis in India and probably across the world. Menacing is a small word to describe it and we are not describing size here. The Audi A3 has the typical wide Audi grill but it isn’t exposed and has seven vertical chrome slats across it. Two ridges arise from the windscreen and terminate on the air dam. And by air dams, we mean humongous ones, ones that would beat the Audi Q7 to submission. The head lamps are typical Audi fare with day time LED running lamps. The air dams are set deep into the bumper and are outlined by chrome. The bonnet of the car is in white whereas the rest of the body color is different. The roof is also white irrespective of the color you choose.
The wing mirrors are the most aerodynamic of any car in the world. The 20 inch standard wheels are shod with high performance tires. The wheel arches are flared and acctenuate the sportiness of the car. The rear can easily be mistaken for one from the Subaru Impreza. The twin tail pipes sit high in the bumper and looks like they can supply water to a whole building.
Probably, the best looking car in India.
Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro Interiors
Immaculate is the word that comes to mind when taking a look at the Audi A3. It has a flat bottomed, partly aluminium covered steering wheel that wouldn’t look out of place in a Ferrari 360 spyder. It has a big red button on it for the engine start and stop. Surprisingly audio controls are absent but cruise control is there. The hooded binnacle holds two superb circular and high attention to detail, dials. They are white in color but also have red inserts. The Audi A3 can seat 4 comfortably. A MMI laced navigation as well as video system is available. The door handles are crafted out of aluminium, to save weight and also enhance the feel.
Handling and ride quality
With Quattro at the helm, handling is top notch and sideways action would be more easy once the standard traction control system is turned off. Not many would believe that Audi has won many races world wide with the A3. Quattro basically means a much advanced version of the 4 wheel drive system. The ride quality, though a bit on the firmer side, would also be good considering Audi offers magnetic ride technology.
Engine,Performance and fuel efficiency
The Audi A3 carries the same stonker of a turbo diesel engine which is already present in the A4. The two-liter TDI Clubsport Quattro engine puts out 224 bhp and an amazing 450 Nm of torque. This car can propel itself from 0-100 in 6.6 seconds. Its maximum speed is electronicallly limited to 240 km/hr. All this 450 Nm of torque is available from as low as 1750 rpm. This means take-offs would be super car good in this car. It is expected to return about 10 kmpl in the city and about 15 kmpl on the highway. This is quite good compared to the performance it returns.
Braking is handled by six piston brake calipers and ceramic disc brakes at the 4 wheels. It is supported by standard ESP and other electronic nannies. Safety scores top ratings for the A3 as well all over the world.
Verdict
The Audi A3 would actually only cater to a niche audience, one which can handle its high price tag of approximately Rs.25,000,00 for a 4 seater hatchback. However it gives perfect handling, diesel fuel economy and running costs. Plus been the best looker in the business. Launch of Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro in India is expected to be around November 2011. Its competitors would be the soon to launched in India Volkswagen Golf GTI and BMW 1 series.
Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro technical specifications
Displacement: 1984cc, Turbo Diesel
Engine Type: Diesel
Number of Cylinders: 4
Engine Type: Inline 4
Maximum Power: 224 Bhp @ 5100 rpm
Maximum Torque: 450 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual/automatic
Length: 169 in
Width: 69.5 in
Height: 56 in
Wheel Base: 101.5 in
Ground Clearance: 4.3 in
Kerb Weight: 1890 kg
Front Head Room: 39.3 in
Front Shoulder Room: 54.4 in
Rear Head Room: 36.9 in
Front Leg Room: 41.2 in
Luggage Capacity: 276 liters
Maximum Seating: 4
Fuel Tank Capacity: 53 liters
