Audi has unveiled its new A3 Saloon. Sitting below the Audi A4, the A3 Saloon is to compete with the new Mercedes CLA Saloon.
Showcased ahead of its debut time for the Shanghai Motor Show next month, the 296 bhp Audi S3 version new four-door is also part of the global A3 line-up. Though the cars are in America, they will not be shown at the New York Motor Show.
The A3 Saloon with Mercedes CLA as its rival is a 4460 mm long, height of 1416 mm and width of 1796 mm car. The wheel base of 2400 millimeter (mm) makes it 11mm wider, 15 millimeter (mm) longer and 9 millimeter (mm) lower than the Sportback A3. On which it is based and the pair share wheel base of 2636 millimeter (mm).
These dimensions also (compared to the rival Mercedes CLA) makes it 19 mm lower, 170 mm shorter and 19 mm wider. Though the wheel base is 63 mm longer than the A3 Saloon, the car will definitely attract the young professional group who are enjoying their managerial success and their small family.
China on number one, as the youngsters there prefers to drive by themselves, making China the biggest market for the car followed by US. In Europe focus is on Russia, Germany and the UK. From its launch, three engine variants will be available comprising 148 bhp 2.0 TDI diesel, 178 bhp 1.8 TFSI Petrol and 138 bhp 1.4 TFSI.
The S3 four wheel drive is expected next year.
Propelled by a 2.0 TFSI engine for 0-100 kilometers per hour (kph) in 4.9 seconds, the car comes equipped with optional 6-slide double clutches tronic automatic gear case. The 6-speed manual with a 0-100 kph time of 5.3 mm is standard.