Audi A3 pencilled in for 2013 India launch (Upcoming Cars)

WHEN: 2012

HOW MUCH: Rs 16 – 20 lakh

ENGINES: 1.8-litre petrol, 2.0-litre diesel

COMPETITION: VW Jetta, Maruti Kizashi, Skoda Laura

The Audi A3 saloon is being readied for an Indian market launch, sometime in 2013. The pictures you see here are of the A3 saloon concept, first displayed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. This year, Audi previewed the hatchback version of the A3, which will be going on sale in Europe soon.

The Audi A3 will eventually span an entire range of body-styles, including a two-door coupe, cabriolet, and station-wagon, in addition to the more common hatch and sedan versions. The new A3 is based on Audi’s or rather the Volkswagen Group’s new ‘MQB’ platform, which will also form the basis of the new A4, due next year.

The A3 sedan will be approximately the same size as the VW Vento and the Skoda Rapid, but will understandably be far more plush, with a full multimedia suite on the inside and premium feel materials. Of course, you also get four rings on the grille rather than a simple VW logo. Audi is keen to point out that with the A3 it wants the brand to appeal to younger buyers, and so the full multimedia experience, along with large touch-screen interface, is a key part of the car’s features.

Whether the contrast upholstery makes it to the India model, or is even offered as an option, remains to be seen.

The new Audi A3 has been launched with three engines just now, which include the familiar 1.8 TFSI petrol and 2.0-litre TDI diesel motors. There’s also the 1.4 TFSI petrol in the base version. Later, Audi plans to introduce the 1.6 MPI and 1.6 TDI motors to the A3 as well. What’s significant is that these motors are already used in VW AG cars as sold in India. For India however, Audi may resort to the larger engines in the range to ensure that the car feels premium, and does not come across just as a stylised Vento.

Pricing will be important, but there are hints that this could well be a sub-20 lakh rupee car. Audi is mum on its exact plans for now, but the car is almost as good as confirmed for an India market launch. The proposed free-trade agreement or FTA with the European Union (EU) could help to ensure that the car’s pricing remains extremely competitive.