2017 Audi A3 Sedan (Facelift) Indian Launch By October

Back in 2014, Audi launched the third-gen A3 sedan, the first compact luxury sedan to hit the Indian market. The car has received a mid-term facelift, with the company offering fresh looks, new engine options, added safety features, and the elegant Matrix LED headlamps and admirable Virtual Cockpit all-digital instrument cluster for the first time in the compact segment. With its only rival in India - Mercedes-Benz CLA - that has also got a mid-term makeover quite recently, the refreshed A3 is now pepped-up and more equipped to face the competition.

As a part of the the 2017 model year update, Audi has added two new petrol engines to the car's international line-up - a 115 hp 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo-charged petrol and a 190 hp 2.0-litre TFSI motor. There will also be a 110 hp 1.6-litre TDI diesel option for the A3. They are either mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or the new seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic auto unit. However, Audi India is likely to continue offering the same 4-cylinder 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI in the Indian-spec A3. The front-wheel drive configuration is standard in the range, while some of markets do get all-wheel drive options as well unlike India.

Audi A3 was the first compact luxury sedan in the Indian market, now joined by Mercedes CLS. 

Design wise, the updated A3's cosmetic changes are mid, yet manifest bold statements in terms of styling. The new angular headlamp design, inspired from the 2017 Audi A4 sedan, is sharp-looking, while the broader single-frame grille with sharper contours and the restyled bumper air-inlets enhances the presence of the car. The side profile remains largely untouched, while the rear changes are limited to the re-styled tail lamps.

Also Read: 2017 Audi A4 (Facelift) - Details and Photos

Inside, the the updated car gets a revised steering and infotainment system. The high-spot is the optional Virtual Cockpit technology that is already available in the all-new Audi Q7 in India. The system consists of a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster with a multi-functional options and view modes.

Indian-spec A3 is expected to be powered by the same 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI engines

In addition, the compact sedan gets new safety systems including an updated Active Lane Assist and Pre-sense Front Collision Mitigation System, and Cross Traffic Assist to help the driver reverse into traffic. However, most of these systems are unlikely to be part of the Indian-spec A3 due to radar restrictions placed by the government.

Also Read: 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA (Facelift) - Details and Photos 

Audi has also revealed the updated 2017 S3 performance-oriented variant, along with 5-door Sportback and 3-door Cabriolet models. The A3 Cabriolet that is already on sale in India will be replaced with the new face-lifted model a little later, while the last A3 sedan is all-set to hit our roads by October this year. The new A3 will compete against the like of Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan, which is Audi's sole contender in India. An updated 2017 CLA will also join us by early next year, so rivalry heat between the two compact luxury sedans is eminent.

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2017 Audi A3 Sedan - Image Gallery

Photo Credits: Audi