2017 Audi A3 Facelift Review
Car Tested: 2017 Audi A3; Road Test No. 793 Test Location: Vishakhapatnam
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 36-48 lakhs (est.)
The A3 is a driver’s car, it feels punchy and chuckable and is the most affordable Audi
Until 2014, the A4 used to be Audi’s entry-level sedan offering in India and no doubt it was one of the highest selling cars in that price bracket. However, the automaker then went on to launch the A3 which is slotted below the A4. The A3 has been available in sedan as well as Cabriolet body styles. Audi has now come up with a mid-life facelift for the A3 and we have a go in the sedan in the picturesque city of Vishakhapatnam.
Motor Quest: The Audi A3 has been selling in the international markets since long. The current generation made a global debut in 2013 and it was launched in India in 2014.
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The exteriors now look bolder with the new styling elements
Exteriors – The changes are apparent on the outside. You get a redesigned set of bumpers and this time the car looks sportier than before. Apart from that, the headlamps get a new shape too along with LED DRLs, somewhat similar to what comes on the new A4. Moving to the side, there are hardly any changes except the new 16-inch alloy wheels while at the rear, you get a tweaked look thanks to the revised tail lamps and of course the bumper which gets a larger diffuser. All in all, the A3 still has quite a pleasing design.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/32136817113/[/flickr]
The interiors are loaded with gadgetry
Interiors – Just like the exteriors, changes to the insides are also minimal. The dashboard has the same layout as before which is extremely ergonomic as well as functional. The new 3-spoke steering wheel has a sporty design but misses out on paddle shifters. There are changes to the MMI infotainment system and this time around it packs in better functionality. The Milano leather seats are comfy as ever and cushioning is nicely done. Space at the rear is decent, though not that great but should suffice for most users. The A3 is mainly a car that’s meant to be driven and not chauffeured around in. You get other features like panoramic sunroof, Audi Phone Box and Audi Parking System Plus too.
