Audi Unveils Cat A-Friendly A3, Is Significantly More Affordable Than Current Offerings

Audi has reintroduced their Category A COE A3 offerings with the release of a new 1.0 litre variant. You can buy the smaller displacement A3 in both the Sedan and Sportback body styles.

The last Audi offering in Category A was the A1 Sportback. It was withdrawn earlier this year, and there has been a gap in the Ingolstadt automaker's local lineup. A gap now filled with the introduction of the 1.0 litre A3 Sedan and Sportback, affording consumers another choice of a compact premium offering in the Category A segment.

There are no changes cosmetically - the differences are purely mechanical. The smaller engine does mean the cars do produce less power - 110hp and 200Nm of torque, as compared to the 150hp and 250Nm of torque in the 1.5 TFSI variant, though that does translate into better fuel economy figures.

How much better? The new variants will achieve 4.3L/100km for the Sedan and 4.4L/100km for the Sportback, as compared to 4.8L/100km for the 1.5 TFSI variant. Power is sent to the front wheels via Audi's seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission. These motors also come with mild hybrid assistance.

It's the same story inside - expect the familiar Audi experience, with a 10.1 inch infotainment screen as standard, as well as the Audi virtual cockpit with its 12.3 inch display providing three different views for the ease of use that consumers have come to expect with Audi products. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality are included in the pricetag.

The A3 1.0 TFSI Sedan and Sportback also feature a suite of safety assist systems as standard, such as cruise control, reverse camera and lane departure warning. Additional safety systems such as the Audi pre-sense basic, lane change warning and parking assistance systems are also available as options.

So how much would a lower-tiered A3 set you back? Well, the new A3 variants can be had from $188,148 for the Sedan, and $186,369 for the Sportback. Or to put that into context, $21k less than the 1.5 litre version. Aside from the smaller engine, cost savings have also been achieved by switching out the 1.5's multi-link rear suspension for a simpler rear torsion beam.

Still, you are unlikely to feel shortchanged should you opt for the 1.0 litre variant, as it offers all the Audi mod cons you'd ever want. Option your ideal A3 Sedan or Sportback with Audi Singapore's configurator here!

Read More: mReview: 2021 Audi A3 Sportback - Evolution Over Revolution

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