Audi A3 sedan from $39,800

Audi has announced the Australian model line-up for its first ever A3 sedan ahead of its release here in January.

Local pricing for the four-door A3 will start at $39,800 plus on-road costs.

As expected, that makes the entry-level 1.4 TFSI COD S-tronic Attraction $1900 more expensive than the equivalent A3 Sportback hatch ($37,900 plus ORCS).

However, the cheapest A3 sedan remains more than $10,000 more affordable than its most direct rival in the similarly all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 sedan (from $49,900).

Closely resembling the A3 hatchback range, four A3 sedan model grades will be available, powered by three engines -- all matched to Audi’s S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard.

While the same engine powers the base A3 hatch (from $35,600), the base A3 sedan will be powered by a 103kW/250Nm 1.4-litre forced-induction four-cylinder petrol engine with fuel-saving Cylinder-on-Demand technology.

The other three A3 sedan are Ambition-spec models, led by the 132kW/250Nm 1.8 TFSI S-tronic, which at $44,800 plus ORCs is $2300 pricier than the equivalent A3 sedan.

As with the A3 Sportback, the 110kW/320Nm 2.0 TDI S-tronic sedan costs the same as 1.8 TFSI, while the range-topping 1.8 TFSI quattro S-tronic is priced at $47,800 plus ORCs – $1300 more than the equivalent hatch.

So far there is no sign of a sedan version of the A3 Sportback’s entry-level diesel 1.6 TDI Attraction variant.

Specification levels will echo that of the hatch, but the A3 sedan will also represent the Australian debut of Audi Connect.

All A3 engines will come standard with a dual-clutch S tronic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters and the option of a six-speed manual transmission for the same price.

Also standard across the range will be leather-appointed seats, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, auto headlights and wipers, front seat height adjustment, Bluetooth phone/audio, Audi Music Interface with CD and SD card input, and a new multi-media interface (MMI) via which a plethora of vehicle systems can be controlled by a large central rotary dial and a 5.8-inch colour monitor that pops up from the dash top.

The base A3 1.4 TFSI also comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, an electric parking brake, power windows/mirrors, cruise control, a multifunction leather steering wheel, four floor mats and a space-saver spare wheel (there is no provision for a full-size spare).

As with the A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI Ambition models, the more powerful and better equipped A3 sedans add 17-inch alloys, aluminium window surrounds, door sills and cabin highlights, sports front seats, a sports steering wheel, more extensive trip computer and the four-mode Audi Drive Select system, which changes the car’s throttle, steering and transmission response.

Expected to cost the same as in the A3 Sportback will be a host of grouped and individual options, including metallic paint (a pricey $1050), panoramic sunroof ($1950) and a cracking 14-speaker 705-Watt Bang & Olufsen stereo ($1750).

Apart from stand-alone 18- and even 19-inch wheel options and a full LED lighting system including automatic high beam and adaptive headlights, there will be a $2000 Style pack including xenon plus headlights, LED daytime running lights, larger alloys and sports suspension on Ambition models.?

For $2990, the Technik package bundles a larger seven-inch screen, satellite-navigation, a reversing camera, DVD player, self-parking system,front parking sensors, twin SD memory card readers, voice recognition, a 20GB hard drive and a clever touch-pad system that recognises even the worst handwriting.

Audi will also offer sumptuous S Line ($1800), enhanced-ergonomics Comfort ($2200) and sensor-based Assistance ($1800) packages, the latter comprising the full gamut of driver safety aids including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, Audi pre sense and high beam assistant.

Audi says the first A3 sedan’s combination of powerful performance, equipment from the luxury class, efficient technology and outstanding quality offers enormous growth opportunities for it in the compact premium segment.

“The all-new A3 sedan is impressive,” said Audi Australia Managing Director Andrew Doyle. “It looks powerful on the road, yet sips fuel frugally, it offers luxury appointments inside and out, yet it is priced very attractively.

“It’s in a unique position in its segment and we are very confident that buyers will respond very positively when this newest A3 variant arrives next month.

“We are thrilled with the price positioning of this new model. It’s a highly competitive segment of the market and the A3 Sportback has been very well-accepted since its May 2013 launch. We are now looking forward to even more customer interest with the arrival of this all new body style for the range.”

The all-new S3 sedan will complete the A3 four-door range by the end of 2014’s first quarter.

Audi A3 sedan pricing (plus ORCs):
1.4 TFSI COD (a) -- $39,800
1.8 TFSI (a) -- $44,800
2.0 TDI (a) -- $44,800
1.8 TFSI quattro (a) -- $47,800

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