Spied and previewed over the past few weeks, full details of the new Audi A3 Sedan is now up on local distributor Euromobil's website. We'll go straight to the point here – there are two variants: 1.4 TFSI for RM179,900, and 1.8 TFSI quattro for RM240,888 (both prices on-the-road without insurance).
That makes the A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI the most affordable Audi on sale here, alongside the similarly priced three-door A1 and A1 Sportback. In comparison, the cheapest BMW sedan, the 316i, retails for RM209,800, while the Mercedes-Benz C 200 AMG Grand Edition and CLA 200 go for RM242,888 and RM235,888 respectively.
Now into the details. The smaller-engined variant shares the same 1.4 litre turbocharged motor with the base A1 pair, with 122 hp and 200 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm. A seven-speed (dry) dual-clutch S tronic transmission handles the gearshifts. Zero to 100 km/h is handled in 9.3 seconds, on to a top speed of 205 km/h. It's claimed to average just 4.9 litres per 100 km.
An extra RM60,000-odd gets you a bigger, more powerful engine and the all-important quattro all-wheel drive system (as opposed to the front-wheel drive 1.4 TFSI). The 1.8 litre turbocharged engine is tuned to deliver 180 hp and 280 Nm from 1,350 to 4,500 rpm in this application – more power but with less torque compared to the 160 hp/320 Nm Audi A4 1.8 TFSI.
The century sprint is dispatched in just 6.7 seconds through its six-speed (wet) dual-clutch S tronic transmission, bringing it close to the Volkswagen Golf GTI in terms of performance (0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds). Its top speed is 228 km/h, while its claimed combined cycle consumption is 6.6 litres per 100 km.
Both variants look identical from the outside, save for the model designation badges, quattro emblems on the range-topper and different wheel designs (both 17-inchers). Adaptive Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights are standard, which can be upgraded to full LED lights for RM8,000.
The options list also includes an S line package (with all-around bodykit, 18-inch wheels, panoramic roof, part-Alcantara sports seats, black headliner and flat-bottomed steering wheel) for RM19,800 and a pearl-effect paintjob for RM3,000. The panoramic roof can be ordered a la carte for another RM4,500.
Inside, both models get dual-zone automatic climate control, auto lights and wipers, auto start/stop system, cruise control and an electronic parking brake. On the safety front, there's seven airbags (including driver's knee airbag), ESP and ISOFIX mounts on the front and rear passenger seats.
Difference between the two? Quite a lot, actually. The 1.4 TFSI gets leather/fabric upholstery, powered driver's seat and a four-spoke steering wheel. The 1.8 TFSI quattro adds full leather sports seats, powered front passenger seat, a sportier looking three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and extra aluminium inlays across the cabin.
Also unique to the range-topping model are Comfort Key (keyless entry and engine start, a RM3,500 option on the 1.4 TFSI), front and rear parking sensors with guide display (just rear sensors on the 1.4 TFSI) and Sport suspension, which is a full 15 mm lower. Less favourable for the 1.8 model is boot space: just 390 litres instead of the 1.4's 425 litres to accommodate the quattro system.
Both A3 Sedan models get a rather basic Audi Concert Radio MMI system, with a low-resolution 5.8-inch colour display. It supports Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and plays audio through a 180 W 10-speaker system. The latter can be swapped out for 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system for RM4,000. A reverse camera is an extra RM2,000.
We'll have more of the new Audi A3 Sedan here on paultan.org and our Driven Web Series very soon, so stay tuned.
Audi A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI
Audi A3 Sedan 1.8 TFSI quattro
Audi A3 Sedan S line
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