Audi A3 Sedan launched in Malaysia
The new Audi A3 Sedan makes its much-anticipated arrival into Malaysian shores today. Priced from RM179,900 upwards, the A3 Sedan is offered with a choice of two highly-advanced turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines from the Volkswagen Group.
A derivative of the three- and five-door A3 hatchbacks that are not offered in Malaysia, the A3 Sedan sits on the familiar Volkswagen MQB platform that underpins, among other things, the Golf 7 and next-generation Passat. Its engines therefore sit transversely under the bonnet and, depending on version, send power either to all four wheels or just the front.
Base model is the front-wheel driven 1.4 TFSI generating outputs of 122hp and 200Nm. Mated to the 7-speed dry dual clutch S-tronic transmission, the A3 1.4 TFSI is capable of hitting 100kph from rest in 9.2 seconds and is able to sustain a top speed of 205kph. Combined fuel efficiency of this model is rated at 4.9 l/100km, whilst carbon dioxide emission is quoted at 109 g/km.
Additional performance and traction is available at RM240,888 in the form of the all-wheel drive 1.8 TFSI quattro model, with 180hp and 280Nm on tap. Equipped with the wet clutch 6-speed S-tronic transmission, this variant sprints from 0 to 100kph in 6.8 seconds is capable of a 235kph top speed. Efficiency and emission ratings stand at 6.6 l/100km and 152 g/km respectively.
Both engines offered in the A3 are feature direct injection, innovative thermal management, and auto start/stop to maximise possible fuel economy. The engine’s response to throttle inputs, transmission mapping, and electric steering assist are all adjustable through the Audi drive select system, which offers four settings to choose from, namely Auto, Dynamic, Comfort, and Individual.
Array of standard equipment in the A3 starts with xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and MMI infotainment with 5.8-inch high-res display. The connectivity package includes functions such as Audi Music Interface iPod connection, Driver Information System, and Bluetooth mobile phone interface.
Optional upgrades available include reverse camera, Bang & Olufsen audio, and Audi pre sense, a safety feature which detects the execution of an emergency maneuver by the driver and prepares the vehicle’s occupant restraint systems (seat belt pre-tensioners and airbags) in advance. Additionally, the 1.8 TFSI version can also be specified with the full S line bodykit and interior package at a price of RM19,800.
Available for booking immediately, the A3 Sedan will be showcased at the High Street section of One Utama Shopping Centre from 6 to 10 August 2014. Test drives can be arranged by appointment at all Euromobil outlets nationwide.
Pictures: Official Audi release.
