The 2020 Audi A3 ‘Sportback’ has already made its global debut while the sedan version remains under covers
Automotive industries across the globe are going through a state of partial or complete lockdown due to COVID-19 aka corona virus. If we take India, automotive businesses are facing immense losses on a daily basis and many are at the verge of shutting down operations forever. Despite being the epicentre of SARS-CoV-2, China has mostly recovered from the current state of affairs and its industries are gradually opening for business.
Owing to this, the new Audi A3 L (A3’s Long Wheelbase or Extended version) has been spied in the German marque’s manufacturing facility in China. Internally codenamed as ‘Audi AU381/0 CN_KL’, the A3 L is a potential addition to Audi India’s line-up and a first for the A3 range that was introduced back in 1996 for European markets, as a hatchback. Audi AG has already unveiled the 2020 A3 for global markets but in its ‘Sportback’ hatchback-coupe-ish avatar.
Audi AG might not introduce the A3 L alongside its regular version in potential markets simply because either model could make some confusion from a buyer’s perspective. Furthermore, it could create an internal competition with the higher and more popular Audi A4 sedan.
Hence, one can expect Audi’s major markets to receive the entry-level sedan in either the standard or extended format and not both. In this regard, India would most likely receive the Audi A3 L considering Indian buyers’ preference for space regardless of vehicle category or pricing.
Compared to the current model, Audi’s latest A3 model looks totally different despite sharing similar dimensions (in the standard format). Mercedes-Benz had replaced its CLA sedan with the new A-Class Limousine sedan in most markets while some nations continue to have both models in parallel. Meanwhile, BMW introduced the 2 Series as a strong rival. Mercedes-Benz India has already opened bookings for the A Class Limousine and expects good sales numbers considering the CLA’s success.
As per reports, the 2020 Audi A3 (and A3 L) will come with a range of TFSi petrol and TDi diesel options; some of which will feature mild-hybrid technology. This includes a 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor (148bhp/250Nm), 2.0-litre turbo petrol in two formats (187bhp/320Nm and 227bhp/350Nm) and 2.0-litre diesel in three formats (114bhp/300Nm, 148bhp/360Nm and 187hp/400Nm). Of course, India would be getting it only in a petrol avatar like every other product coming under Skoda Auto Volkswagen India.
