Report - Audi India to launch A3 hatchback and Cabriolet within 12 months

Audi India is gearing up to launch the A3 Sedan in mid-August this year. The brand will follow up the launch of the Audi A3 Sedan with its convertible and hatchback derivatives, reports Economic Times. The launch of the A3 Cabriolet and A3 hatchback (Sportback) would take place over the next 12 months.

Audi already showcased the A3 Cabrio alongside the A3 Sedan at the Auto Expo this year. The topless A3 was shown with a 1.8-liter turbocharged TFSI engine producing 180 PS and matched to a S-Tronic gearbox. When launched, the A3 Cabrio will serve a niche segment in India, as the annual market for a convertible is in double digits. Rivals Mercedes and BMW do not offer a product competing with the A3 Cabrio in India (BMW phased out the 330d Convertible).

The A3 Sportback on the other hand will rival the successful Mercedes A Class and BMW 1 Series. Models like the A and B Class account for 20 percent of Mercedes India's sales, thus making a business case for rivals like Audi to introduce their competing products. Audi's plan of action for the A3 Sportback's launch (whether CBU or CKD) remains unclear as of now.

Audi A3 Sportback Competitors: Mercedes A Class, BMW 1 Series

Audi A3 Sportback Expected Price: INR 20-25 lakhs

Audi A3 Cabriolet Expected Price: INR 40-50 lakhs

[Source - Economic Times]