[Updated with Poll and Video]
Audi will launch its all-new A3 Sedan in the U.S. early next year with prices starting from $29,900 (€21,700 at the current exchange rates), the automaker announced today. Even though it's not mentioned in the release, usually base MSRPs do not include destination and handling, unless noted.
Unless Audi is referring to a launch model with a bigger engine, one can only assume that the entry price is for the base 177hp (180PS) 170hp 1.8-liter TFSI model that will come with standard LED DRLs and taillights, Bluetooth technology, Audi pre sense basic, a panoramic glass sunroof, leather seating surfaces and a 6-speed S tronic automatic transmission.
The range will include two more gasoline powerplants, a 2.0-liter TFSI (we don't know the output yet) and a higher output 2.0-liter TFSI for the sporty S3 with 296hp (300PS), along with a 2.0-liter TDI diesel, all of which will be paired to a standard 6-speed S tronic transmission.
The A3 sedan's base price is the same as the entry-level Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, which sports a 208hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-gasoline unit and just $3,900 less than the Audi A4 Sedan with a 220hp 2.0-liter turbo. We're using the word "just", because if the price does indeed concern the 1.8L TFSI, then the 2.0L TFSI A3 Sedan should logically cost almost as much as the bigger A4…
Audi said that the A3 Sedan will be joined later in 2014 by the recently announced A3 Cabriolet, A3 TDI clean diesel, the high-performance S3 sedan and in early 2015, the A3 Sportback e-tron gasoline electric hybrid (PHEV).
Note: We contacted an Audi spokesperson who confirmed that the base price is indeed for the 1.8-liter TFSI engine, which in U.S. specification will produce 170hp. He also added that the A3 Sedan series "will go on sale in the spring of next year. The $29,900 price does not include D&H – that’ll be $895. We have not announced the final hp numbers on the 2.0 L motor as of now."
Poll: At $30,000, which one would you buy?
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