Inovar-Auto, a governmental sectoral program launched in the early 2010s, introduced specific features to the Brazilian market, allowing luxury brands like Audi to begin local vehicle assembly, including the A3 Sedan.
The German manufacturer resumed its activities at the plant shared with Volkswagen in Paraná after an operational period between 1999 and 2006. This time, Audi focused on producing the A3 Sedan. Although the model received adaptations for national manufacturing, it preserved the refined dynamics, robust performance, and luxury characteristic of the German brand.
Model History and Evolution
The third generation of the Audi A3 was responsible for introducing the Sedan version. This model was presented globally at the New York Auto Show in 2013 and arrived in Brazil in January 2014, initially imported from Hungary. Initially, the car used the 1.8 TFSi engine with 180 hp. Later, an entry-level version appeared with a 122 hp gasoline TFSI 1.4 engine, which became flex with the national assembly line in 2015.
The Audi A3 Sedan also offered a more powerful option, the 2.0 with 220 hp, and underwent an aesthetic redesign in 2017. In 2019, a special 25th Anniversary edition was launched, limited to 600 units, celebrating the brand's anniversary in Latin America. This first generation of the sedan ended its production in 2020.
The relaunch of the A3 Sedan marked the reopening of the Audi assembly line in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, all under the umbrella of Inovar-Auto, which offered tax incentives for local production. Other manufacturers benefited from this program included BMW in Araquari (SC), Mercedes-Benz in Iracemápolis (SP), and Jaguar Land Rover in Itatiaia (RJ).
It is worth noting that the factory used by Audi had been inaugurated in 1998 to produce the Volkswagen Golf IV, and from 1999 to 2005, it manufactured the first generation of the A3 Sportback. At this Paraná unit, besides the A3 Sedan, the Q3 was also produced. The unit's operations were suspended in December 2020 because the manufacturer alleged a lack of definition regarding accumulated IPI credits that were not fully returned.
Currently, the unit operates under the SKD regime for the assembly of the Q3, a process where the vehicle arrives almost complete, and only the joining of the body with the chassis occurs at the plant.
Brazilian Adaptations and Mechanical Changes
Upon receiving the Brazilian passport in 2015, the Audi A3 Sedan underwent several adaptations, some mechanical aspects being simplified to reduce production costs. A notable change occurred in the rear suspension: Audi replaced the independent multi-link system with a torsion beam, a configuration common in mid-size sedans from generalist brands of that era.
Another significant change was in the transmission system. The S tronic automated gearbox, known for its seven-speed dual-clutch system, was replaced by a six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox with a torque converter. In compensation, the Audi A3 Sedan gained a considerable increase in power. The 1.4 TFSI engine, which originally delivered 122 hp, was adapted to be flex, received variable exhaust valve control, and began generating 150 hp.
An important difference in the A3 Sedan manufactured in Paraná is the vehicle height. To suit the local asphalt standard, the suspension was raised by 1.5 cm compared to the imported model.
Performance and Finish
Analyzing specifically the 1.4 flex model, despite the transmission changes, the 150 hp from the EA211 family turbocharged direct injection engine provide a satisfactory level of driving pleasure. Accelerations are agile, and the Tiptronic gearbox, although less sophisticated than the S tronic, delivers a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.8 seconds, according to the manufacturer.
On highways, the Audi A3 Sedan demonstrates good evolution, quickly reaching the permitted 100 km/h. For overtaking, 25.5 kgfm are available between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm, and the turbo acts quickly to overtake other vehicles.
German engineering is evident in the solid construction of the sedan, which maintains firmness in sharp curves and high-speed sections. The steering is described as precise and firm, giving the sensation that the car is firmly planted on the ground. The torsion beam suspension in the Brazilian model has a softer calibration, without compromising the stability or dynamics of the vehicle.
Inside, the A3 Sedan manufactured in Brazil maintains the brand's identity. The dashboard features injected foam with a pleasant touch surface, and the door and column coverings with fabrics also stand out, as does the smooth finish of the glove box. The front seats offer good density and quality material, although they are not extremely enveloping. The analog instrument cluster is considered classic and easy to view, with the steering wheel being the only element that could have a smaller diameter.
The rear space comfortably accommodates two adults and one child. The softer suspension compared to the Hungarian example reflects internal imperfections more, but without being a serious problem. The acoustic insulation is efficient, and the trunk offers 425 liters, a suitable volume for mid-size sedans.
2016 Ambiente Version and Equipment
Considering the 2016 Audi A3 Ambiente 1.4 TFSi, already adapted to the Brazilian market, it includes six airbags, stability control systems, traction and hill start control, reverse sensor, xenon headlights, daytime running lights, and Isofix. Additionally, the sedan has air conditioning, electric window controls, electronic parking brake, rain and dusk sensors, start-stop system, steering wheel with height and depth adjustments, and multimedia center with CD and memory card reader.
However, this transition to the Ambiente model simplified some features. The air conditioning was no longer automatic, the seats changed from leather to fabric upholstery, and the multimedia center does not have Bluetooth. Higher packages, however, included ADAS technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warnings, and lane departure warnings, as well as emergency automatic braking. Other optional extras available were a rearview camera, front parking sensors, semi-automatic parking assistant, leather trim, keyless entry, panoramic roof, native GPS, and DVD player.
When checking average prices for the 2016 Audi A3 Sedan Ambiente on KBB Brazil, it is important to remember that it is a luxury vehicle requiring specialized maintenance, and the trim and body parts tend to be more expensive. It is positive that the 1.4 flex engine is well-known and that the Tiptronic gearbox generally presents fewer problems than the S tronic. It is recommended to check the prices of specific components and the problems reported in discussion forums and on Reclame Aqui.
