There are drives, and then there are Meghalaya drives. Those where clouds brush past your windows, waterfalls interrupt your silence, and every bend dares your car to prove its mettle. Recently, I had the privilege of testing the Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI through this enchanting northeastern state of India. A car that wears the four rings of Ingolstadt with pride, and a landscape that feels almost too divine for roads, made for a match that was nothing short of exhilarating.
Table of Contents
Before we dive into how the Audi A3 performed across steep inclines, misty trails, and curvy descents, let’s briefly understand what this machine brings to the table.
The Journey Begins: Shillong to Dawki
Landing in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, always has this surreal charm. But when you’re met with a brand-new Audi A3 Sportback, shimmering in Glacier White under the early sun, that charm turns into anticipation. The goal was to drive the A3 from Shillong to Dawki, covering nearly 80 kilometers of dramatic elevation shifts, unpredictable weather, and broken tarmac sections hidden between scenic paradise.
The initial moments behind the wheel were smooth and confidence-inspiring. The cabin welcomed me with the typical Audi finesse, clean dashboard design, intuitive infotainment, and most importantly for an early morning drive, heated seats and wireless Apple CarPlay that effortlessly synced my playlist.
Urban Dynamics: Maneuvering Through Shillong Traffic
Shillong’s city roads are narrow and occasionally chaotic, especially around Police Bazaar. This was where the A3’s compact footprint and responsive steering came into play. With a turning radius that made U-turns easy and a mild-hybrid start-stop system that kept the engine whisper-quiet at red lights, the Audi A3 quickly felt at home.
Unlike larger sedans or SUVs, the A3 does not feel like it’s fighting the road. It’s agile, predictable, and smooth even in second gear crawls. The dual-clutch gearbox is seamless, making shifts almost unnoticeable unless you’re watching the rev counter.
The Ascent: Handling Hills with Grace
As the roads opened up past Mawkdok, elevation began to rise. The 150 hp turbocharged engine came alive, offering linear but enthusiastic acceleration. There’s no turbo lag to speak of, thanks to the mild-hybrid system, and the car responds to throttle input with eager precision.
Hairpins were a delight with well-weighted steering and front-wheel drive grip. Even under spirited driving, the car maintained its composure. The 250 Nm of torque meant that I didn’t need to rev the engine too hard; the A3 delivered enough low-end grunt to climb steep gradients without breaking a sweat.
This part of Meghalaya, often enveloped in thick fog, put the Matrix LED headlights to good use. Adaptive beams not only lit the road ahead with surgical precision but also adjusted gracefully around oncoming traffic.
Rough Patches: Is It Just a City Car?
That’s what I thought too, until we hit the under-maintained stretch just before Pynursla. The surface was a mix of potholes, cracked tarmac, and random gravel deposits.
This is where the A3’s allstreet version, with 30mm of added ground clearance, earns brownie points. While I drove the standard Sportback, I cautiously navigated broken stretches without scraping the underbody, a feat that impressed me considering the sedan-like stance.
The suspension setup is a fine balance between firmness and comfort. You feel the bumps, yes, but never with jarring violence. It’s tuned to remind you that you’re in a sporty car, not a floating barge.
Inside the Cabin: Premium Enough?
Audi is known for interior quality, but the latest A3 feels like it’s trying to cut corners in places. While the 10.25-inch digital cockpit and 10.1-inch center display are stunning to look at, the materials on the lower dash and door pads lacked the soft-touch elegance I was expecting.
That said, the tech worked flawlessly. Voice commands via Amazon Alexa, wireless phone charging, and predictive navigation that adjusted based on traffic density in Shillong made the driving experience seamless.
Rear seat space is generous enough for two adults. Legroom is decent, but the sloping roofline eats into headroom for taller passengers. I wouldn’t call it a family car for long drives, but for four average-sized adults, it’s a plush ride.
Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Mileage
While Audi claims 5.3 L/100 km, the real-world figure during my mixed drive was closer to 6.4 L/100 km. That’s not bad considering the hilly terrain and occasional spirited driving. On flatter stretches between Cherrapunjee and Dawki, the car even returned close to 5.5 L/100 km, proving that the 1.5L TFSI engine is both capable and frugal.
The 40-liter fuel tank gave me enough range to complete the entire loop without refueling, about 500 km with a few liters to spare.
Destination Dawki: A Moment of Stillness
After nearly 5 hours of driving, the emerald-green waters of Dawki came into view. It was here, parked beside the river with mist hanging low and children kayaking nearby, that the A3 looked most out of place, and yet, oddly poetic.
A German-engineered urban hatch, miles away from autobahns and high-speed chases, enjoying a breather in rural India.
Sometimes, the setting elevates the machine. And sometimes, the machine makes you appreciate the setting more. In this case, both happened.
Conclusion: Is the Audi A3 Right for India’s Northeast?
Absolutely, if you know what you’re buying.
The Audi A3 isn’t an off-roader, nor does it try to be. But it’s an incredibly polished road warrior, capable of handling imperfect terrain with grace and delivering a rich, connected, and confident driving experience. Its size makes it perfect for hill stations, and its engineering ensures you’re never bored behind the wheel.
Yes, it commands a premium. But if your travels oscillate between city streets and hill drives, the A3 makes a compelling case as a daily luxury commuter and weekend adventure car.
Technical Specifications: Audi A3 35 TFSI (2024–2025)
All the below listed Audi facts we publish are verified against their official documentation:
| Specification | Detail |
| Engine Type | 1.5L Mild Hybrid Petrol |
| Displacement | 1,498 cc |
| Power Output | 150 hp (110 kW) |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 5,000 rpm |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Dual-Clutch S Tronic |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | 8.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 226 km/h |
| Fuel Efficiency (WLTP Combined) | 5.3 L/100 km |
| CO2 Emissions (WLTP Combined) | 121 g/km |
| Trunk Capacity (Seats Up/Folded) | 380 L / 1,200 L |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,352 x 1,816 x 1,441 mm |
| Unladen Weight (EU) | 1,400 kg |
| Ground Clearance (allstreet model) | +30 mm over standard |
FAQs
Is the Audi A3 suitable for hill driving in India?
Yes, the turbocharged engine, responsive steering, and dual-clutch transmission make it ideal for twisty mountain roads like those in Meghalaya.
How comfortable is the Audi A3 for long drives?
Front seat comfort is excellent with ample lumbar support. Rear seats are comfortable for two, but headroom may be tight for taller passengers on long drives.
Does the Audi A3 scrape on Indian roads?
The standard Sportback handles moderate bumps well, but the allstreet variant with added ground clearance is better suited for poorly paved stretches.
What’s the real-world mileage of the Audi A3 in hilly areas?
Expect around 6.2 to 6.5 L/100 km in hilly terrain, which is fairly efficient for a turbo-petrol engine of this class.
Would you recommend the A3 over its rivals?
If driving dynamics, interior tech, and brand prestige matter to you, the A3 holds its own against rivals like the Mercedes A-Class or BMW 2 Series.
