Audi today added another new model for their lineup – the Q3 SUV for the Indian market. This is the important move taken by Audi that will sharply target at BMW’s entry level model and high selling SUV – X1, this youngest member of the Audi Q family was unveiled at the Auto Expo in January 2012 and is one of the most awaited vehicles to hit the Indian roads in recent times.
The base Q3 is priced at Rs 26.21 lakh, while the top end variant is priced at Rs 31.49 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). The new plush compact SUV from Audi is up for grabs across its 19 dealership scattered in India, the German luxury car has launched only two variants of the wagon as of now. As many as 500 units of the SUV are available for sale, in the first phase of bookings.
“The Q3 is immediately recognizable as the youngest member of the Audi Q family. Now we are starting the next chapter of our success story. We are confident that Audi Q3 will repeat the success of Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 and further consolidate our leadership position in the luxury SUV segment. The Audi Q3 positioning of “start young” clearly defines the category and segment that we are targeting,” Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.
In styling Q3 resembles the cues taken from typical Audi, the base variant features 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, halogen headlights with separate daytime running lights, ESP, space saving spare wheel, 6-airbags, hill start assist, manual AC, electronic parking brake, cruise control, driver electric seat adjust.
The features differentiating the top-end Q3 from the base are Xenon headlamps with washers, LED interior lighting, tyre pressure monitor, automatic AC with sun sensor, Audi parking system plus, electrically adjustable front seats, tyre pressure monitoring system, Audi sound system, Driver infotainment system with colour display and 17-inch alloy wheels. Buyers of either variant have the option to add panoramic glass roof and storage package to their vehicles.
Both the Q3 variants will be powered by 2.0-litre diesel motor churning out 174bhp and 38.7kgm torque. Power is delivered to all wheels via Audi’s quattro system and the engine is mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic DCT gearbox. The Q3 measures 4.4 metres from nose to tail, which makes it almost 250mm shorter than the Q5. At present, the Q3 is available as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) and CKD-assembly will start later at Audi’s Aurangabad facility.
What we say? The big difference between the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 is that, the X1 is available only with a rear wheel drive system while the Audi trumps the Beemer with the Quattro all wheel drive system.
Also see – 2012 Auto Expo – Audi India showcased Q3 compact SUV
See more pictures of Audi Q3 SUV –
