It is time when we can expect a small, compact hatchback car from Audi. Audi could offer a small, sensible hatchback for its Indian customers in the coming years. Audi has got a varied number of cars in its line-up and only recently the German car maker added to it with the smallest offering of them all, the Audi A1. For now, the company is looking into the various options to enter the lucrative small car segment in India.
Along with Audi A1, there is also buzz about Audi A3 Sedan, which is expected to be priced around Rs. 20 Lakh. Hence, models and pricing will be on top of the agenda when it comes to deciding what small car will be offered to customers in India who are looking for the one of the most well-built premium hatchbacks.
“There is definitely a huge market in India for such cars (compact). We are evaluating various options (to tap this segment). The important questions are what car, at what price and the target segment. Our customers in India are very demanding and want the latest,” said, Mr Anil Reddi, Head (Sales), Audi India.
However, nothing has been confirmed yet. As far as the pricing of these cars are concerned, they are pretty affordable and worth it. The new Audi A6 price in India could land between the price tag of Rs 38,41,000/- to Rs 46,14,000/- whereas Audi A1 price could be approximately Rs. 11 lakh. On the other hand, Audi Q3 price in India is unavailable now. The recently launched Audi A7 price in India is Rs. 64 lakh to Rs 85 lakh. Talking about the upcoming launches, Mr. Reddi told reports that the new A6 could be launched in the last quarter of this year.
Indian buyers are surely looking forward to luxurious hatchback cars and Audi is all set and equipped to fulfil their desire with Audi A1. Besides, new Audi A6 is also expected around this year end. Another car that is expected to be launched by Audi is Audi Q3. When asked about the Q3 crossover that will rival the BMW X1, he said that, the Q3 crossover could be launched by the end of 2011 or early next year. So until then at least, BMW don’t have to worry about losing market share to Audi when it comes to the entry level premium SUV segment. With new products planned for India Audi India is also expanding its dealer network with five new showrooms coming up across the country taking the total number of Audi dealerships to 18.
As we reported earlier, BMW is also planning a 1 Series hatchback for India but, it is still not clear, if the Bavarians would bring the 1 Series hatchback of the Mini. We think the Mini would be a better bet as it would be placed as a lifestyle vehicle rather than a normal premium hatchback. But again, similar products like the Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Beetle haven’t been sold well in India. The Audi A1 and the BMW 1 Series do stand a chance given, the automakers price it well.
Also see – Firstlook – 2012 BMW 1-Series Official Photos Leaked
Source – The Hindu
Image credit – AutoExpress
