Audi is quick pacing in the Indian market, and expanding its menacing ‘Q’ lineup. After the TT sportscar and A4 luxury sedan, this is Audi’s third offer for Indian market in 2012. Joining the bigger brother Q7 and Q5, is the newest and smallest member of the luxury SUV family, the Audi Q3.
Though it is the entry-level SUV on Audi’s Indian portfolio, don’t mistake it to be any less intimidating. And the word comes from the brand with four rings, that the Q3 is making its way to India toward June end.
Mr. Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India, said, “The overall market scenario is challenging. The rising fuel prices, depreciating rupee, changing registration taxes in various states as well as reduction in retail loans have severely impacted the automobile industry but in spite of these challenges we are confident about our growth in India. With a slew of new product launches – Audi TT in March, new Audi A4 in May and Audi Q3 in June, we are still maintaining our forecast and will achieve our sales target of 8000 cars for 2012.”
In Indian market, the Audi Q3 will face serious competition from its German rival, the BMW X1. Since the X1 is cheapest offer from BMW lineup, Audi will have to aggressively price the Q3 in order to generate sales. We can expect a price range of around Rs 30 lacs for the entry-level Audi SUV.
The Audi Q3 sports a 2.0-litre TDi diesel motor good for 174 bhp peak power and 380 Nm torque. Transmission options include a seven-speed automatic dual clutch DSG gearbox and manual S- tronic mode with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. With the success of the BMW X1 in India, Audi will have to gamble with an aggressive pricing and improved drivability of the Q3. Watch this space for official launch soon.