Audi Q3 compact SUV launched in India

After months of testing the model's suitability in the Indian conditions, Volkswagen AG's luxury marque Audi launched its Q3 compact SUV in India recently. The initial bookings are limited to just 500 numbers which will be imported as Completely Built Units (CBU) until the company starts assembling the Q3 locally at its Aurangabad facility later this year. Given the soaring demand of diesel powered vehicles in India at the moment, Audi has took the right decision by launching only the 2.0-liter TDI variant that is good for a peak power output of 177 bhp at 4200 rpm and a maximum torque of 380 Nm between 1750 to 2500 rpm. Despite being the smallest SUV in Audi's line-up, the Q3 is well equipped with the company's legendary 'Quattro' 4-wheel drive system and the 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Available in two variants - Base Grade and High Grade that are priced at INR 26.21 Lakhs and INR 31.49 Lakhs respectively (ex-showroom Maharashtra), the Q3 is targeted directly at BMW X1 that has been a huge success in our market. With its bigger cousins Q7 and Q5 proving to be very popular already, Audi's dominance in the SUV segment is only going to grow further with the Q3. Instantly recognizable with family design cues and distinguishable only by its size, the Q3 comes fully loaded with even the base variant getting goodies like halogen headlights, ESP, 6 Airbags, Hill Start Assist and Cruise Control. The top-end variant adds a few exclusive features like Xenon headlights, LED rear lights, Audi parking system plus, tire pressure monitoring system and Driver Infotainment system.

Speaking at the launch, Michael Perschke, Head of Audi India said, "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". We can't quite deny what he says. The Q3 has just brought the 'Audi' brand closer to a whole lot of potential first-time buyers who might end up staying with the brand as and when they upgrade. Before we wind up, here is a not-so-good news to Bavaria - 'The Q3 might just propel Audi to the top slot, pushing BMW behind'. Watch this space!