Audi plans to launch Q3 over next fortnight

The Audi Q3, which was unveiled at 2012 Auto Expo in January, will be finally launched in the country within two weeks. According to the company, the new launch will further reinforce the peak position of the brand in the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment.

Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India, said, “In 2012, we will continue our strategic course of product expansion and launch attractive vehicles in the market for sustainable and profitable growth. Thanks to our best sellers new Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 SUVs, and ever growing dealer network, we moved into the number-two position among premium car makers in the first quarter.”

He also said, “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.” He than 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.”

The new Q3 may end up being the favourite of the mass despite being the smallest car in the series. However, being compact would not affect its performance as it will be powered by a 2-litre petrol and diesel powertrains and will offer 4 wheel drive. Out of the two, the petrol variant will be launched first by the company. The powertrain unit featured on this car has been repeated several times in cars like Yeti, Superb, Laura, Jetta, Passat, A4 etc from Volkswagen. However, the unit powering the Q3 is tweaked to deliver output of174 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Performance wise, the new SUV boasts of an astonishing mileage of 17 kmpl, which means a running cost of just Rs. 2.4 per km.

There is not much leg room for the rear passenger in this model because of its compact size and smaller wheel base. However, it is quite capacious compared to its potential competitor, BMW X1 due to superb engineering design like Transverse-mounted powertrain. Giving it a typical Audi touch are the wide hexagonal grille and wraparound chiselled headlamps with trademark LEDs of Audi. From the front to the tail lamps embedded in the boot lid, it looks like smaller variant of the Audi Q5.

The instrument panel and the central console come in a two-tone dark and light beige colour combination. Highlighting features of the new model includes ABS, EBD, panoramic sun roof, power adjustable front seat, radio/CD/MP3 player with fold-out 6.5” colour screen, bluetooth compatible phone and audio streaming. It also comes with a unique voice dialogue system.

New Q3 scores high on all the aspects of looks, driveability, powertrain, space and refinement. Being small in size, well built and price efficient, the Q3 will be every urban citizen's dream car. However, it is expected to be expensive as Audi is planning to price it above BMW X1.