The recently launched economical version of Q3 has received a strong response in the Indian car market by reporting 125 bookings in a single day. The phenomenal response meted out to Q3 S seems to overshadow the success of its sibling car, which accounted for 500 bookings in a spate of 5 days. The online booking program launched by Audi was cited as one of the main reasons, which led to these impressive figures.
The company is also optimistic that its new model will contribute to the success of Audi in India with Michael Perschke, Head of Audi India saying "The Audi Q3 S Edition is our answer to ever-increasing demand for luxury mobility with the thrill of self-controlled driving. We are confident that the Audi Q3 S Edition will be yet another successful addition to our success story in India."
Now with the model raking in huge booking figures, the statement of Audi India's head seems to be justified. The latest offering of Audi is provided with the same 2.0-litre TDI engine that currently powers the Q3. However, this engine is de-tuned and produces a maximum power of 140 bhp along with a torque of up to 320 Nm as compared to its sibling, which generates 320 Nm and 177 bhp. In addition, the Q3 S is provided with six-speed manual transmission sans the Quattro all-wheel drive system developed by Audi. This economical version of Q3 happens to be more fuel efficient and as per company, it gives away an exceptional mileage of 17.32 kmpl, which seems quite impressive.
Audi Q3 S was recently launched in the Indian car market at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 24.9 lakh (New Delhi). The car is a lighter and sportier version of Q3 and will be available at all Audi dealerships in India by the end of August. However, this low priced model of Audi loses on a number of features that include daytime running lights and panoramic sunroof. Q3 S will be seen having the conventional halogen headlights as compared to the LED xenon lights given in Q3. The car will we provided with advanced safety features like Electronic Stabilisation Program and 6 airbags. Apart from it, rear parking sensors and cruise control are also available in the car.
In the meanwhile, Audi India seems to flex its muscles in India and is expected to expand its network of sales dealerships across various parts of the country. As of now, Audi India has 27 dealerships spanning through different states and it expects to increase this number by 34 till the end of 2013. Now with Q3 S receiving a good response, it must have given Audi a sigh of relief considering the fact that its German counterpart Mercedes-Benz has captured a fair chunk of market share with A-Class and B-Class models. In addition, BMW is also launching the 1-Series, which gives Audi a first mover advantage as compared to its rival. It will be interesting to see how Audi Q3 S performs when pitted against the already established hatchbacks of Mercedes-Benz.
![Audi Q3 [2017-2020]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/cw/ec/26916/Audi-Q3-Right-Front-Three-Quarter-165496.jpg?wm=0&q=80 "Audi Q3 [2017-2020]")
