Excitement builds as Audi Q3 S launch approaches

Competition in the luxury car segment is stiffening day by day as a number of auto makers are launching more and more new vehicles in the Indian auto market. Mercedes-Benz has proved to be the spearhead as it has brought in the likes of GL-Class SUV, A-Class, B-Class and E-Class to India in 2013. Owing to these, fellow German car maker Audi is now gearing up to introduce the low cost variant of its Q3 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) on 19th of August. Not only has it made the announcement official, the brand with four rings has also started a promotional campaign to attract buyers. Industry experts feel that the Q3 S will stiffen the competition in the luxury car segment of the Indian market. Reportedly, the Audi Q3 S will be going to compete with the likes of soon-to-be launched BMW 1 Series and the existing Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class.

Audi, according to sources, will adopt an aggressive pricing strategy for the Q3 S SUV. In order to keep the cost of Q3 S low, Audi has decided to exclude a number of features that are generally present in other models. To begin with, the Audi Q3 S will miss out on the Quattro drive system, meaning that it is going to be a front-wheel drive. The Quattro technology has been developed by Audi, getting acclaim from critics and buyers all over the world. Audi Q3 S will also be without the trademark daytime LED lamps. Some experts feel that this would not go down well with die-hard fans of Audi. However, Audi Q3 S will come with a number of standard features, including voice dialogue system, MMI with Bluetooth connectivity, climate control system and leather seats.

Although nothing has been confirmed by the company yet, sources claim that the Audi Q3 S will be brought to India via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route. Thereafter, the low cost variant of the Q3 SUV is going to be assembled at the firm's production facility in Aurangabad, which is located in Maharashtra. If reports are to be believed, then this car is going to cost around Rs. 25 lakh, a good news for price sensitive buyers. The Audi Q3 S is expected to be equipped with a 2.0-litre diesel powertrain, which will produce around 140 bhp of maximum output. Also, the engine will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox, which transmits the power to front wheels. The launch of the Q3 S is a much-awaited event, which will see the presence of prominent officials from the company and the media as well.