Audi India has temporarily stopped sales of their premium middle-weight SUV, the Audi Q5, temporarily in the wake of new emission issues. Sold only with the 2.0-litre diesel engine, the nitrous oxide emissions were found to be exceeding the prescribed standards of the Indian emission norms laid down by the ARAI. As per reports, the issue has been addressed by Audi and the rectified version is expected to hit the showrooms soon after availing due clearances.
The company has claimed that this issue does not pertain to the software issue in which the Volkswagen group cars have been found guilty. Due to the air getting trapped in the coolant system, the nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels from the Audi Q5 were found to be exceeding the stipulated limits. Audi says that the concern has been duly investigated by the company and corrective measures are already being tested at the ARAI facility. With the corrections bringing the NOx levels down to acceptable limits as per the norms, Audi has initiated the process seeking approvals to be able to sell the car.
Audi SUVs are popular in terms of demand and absence of the Q5, especially in the festive season, will certainly affect the sales forecast, opening up an opportunity for its competitors – the Mercedes GLC, BMW X3 and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
The Volkswagen group has already started recalling the EA189 series of engines for software updates earlier this month. The Q5 2.0-litre diesel engine is from the same EA189 series and is also used in the Audi Q3, the Audi A3 and the Audi A6. The dealerships are saying that the rectified Q5 should be expected by November and this issue affects only the Q5 and no other Audi cars.
![Audi Q5 [2018-2020]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/cw/ec/26521/Audi-Q5-Exterior-165497.jpg?wm=0&q=80 "Audi Q5 [2018-2020]")
