Audi’s Q3 is the company’s best selling model in India so far. In the last one year of existence, it has been adding a major chunk of units to Audi’s monthly sales. However, competition is upping the ante with newer models launched or expected around the similar or slightly lower price bracket.
Volvo launched their V40 Cross Country, Mercedes has introduced their smallest A-Class and BMW is coming up with 1-Series. To counter this onslaught, its well known that Audi is preparing a stripped down price cut version of its Q3 SUV. The car has been caught testing in India and now we have its launch period reports sneaking in.
According to Oncars.in, the most affordable Audi yet is all set to be launched by mid-August. Audi has taken fairly extensive cost cutting measures in order to price this entry variant of Q3 as low as possible. The car is expected to be powered by a detuned version of the 2.0 TDI diesel engine found in the current Q3, expected to churn out about 140PS and 320Nm of torque which is significantly lesser than the standard’s 175PS and 380Nm.
The transmission has taken a hit too with the 7 speed dual-clutch automatic being dropped for a 6 speed manual gearbox delivering power only to the front wheels instead of all four through Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Prospective owners can expect premium features such as leather seats, climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise-control and Audi’s MMI infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity. They will, however, miss out on other goodies such as electrically powered front seats, rear-view camera as well as Audi’s trademark daytime-running LEDs.
Though not in body composure sense, it will fight against the luxury hatchbacks like A-Class & the upcoming 1-Series in the price/segment range, including the V40 Cross County crossover. Expected at an ex-showroom price of around 25 Lakhs rupees, this locally assembled Q3 will be Audi’s cheapest offering in India for now.
