We visited the Audi stall at the 2012 Auto Expo at Delhi today. The show stoppers here are the A3 E-tron Concept and the much awaited Q3 SUV.
A3 E-tron Concept
The A3 E-tron concept was first seen at the Shanghai auto show and this is has to be the most charming and sophisticated looking car at the Audi’s pavilion. The E-tron is a hybrid variant of the A3 notchback sedan. The E-tron’s styling is in line with the German auto maker’s tradition of a butch yet sporty styling. The car measures 4.44 mtr. (Length) x 1.84 mtr. (Width) x 1.39 mtr. (Height). The car’s chassis consists of a considerable percentage of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). This results into a light weigh yet stiff construction that should lead to a great handling package and ride comfort. The stunner tips the scale at merely 1, 720 kgs. The interiors of the car features a set of body hugging sporty front seats, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, center console, 8 inches display, MMI system interface, WLAN hotspot, iPad holder, cup holder among other features.
The Audi A3 E-tron comes with a 211hp, 1.4 TFSI four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The electric car is powered by a set of lithium ion batteries which have charge capacity of 12kWh.
Q3
Today, Audi launched a car that has the potential of becoming one of the most popular vehicles to be ever introduced by the luxury car maker in India. The very recently introduced Q3 is Audi’s answer to the BMW X1 and the Q3 will sport both gasoline and diesel power plants. An advantage that Q3 holds over the X1 is that the Audi Q3 will be available with all wheel drive (quattro) system. The upcoming SUV was unveiled by Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the board of management of Audi for marketing and sales along with Michael Perschke, head, Audi India along with stunning and gorgeous Katrina Kaif and Lisa Ray.
Also on display was the current line up of Audi cars on sale in India.