The wait seems to be over! After a lot many speculations and rumors, we finally have an official word about the launch of the eagerly awaited and BMW X1 rivalling Audi Q3. It has finally become public that Audi plans to introduce the car to the Indian market this month.
Mr. Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India, said, “The overall market scenario is challenging. The rising fuel prices, depreciating rupee, changing registration taxes in various states as well as reduction in retail loans have severely impacted the automobile industry but in spite of these challenges we are confident about our growth in India. With a slew of new product launches – Audi TT in March, new Audi A4 in May and Audi Q3 in June, we are still maintaining our forecast and will achieve our sales target of 8000 cars for 2012.”
It may be noted that the Q3 will be the third and smallest Audi SUV in the market. The Q3, which should come with a mouth watering price tag, will be aimed squarely at BMW X1. In a country which is love with SUVs, we wonder if the Q3 will eat into the sales of its sibling A4 sedan.
The Audi Q3 sports a 2.0 litre TDi engine that is mated to a 7 speed DSG ‘box. The motor produces a healthy 174 bhp@4,200 rpm- 38,74 kgm between 1,750-2,500 rpm and the power is transmitted to all four wheels courtesy the Quattro system. The prices aren’t out yet but as we mentioned above, the car will rival the BMW X1 and hence, should come with a INR 25-30 lakhs price tag.