Reference Auto

The new base variant of the Q3 from Audi has 40 PS less power compared to the standard model, but at Rs 24.99 lakh, it could steal the hearts of many youngsters.

Audi is aiming to promote its small SUV and the Q3 as affordable cars and attract buyers in the compact luxury category, where the volumes game is played. 

The Q3 S model comes with a de-tuned 2.0 TDI four-cylinder engine which offers power of 142 PS compared to 180 PS offered in the standard Q3.

The new Q3 has 320 Nm of torque between 1,750-2500 rpm. The new Q3 S, which is offered with a six-speed manual transmission, is lighter and more fuel efficient at 17.32 km per litre. Audi has done a great job on this with a mind blowing fuel economy at a segment where buyers are very price conscious.

The Q3 is pretty spacious and well equipped, which may be attractive to many buyers in this segment (compact luxury). It is offered with a resilient and refined diesel engine, smooth manual gearbox and has almost everything an Audi buyer would want.

So far as comfort and convenience go, the Q3 S has been compromised a little but also offers features such as a leather-covered multi-function steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver seat, 6.5 inch media screen which is foldable, a voice dialogue system and LED interior lighting package.

There are six airbags and rear parking aids, which make the Q3 adequately safe for a car, which comes for below Rs 25 lakh. Other features which boost safety include driver assist functions like hill start assist, cruise control and ESC system.

Speaking during the roll out of the Audi Q3 S edition, Audi India head Michael Perschke had said, “The Q3 S is Audi’s answer to this burgeoning demand for luxury mobility with the thrill of self-controlled driving. We are hopeful that the Audi Q3 S edition will be yet another success story for us in India.”

Audi plans to ramp up its dealership network to 34 by the end of 2013, and with the Q3 S edition launch, it has got into the volumes game in the luxury segment in a big way but will the sluggish Indian economy come as an impediment to sales just ahead of the festive season?