Audi Q3: BMW X1 rival to be launched soon

Audi India has planned a slew of launches this year starting with the BMW X1 rival Audi Q3 SUV and the A7 in the third quarter of 2011. There’s also the new A6 that will be launched in November 2011.

Audi broke the news at the launch of the Rs 89-lakh A8 sedan in Delhi today. Speaking to DWS Auto in Delhi, where Audi opened India’s largest luxury car showroom (30,000 sq.ft with 20 car display), Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India, said the company will launch the Q3 SUV “anytime soon”.

Besides the petrol A8, featuring a 4.2-litre FSI V8 engine, Audi has also scheduled the launch of the diesel A8 L 3.0 TDI and the 6.0-litre W12 petrol variants in March and July 2011 respectively.

Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 will be a spruced up version of the Volkswagen Tiguan model. Expect it to come with a 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. But the Q3 may have slightly bumped up power ratings of 200 hp and 399 Nm of torque. The engines could be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Q3 will also feature 4-wheel disc brakes and safety equipment such as ABS, ESP and traction control system. With stiff competition coming in from the BMW X1 and the much-speculated Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi would need to plug-in the Q3 to attract buyers in the entry-level, premium, SUV segment in India.

Audi A7

The Audi A7 has been spotted testing in Mumbai. The test mule had an aggressive front end with day-time running white LED headlamps, an Audi hallmark. The A7 resembles the bigger A8, though the rear differs, with coupe-like roof line, suggesting its ‘Sportback’ character.Also, the A7 is 17 cm shorter and 4 cm narrower than the A8.

The A7 will likely be powered by a 3.0-litre, V6 diesel engine producing a peak power of 245 bhp and a peak torque of 449 Nm. The engine will be mated to a 7-speed, S-tronic transmission. The Quattro will surely add more driving pleasure to this great looking sedan. Audi could price the A7 at around Rs. 80 lakh.

Audi A6

The new A6 is slated to launch in India in November 2011 and will likely be priced in the range of Rs. 43-53 lakh. At4.92 m long, 1.87 m wide and 1.46 m tall, the Audi A6 will have sportier proportions than its German rivals, BMW5 series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The A6 will incorporate the brand’s striking headlight design with the LED headlights.

With respect to engine options, Audi may offer the A6 with TDI engines that produce 177 hp and 300 hp. Among the petrol mills, we can expect the powerful 3.0 TFSI V6 that produce 300 hp to propel the car to an impressive top speed of 250 km/hr.

Currently, the A6 is offered with 4 engine optons: 2.7 TDI, 3.0 TDI Quattro, 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TFSI Quattro.

Sales and network expansion plans

Audi reported sales of 3,003 units, exceeding its targets to achieve a record growth of 81% in 2010. In January 2011 alone, Audi sold 480 cars as against 306 units in the year-ago period.

The company presently has 15 dealers across the country and plans to expand the network to around 20 by the end of 2011. Audi will open its next showroom in Ludhiana in March 2011.