Audi Q3 Luxury Crossover Facelift – May 2015 Launch in India

The facelifted Audi Q3 luxury crossover is expected to make its debut in India during May 2015. In line with this, the crossover’s current, pre-facelift variant is expected to be offered with significant discounts over the next couple of months. Word on the street indicates that Audi has already stopped assembling the cut-price Q3 Sport variant of the crossover at its Aurangabad assembly facility, in anticipation of the new model.

The refreshed Q3 is one among many new Audi cars that the luxury brand has lined up for the Indian car market over the next one year, in a bid to retain its leadership position here. Delving into the changes that the facelifted Q3 brings on board, the outsides of the car get cosmetic revisions. The front fascia sees tweaking, with new headlamps with optional LED units, revised grille and a re-profiled front bumper.

The alloy wheel design has been changed and this is the solitary change on the flanks while the rear of the crossover sees the bumper getting a refresh with the tail lamps taking on a new form. On the inside too, changes are quite restrained.  A luggage compartment package and an extensible luggage compartment cover are added, along with a powered tail gate.

Audi has added safety features to its entry level crossover, with blind spot assist, lane assist and traffic recognition systems being the notable additions. The engines get more frugal than before while some motors even make minor gains in terms of power and torque. For the Indian car market, the 2 liter-4 cylinder TDI turbo diesel motor, in 138 Bhp-320 Nm and 174 Bhp-380 Nm states of tune, will be the mainstay.

The less powerful diesel mill will drive the front wheels and will operate with a 6 speed manual transmission. The more powerful diesel motor, along with the 2 liter TFSI turbo petrol engine (208 Bhp-300 Nm) will use the 7 speed twin clutch DSG automatic gearbox, with Audi’s signature Quattro all wheel drive layout. Although Audi sells a hotter version of the crossover with the RS badging, in markets abroad, India is not likely to get the high performance version.

The Q3, after the facelift, will continue to be one of the most affordable Audis sold in the country, blending practical appeal in a luxurious package. With the Mercedes Benz GLA breathing down its neck, the facelift comes at just the right time to keep the crossover interesting for prospective buyers.

Via MotorOctane