New Audi Q3 launched in India.

The entry-level Premium Plus trim of the second-generation Audi Q3 costs Rs 44.89 lakh, while the top-spec technology trim is priced at Rs 50.39 lakh ex-showroom in India. At the end of this year, deliveries for the new Q3 will start.

The Q3 was discontinued along with the Q5 and Q7 SUVs after the switch to the BS6 emission standards, and it has now been reintroduced in India after an absence of more than two years. Overseas, the second-generation Q3 has been in production for four years already. In July 2018, it was unveiled.

In India, only one 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is available for the Audi Q3, and it is 190 horsepower and 320 Nm. The engine comes standard with a 7-speed DCT transmission and four all-wheel drive. The new Q3 does not have a diesel engine option like the SUV's predecessor had. The 0-100kph sprint time that Audi claims is 7.3 seconds.

The same engine is also available on the bigger Q5 and various other SUVs made by the VW Group, including the Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan. In actuality, the Tiguan, Kodiaq and the MQB platform from the VW Group serve as the foundation for the Q3.

The new Q3 is a larger SUV than the outgoing model; it has a slightly longer length, wider width, and a longer wheelbase. The flagship Q8 served as an inspiration for the design. With thinner LED headlamps, a prominent octagonal grille, and sharp bumper creases, it has a much more streamlined appearance than the preceding model's softer curves. The 18-inch alloy wheels on the India-spec Q3 are available in five exterior paint colours: Pulse Orange, Glacier White, Chronos Gray, Mythos Black, and Navarra Blue.

Moreover, the interior receives a total design makeover. The new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is now integrated into the dashboard, unlike the outgoing Q3's free-floating infotainment screen, according to Audi, who claims that space is significantly enhanced over the outgoing model. Additionally, the dashboard and door pads include decorative aluminium inserts to add contrast. Thankfully, Audi has kept the traditional dials and buttons for the climate control system, unlike its pricier vehicles.

A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, two-zone climate control, park assist with a reverse camera, 30-colour ambient lighting, six airbags, and other standout features are just a few of Q3's highlights. Okapi Brown and Pearl Beige are the two interior colour choices for the Q3 built for India. Its boot has a 530-litre capacity.

Early this month, reservations for the third quarter began at Rs 2 lakh. For the first 500 buyers, Audi includes a 3-year/50,000km service plan in addition to a 5-year extended warranty on the Q3. The Q3 is still a competitor to vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1, and Volvo XC40.

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The German luxury automobile manufacturer Audi has stated that it expects record premium vehicle sales in India this year. The corporation has justified its upbeat outlook to the country's expanding middle and upper classes' growing desire for luxury automobiles.

According to Dhillon, who told TOI that Luxury automobile demand is robust, he expects it to continue this year and surpass the previous peak of around 41,000 units sold in 2018. (with 2022 sales at approximately 38,000 units). Mr Dhillon stated in a recent interview, "India is a significant market for Audi worldwide, and we are hopeful about our chances there. Demand for our vehicles has been steadily rising in recent years, and we estimate that trend to continue in 2023. This year, we'll concentrate on broadening our influence throughout India, with a focus on tier-2 and tier-3 cities in particular."

Audi sold 4,187 units in 2022 as opposed to 3,293 in 2021, a 27% increase in sales over the prior year. The company still has a substantial backlog of deliveries despite supply chain challenges, including semiconductor shortages, and it welcomes new demand as it reintroduces models like the Q3, which debuted in mid-2021.

CEO Dhillon is upbeat about the company's future and anticipates continued double-digit growth in 2018. As part of its aggressive push into the green vehicle industry, Audi is also investigating the idea of localising the production of electric vehicles in India. The business estimates that by 2030, sales of electric vehicles, which made up about 2% of all passenger vehicle sales last year, will account for 50% of those of the luxury automobile market. Audi also expects similar contributions from green vehicles to its own sales numbers.

Audi's upbeat outlook for the luxury automobile market in India is a tribute to the nation's expanding wealth and taste for high-end products. The business is well-positioned to gain a larger portion of this lucrative market in the years to come thanks to its recent push into the electric car market, its focus on growing its presence in smaller cities and towns, and other factors.

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