Audi Q3 S set for August 19 launch in India
Audi has now announced that it will launch the Q3 S SUV in India on August 19. The Q3 S, which is a trimmed version of the Q3, will be the smallest SUV in Audi's 'Q' series.
With Mercedes having launched the A-Class and B-Class models, and BMW confirming the launch of 1 Series (read story here), it is a clear sign that competition across the segment is heating up.
The Q3 S gets its power from the same 2.0-litre TDI engine that powers the Q3 diesel. But the de-tuned engine is expected to make around 142PS and should be good for 270Nm of max torque. The lighter Q3 S will be a 2-wheel drive, with a 6-speed manual transmission driving the power to the front wheels.
We expect the Q3 S to be priced around the Rs 25 lakh mark. Being the low-cost version, the Q3 S will miss out on Audi's trademark 'Quattro' system and daytime running LED lamps. Leather upholstery, cruise control, voice dialog system, climate control, infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, 18-inch alloys and a few more features will come standard with the Q3 S.
Audi is assembling the budget Q3 S at its Aurangabad plant from CKD kits in an attempt to cut pricing as much as possible.