Audi has introduced the third-generation Q3 in India, with an ex-showroom price of Rs. 51.99 lakhs. This luxury SUV is available in Nova and Zenith trims, with the top-spec model costing Rs. 55.99 lakhs. Manufacturing occurs at Audi’s plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, and shipments have begun.
Exterior Design Updates
The new Q3 sports a completely overhauled front end, highlighted by split-style lighting. Positioned above the main digital Matrix LED headlights are LED daytime running lamps, which are installed lower on the bumper. The company notes that the headlamps are equipped with dedicated washers and can project driver assistance data onto the road. Additionally, the front face includes a large honeycomb grille and updated lower air intakes.
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Viewed from the side, the vehicle is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, thin roof rails, a chrome window line and flared wheel arches. At the back, split LED tail-lamps are connected by a slender light bar. The illuminated Audi badge, roof spoiler and rear wiper finish the rear end. The SUV measures 4531 mm in length, 1859 mm in width and 1601 mm in height. It sits on a 2681 mm wheelbase and provides 488 litres of boot capacity.
Interior and Technology
The interior features a curved display setup consisting of a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. The four-spoke hexagonal steering wheel includes touch-sensitive controls, while the gear selector is positioned on the steering column. This frees up space on the centre console, which houses a wireless phone charger, cup holders and an electronic parking brake, thereby freeing up room for more features.
Standard equipment comprises leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, and a driver seat memory function. This memory setting also adjusts the powered outside mirrors. Other amenities include three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Sonos sound system, a coloured head-up display and a powered tailgate. Safety gear consists of nine airbags, a rear parking camera, hill-hold and hill-climb assist, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Notably, the Q3 lacks a 360-degree surround-view camera system.
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Engine and Performance
Power is generated by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, direct-injection turbo-petrol engine that produces 204 HP and 320 Nm of torque. This powerplant is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that directs power to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro system. Audi states the 0-100 km/hr acceleration time is 7.1 seconds and the top speed is 229 km/hr.
Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive setup differentiates the Q3 from the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, which are both sold with front-wheel-drive layouts in India. While the system’s traction benefits may attract buyers seeking all-weather capability, the higher cost of the variants and the specific equipment mix will ultimately shape purchasing decisions. Featuring updated styling, a more extensive list of features, and the only turbo-petrol AWD option in its class, the new Q3 enters the premium compact SUV market with an emphasis on performance and cabin technology.
