Cut-price Audi Q3 Sport launched in India

Audi India has launched the cut-price version of the Q3 luxury crossover, dubbed the Q3 Sport, at a price of 24.99 lakh rupees, ex-showroom Delhi. At this price, the Q3 Sport is the least priced Audi car in India, undercutting the entry level A4 luxury sedan. The Audi Q3 Sport is aimed at the new crop of affordable luxury cars such as the Mercedes Benz A-Class and B-Class, and the soon-to-be-launched BMW 1-Series hatchbacks. 

The Audi Q3 Sport comes with a lower amount of kit and different mechanicals, in order to be priced lower. The 2 liter TDI turbo diesel engine gets de-tuned to 140 Bhp-320 Nm, while the 7 speed dual clutch automatic gearbox is replaced by a 6 speed manual unit. The crossover also gets a front wheel drive option that replaces the Quattro all wheel drive system. The front wheel drive system cuts weight of the crossover by a full 140 kilograms. So, expect the Q3 Sport to be more fuel efficient than other variants.

To pare down costs further, the crossover omits features such as xenon headlamps, day time running lights, panoramic sun roof, reverse camera, satellite navigation and the power adjustable front passenger seat. The Audi Q3 comes with ABS, EBD, 6 airbags, ESP, reverse parking sensors and cruise control. Creature comforts include leather wrapped seats, automatic climate control, MMI infotainment system, and automatic headlamps and wipers.

Audi India is offering the first 10 buyers of the Q3 Sport an off-road style package free of cost. This is a new trend amongst luxury car launches in India, where the first few customers/bookings get attractive offers. For instance, the first 100 customers of the upcoming BMW 1-Series hatchback will get free BMW Service Inclusive (BSI) maintenance pack. So, expect this trend to grow further in the coming days. 

Another interesting aspect about the Audi Q3 Sport is that the crossover will now be assembled in India through the completely knocked down (CKD) route. This is the first instance of Audi India assembling the Q3 range in India. The CKD assembly will happen at Audi's Aurangabad factory. As the Indian Rupee falls to record lows against the US Dollar, importing cars becomes a particularly expensive affair, making CKD assembly a more cost effective option.