Audi Q3 deliveries start in Brazil; India launch schedule begins this month

We might be waiting for the Audi Q3 to launch in India, but the Brazilian market has already got a taste of it. Audi launched the Q3 in Brazil in February at a starting price of 144,900 Brazilian Real (approximately 40 lakh rupees). The compact crossover can be ordered in three variants:

• Attraction variant (entry level) gets leather-covered seats, driver's seat with electric adjustment, automatic air conditioning, sound system with Bluetooth, 17-inch wheels with tires 235/55 and six airbags. You also get bi-xenon headlights with automatic height adjustment of the beam, stability control (ESP), alarm and roof rack. The in-car entertainment is an optional extra that is handled by the MMI multimedia system with navigator, connectivity for phone, voice commands and radio.

• In the Environment variant (intermediate level) which costs BRL 159,900 approximately (43 lakhs). On top of the equipment found on the Attraction variant, the Environment gets Sky panoramic sunroof electric, dual zone air-conditioning, inside rearview mirror with automatic anti-glare function, 18 inch alloy wheels with 235/50 tires, parking sensors and rain sensors. The MMI is still an optional extra in this variant.

• The top-line Ambition version is priced at BRL 179,900 (around 48 lakhs) gets two front electrically adjustable seats, exterior mirrors with defroster, roof rack and 18 inch aluminum alloys with 235/50 tires. It also gets MMI Plus, keyless entry, the Auto Park (automated parking) with reverse camera, the trip computer with color display, Bose sound system and the Audi Drive Select system (which offers different driving modes - Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Efficient)

Brazil only gets the petrol engine – the 2.0 Turbo FSI engine with 211 bhp mated to a 7 speed S Tronic gearbox. It is capable of reaching 100 kph in just 6.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 230 kph.

Back home, Audi India CEO Mr Michael Perschke has just announced that the Q3 is slated for a June debut. We would get a 2.0 litre TDI engine that is mated to a 7 speed DSG gearbox that generates 174 bhp @ 4,200 rpm and 38.74 kgm between 1,750-2,500 rpm. Prices have not been revealed but Audi claims that it will not be as competitively priced as the BMW X1.

Audi claims that it doesn’t intend fight the X1 on price as it will launch a feature rich Q3 which will be priced slightly higher than the X1.

[Source - AutosSegredos.com.br; Image - Facebook.com]