Audi India launches its fifth car this year – the facelifted Q3 SUV

Audi launched the facelifted Q3 SUV in India today, with prices starting at Rs 28.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for Q3 S, Rs 33.99 lakh for the Q3 Premium, and Rs 37.50 lakh for the Q3 Premium Plus.

The facelifted SUV gets styling tweaks to the exterior and interior along with added equipment. Styling-wise, the Q3 now gets the family front end with a larger more prominent chrome grille, slimmer headlamps and a new front bumper with prominent air vents. The rear end gets tweaked tail-lamps. The facelifted Q3 rides on 16-inch wheels in the Q3 S, while other variants get 17-inch wheels.

Inside, the facelifted Q3 offers a choice of all-black or black and beige dual-tone interiors. The wood trim on the older model has been replaced by a textured metallic finish. The cabin also gets chrome inserts.

In terms of features, the facelifted Q3 offers Audi's Drive Select, powered front seats, dynamic turn indicators, climate control and six airbags. Other features as per trim levels include, panaromic sunroof, LED headlamps, MMI satellite navigation, a 20GB onboard hard drive, a second SD card slot, and a new sound system.

The Q3 facelift is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI engine developing 174bhp and mated to a seven-speed S-tronic gearbox with paddle shifters. The Q3 is also equipped with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Q3 S is less powerful than the other models with the engine pumping out 138bhp. The Q3 S is offered with a six-speed manual transmission and front wheel drive only.

“The new Q3 is our fifth launch for this year, after the R8 LMX, new TT Coupé, new RS 7 Sportback and the RS 6 Avant. We plan to launch 10 new cars this year, which will include at least one new car in each segment of our comprehensive product portfolio. We have some more surprises in store and are gearing up to launch some exciting new models,” said Joe King, head, Audi India.

He added, “The Q3 is one of the most popular models and has been a winner ever since its launch. We are confident that the new Q3 will further strengthen our dominance in the compact luxury car segment.”