Audi Q3 S base variant launching today

Launched less than a year ago, the Audi Q3 continues to be among the more affordable luxury SUV’s in the market today. But the extent of its initial hype when it was launched at a starting price of Rs 26.21 lakh (ex-showroom Maharashtra) has been short lived owing to the constant price hikes that Audi has been imposing on its entire product portfolio over the past year or so. [Update: Audi Q3 S launched in India at Rs 24.99 lakh]

This has resulted in the base diesel version of the Q3 now coming at a price no lower than Rs 31.51 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) making what was once an affordable Audi into yet another expensive luxury SUV.

Audi plans on helping the Q3 restore its identity with the launch of an entry-level S variant later this month, 19th of August to be precise. This Q3 S is basically a base version of the Q3-family and will come with a front wheel drive layout as opposed to the top end models, which sport a Quattro system.

What is significantly different on this base variant is its de-tuned 2.0 TDI motor, which is now 142PS strong as opposed to the 180PS which the standard Q3 makes. Buyers of this better price S variant will sadly miss out on the trademark Audi daytime running LED lamps. 

Standard equipment however isn’t all that bad and will include climate control,leather seats, voice dialog system, cruise control, MMI with Bluetooth connectivity and 18-inch alloy wheels among other things. 

Our guess is that Audi’s Q3 S variant should be priced closer to the Rs 25 lakh price bracket and as expected will go up against the likes of the Mercedes A and B-Class and the upcoming BMW 1-series.

AUDI Q3 2.0 TFSI ROAD TEST