Will Audi Q3 overpower X1 to help Audi get closer to the top slot?
The fight between the German triad, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi is getting hotter. Until now it was BMW, which Mercedes was fighting out with to grab the top slot, but in a surprise move, Audi snatched the trophy from Mercedes Benz and is now in front of BMW as a potential contender for the throne.
After being crowned as the second best car company in the luxury car segment in India, Audi now wishes to reign the Indian luxury car segment by the year 2015. As a plan of expansion, Audi will roll out the new Audi Q3 compact SUV in India which will rival BMW’s entry level SUV X1.
Let’s throw some more light on the two SUVs. Look wise, Audi Q3 reminds of an over-sized hatchback with a towering ground clearance. If we look at the dimensions of the SUV, it is 4385mm long and is shorter by 6cm than its arch rival BMW X1 SUV. Q3 will be roomier enough, offering ample space to the passengers. The boot space is also capacious with a capacity of 460-litre that can be extended to 1365 liters by folding the seats. On the other hand X1 has a close resemblance with the BMW 3 Series sedan as it is conceived on it. Just like Q3, X1 too does not look like a full fledged SUV; it rather looks a bigger version of 3 Series.
Audi will render the Q3 SUV in diesel guise first and later the company can spawn the petrol variant. Under the hood, the SUV will come affixed with a 2.0TDI diesel mill that can engender 177PS of power and a maximum torque of 380Nm. Audi Q3 will come with a Quattro wheel drive system mated to S tronic dual clutch gearbox. On the other hand the BMW X1 comes equipped with a more powerful engine that pumps out 184 Bhp of maximum power.
The fate of any car, especially in India, is decided by the price tag it carries, Q3 too is expected to be priced competitively. Though, due to the presence of four wheel drive system, the SUV will be priced a notch above than BMW X1, but Audi will make sure to tag it aggressively as it eyes to crack the volume segment with Q3. BMW X1 has helped BMW India ramp up its sales volume, its petite size and awe-inspiring looks have contributed towards it popularity and above all the affordable price tag that starts at Rs 22.40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This is the most affordable car under BMW’s stable and hence has carved a niche for itself in India.
The question that arises here is, with higher price tag than X1, will Q3 be able to attenuate sales of BMW X1? To attain the top slot in the luxury division, it is necessary for Audi to outnumber BMW sales which is currently dominating the luxury segment in India. However, with just a month left for the release of Audi Q3 all questions will be answered once the car hits the Indian shores and enters the arena to lock horns with BMW X1 compact SUV. Audi is mum about the pricing of the Audi Q3 and has managed to keep it under the wraps. Come June and all our queries will be resolved as to whether Audi Q3 will prove to be a game changer for Audi or not.
Keep yourself updated with the latest information about Audi Q3 ,Also browse Audi Q3 Pictures through Carkhabri.com
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