Audi Q2 is an entry level SUV revealed by the German luxury carmaker earlier this year. The baby Q is all set to launch in India but with a LWB variant, which is a based intended for the Chinese market.
Audi recently unveiled the Q2 at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The baby Q is their entry-level SUV and as the name suggests, it is positioned under the Q3. Audi has given it a brand new design direction that is substantially different from the current range of Q family. Instead of rectangular styling cues up front, the Q2 gets more squarish details and that continues to the rear profile of the compact SUV looking inspired from the Volkswagen’s hatchback family.
Now the Q2 is quite small in size, smaller than the Q3 but the Indian market is expected to get the long wheelbase version, currently being developed for the Chinese market. Yes, this will make more sense in the SUV crazy Indian market as the rear seats are used quite frequently. Another reason for considering China spec model for India is the feasibility of importing the components. The parts cost about 15 percent cheaper when compared to imports from Europe and also the duties and taxes are more reasonable while sourcing parts from China.
The Audi Q2 is based on the A3’s MQB platform and will be assembled locally in India including the 2.0-litre diesel engine. It will also be available with a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol unit, which is a familiar engine in India from the VW family. The Q2 will be offered with a choice of both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Quattro systems. It is being targeted at first time luxury car buyers and intended to compete with the Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1-Series hatchbacks.
The baby Q gets the latest equipment and technology from Audi and hence getting the price down will be a big challenge for the carmaker. It will be priced around Rs. 25 lakhs when launched in India, which is marginally less than the Q3 but the next generation Q3 is underworks and will be priced a bit premium over the existing model and that will maintain the gap well. It will be interesting to see how Indian buyers accept the Q2 in India, considering the fact that we get full-sized premium SUVs like the Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner in a similar price bracket.
Audi Q2 India Launch Likely With LWB Variant
– Audi Q2 LWB version being considered for the Indian market
– It will be feasible for Audi India to import parts from China
– The Q2 will be the entry level Audi for the Indian market
– It is targeted at first time luxury car buyers
– It is expected to be priced around Rs. 25 lakhs
Source – AutocarIndia.com
