German car maker Audi is considering the launch of its LWB variant of Q2 in India in 2017. The variant was initially thought to be exclusively for the Chinese market.
The Q2 will be the entry level Audi for the Indian market and is expected to be priced around Rs. 25 lakh.
Audi recently unveiled the Q2 at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The baby Q is its 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 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. Another reason for considering China specific 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, where it is manufactured by FAW-Volkswagen Audi.
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.
Source : BS Motoring