Indian Autos blog

Just like Mercedes has the ‘M’ moniker and BMW has the ‘X’ prefix, Audi calls its SUV range with the prefix Q. Earlier it was the Q7 which was the only SUV from Audi’s portfolio. Then came the Q5, a smaller Q7 to sit below it.

Then came a revolution in entry level crossover -BMW X1 and thus Audi shrunk the Q5 to Q3 to compete against the X1. Now Audi plans to fill in the gaps with a range of Q cars such as Q2, Q4, Q6 and Q8 to woo new segments of buyers.

Audi launched its new A4 today morning at Tote on the Turf at Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai.

Mr. Michael Perschke, managing director of Audi India started the presentation by saying that the launch had to be advanced after experiencing an outstanding sales performance. He did not state the real reason, which we all know is the imminent launch of the new 3 Series from BMW India!

The new A4 starts at Rs. 27,33,000/- ex showroom Maharashtra, which makes it affordable by almost Rs. 70,000/-. This shows that Audi is really looking to play the price card wherever possible.

Our stand-in Mumbai representative Shoeb who is at the launch of the new Audi A4 has conveyed to us that the car has been launched between 27.33-38 lakh rupees (ex-showroom, Maharashtra), about 60k rupees lower than the previous model.

The 1.8 litre TFSI costs Rs 27.33 lakh. Two diesel options are available, the 2.0 litre TDI that sets customers back by Rs 29.38 lakhs and the 3.0 litre TDI that tops the range at Rs 38 lakhs – all ex-showroom Maharashtra.

Audi India has distributed invitations to the media notifying them that the facelifted A4 is being launched tomorrow. Audi is upping the ante by teasing the vehicle on their Facebook page.

The new A4 is not an all new generation car like the upcoming BMW 3 Series (F30) but a cosmetic touch up to the current car with minor under-body modifications. Audi has started selling this model in other countries.

click through for details on what has changed

The Audi A4 received a facelift last year and is expected to be launched in India next month (we’ve already shown you photographs of camouflaged test mules on Mumbai streets), but looking much ahead, there are bigger plans for the A4 nameplate.

AutoBild Germany has reported that the A4 is falling behind in terms of sales volume compared to the C-Class (class leader) and BMW 3 Series in the home market of Germany and it is going to be an uphill challenge to overtake its rivals in the coming years.

Test mules of the Q5 wearing frontal camouflage were starting to show up in testing points in Europe indicating the Audi is in the process of facelifting the Q5.

And indeed speculations were true. Thanks to our friends at Autoforum.cz, we have a comprehensive look at what Audi has in-store for us in the 2013 Audi Q5.

It’s no surprise that the Germans rule the roost when it comes to the luxury market because they are the ones that take maximum risk. Sure, companies like Volvo and Jaguar make brilliant products but they stick to the formula. The Germans, on the other hand, are constantly inventing and innovating.

[Audi Q2, BMW X4 and Audi SuperAvant will take product lines to avenues unknown thus far]

And it’s not just technologies, it’s entire product lines. Earlier, the luxury car market only constituted of long sedans and bulky SUVs. But the game has entirely changed. Now its all about coupes, crossovers, sports tourers et al. And who took the risk first? The Germans.

The BMW X1, so far, has had an unchallenged run in the Indian market. But the first challenger is all set to invade the Indian shores.

The Audi Q3 is ready to be unleashed in June of this year. In another part of the world where the Q3 is already on sale, upping the ante is essential to stay ahead of rivals. Audi China will reveal a concept version of the Q3 – touted as the Audi Q3 RS – at the Beijing Auto Show next week.

How is the Audi Q3 RS Concept different from normal Audi Q3?

The Audi Q3 RS Concept is a top-of-the-line hotter version of the Q3. It features a number of exterior, interior and mechanical changes to make sure it can smoke the streets when asked.

The Q3 RS Concept features: