Audi has launched the all-new Q3 in India at Rs 51.99 lakh for the Nova and Rs 55.99 lakh for the Zenith, ex-showroom. This is a full generation change rather than a facelift, so the car is new from the ground up: new body, new cabin architecture and a new way of sitting in it, with the gear selector moved to the steering column.
The outgoing Q3, sold here since 2022, is discontinued. It was last listed at Rs 43.67 lakh to Rs 53 lakh.
Prices
| Variant | Engine | Price, ex-showroom |
|---|---|---|
| Nova | 2.0 TFSI quattro, 7-speed S tronic | Rs 51.99 lakh |
| Zenith | 2.0 TFSI quattro, 7-speed S tronic | Rs 55.99 lakh |
Both variants use the same engine and gearbox. The Rs 4 lakh step buys equipment, not performance.
Engine and performance
The 2.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol makes 201 bhp between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm and 320 Nm from 1,500 rpm. It drives all four wheels through quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Audi claims 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 229 km/h. There is no diesel and no hybrid.
| Specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol, 1,984 cc |
| Power | 201 bhp at 4,500 to 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm at 1,500 to 4,400 rpm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed S tronic dual clutch |
| Drive | quattro permanent all-wheel drive |
| 0 to 100 km/h | 7.1 seconds |
| Top speed | 229 km/h |
What has changed outside
The nose carries a new single-frame grille with a three-dimensional honeycomb mesh, with the Audi rings moved onto the grille itself. At the back there is a full-width LED light bar with the rings illuminated across the tailgate. Both variants ride on 45.72 cm R18 wheels: multi-spoke on the Nova, and a 5-arm aero design in black with a gloss turned finish on the Zenith.
The Zenith gets Digital Matrix LED headlights built from 25,600 micro-LEDs. They let the driver pick a daytime running light signature, and they power the Lane Light function, which uses camera data to light up the lane ahead on narrow roads.
Inside: a curved display and a column gear selector
The cabin is built around a curved panoramic display. A 32.51 cm MMI touchscreen sits in it, angled towards the driver, alongside the Audi virtual cockpit plus. The gear selector has moved to the steering column, which clears the centre console for two storage trays and the phone tray.
Standard on both variants: panoramic sunroof, 3-zone deluxe automatic climate control, electrically adjustable front seats with memory for the driver, artificial leather upholstery, ambient and contour lighting in up to 30 colours, four USB-C ports, wireless charging with active cooling, and an electrically operated tailgate. The Audi wireless smartphone interface brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety and driver assistance
The Nova has seven airbags and the Zenith has nine, including front, front side, rear side and head airbags plus an interaction airbag between the front seats. Both get adaptive cruise control that works from 20 km/h, lane departure warning, Park Assist plus with the surrounding parking system, a reversing assistant that can retrace the last manoeuvre, hill hold assist and a tyre pressure loss indicator.
The Zenith adds the head-up display, the SONOS Premium Sound System with 12 speakers and a 420-watt amplifier, and progressive steering, which varies the steering ratio with speed and angle.
Colours
Five exterior colours: Sage Green, Mythos Black, Navarra Blue, Glacier White and Tambora Grey. Inside there is a choice of Tamarind Brown or Pergament Beige.
Which one to buy
The Nova at Rs 51.99 lakh is already a complete car. It has the same engine, the same quattro drivetrain, the panoramic roof, the curved display and the full infotainment suite. Nothing about it feels like a base variant.
The Zenith at Rs 55.99 lakh is for buyers who want the Digital Matrix headlights, the head-up display and the SONOS sound system. Those three are the real reasons to pay the extra Rs 4 lakh. The nine airbags, progressive steering and black wheels come along with them. At this price the Q3 sits against the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, and it is the only one of the three that gives all-wheel drive as standard.