Audi commences local assembly for new generation Q3
Autocar India, 29 Sep '26
Audi has commenced local assembly of the new-generation Q3 at the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, ahead of its official launch in India on October 16th, 2026.
Pre-bookings for the entry-level luxury SUV are open for Rs. 100,000 (US$ 1,040). Local assembly will enable Audi to avoid the higher customs duties associated with completely built-up (CBU) imports.
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, "The start of production of the All-New Audi Q3 is an important milestone for our Group in India. It reflects the strong capabilities of our Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility and our commitment to supporting the growth of our brands in the country."
The third-generation Q3 features a redesigned exterior compared with its predecessor. At the front, it gets a redesigned hexagonal single-frame grille with a 2D Audi logo, a split-headlamp arrangement and digital Matrix LED headlights. The daytime running lights can be configured with multiple signatures, while the headlamps are positioned vertically on either side of the bumper. At the rear, split taillamps are connected by a full-width light bar, with a backlit Audi logo positioned in the centre.
In profile, the Q3 features body-coloured cladding, 18-inch alloy wheels and a chrome window line.
The cabin has also been redesigned, with a dual-screen arrangement comprising a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. It also gets a new four-spoke steering wheel and a drive selector stalk positioned behind the steering wheel instead of a conventional gear selector.
Other interior features include leather-upholstered seats with a two-tone finish, a high-set centre console with a wireless phone charger and cup holders, a Sonos sound system, a panoramic sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, configurable ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera and a powered boot lid.
Powering the Indian-specification Q3 will be a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine producing 207 PS and 320 Nm of torque. The engine will be paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The new Q3 is expected to be priced between Rs. 5.5 million and Rs. 6 million. It will compete with the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Mini Countryman.
