Audi Q3 with 1.4-litre TFSI petrol launched

None of the Q range of Audi SUVs were petrol powered till now because traditionally, SUVs have always been popular for their diesel engine’s efficiency. But with the gap between the petrol and diesel prices reducing and the cost of the 1.4-litre TFSI engine being much lesser than the diesels the Q3 employs, Audi thinks it is the right time to expand its range. The Q3 petrol costs Rs 2 lakh lesser than the equivalent Q3 diesel.

The petrol engine is the same 1.4-litre TFSI engine seen in the A3. It makes 148bhp of power and 250nm of torque, is mated to a 6-speed S-tronic gearbox and is front wheel driven.  This engine can propel the Q3 to 100kmph from standstill in 8.9 seconds. The recently launched A3 with this engine also gets cylinder deactivation technology, but the Q3 doesn’t. It is also heavier than the A3 and so the ARAI rated efficiency figure is a much lower 16.9kmpl.

“With this addition, we have three new engine options available for our most successful model. The Audi Q3 has been a segment leader ever since its introduction and our best-selling model is therefore even more appealing,” said Rahil Ansari, Head, Audi India.