2026 Audi Q3 launched in India at Rs 51.99 lakh

2026 Audi Q3 launched in India at Rs 51.99 lakh
2026 Audi Q3 launched in India

Audi has launched the 2026 Q3 in India at Rs 51.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This is the third-generation entry-level luxury SUV in India, which is being offered in two trims: Nova and Zenith, and the latter’s price is yet to be revealed. It sports extensive design changes inside and outside, additional features and a turbo-petrol engine option only. The 2026 Audi Q3 is being assembled at the manufacturer’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant in Maharashtra, and its deliveries are also underway. 

  1. Only luxury car in its segment with an AWD setup
  2. Features split-style headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels
  3. Gets dual digital screens, panoramic sunroof, 3-zone AC

2026 Audi Q3 exterior design

Gets split-style headlights, taillights and 18-inch alloy wheels

Being a generation update, the 2026 Audi Q3 comes with a thoroughly redesigned exterior. It gets split-style headlights, with LED DRLs at the top and the main digital Matrix LED headlights on the bumper with dedicated washers. The LED DRLs and headlights feature lighting signatures, and in fact the latter can even project important ADAS information on the road in the driver’s direct field of vision for improved safety. It also gets a large grille with honeycomb mesh elements and similar air intakes on the lower section of the bumper. 

In profile, the Q3 features 18-inch alloy wheels as standard with self-centring hubcaps. It also gets a chrome windowline, slim roof rails and slightly flared wheel arches. 

At the rear, it features split LED taillights; the lower unit is connected by a thin strip of light bar. The Audi logo at the rear is illuminated. Audi is also offering a roof-mounted spoiler and a rear wiper and washer.

Here are the dimensions and other specifications of the 2026 Audi Q3:

2026 Audi Q3 dimensions and other specifications

Length

4,531mm

Width

1,859mm

Height

1,601mm

Wheelbase

2,681mm

Boot space

488 litres

2026 Audi Q3 interior design and features

Gets a hexagonal steering wheel, curved displays and a decently equipped cabin

Inside, the Audi Q3 has a minimalistic dashboard and features dual digital screens (a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital driver’s display) arranged in a curved setup. It also gets a 4-spoke hexagonal steering wheel with touch-enabled controls. Notably, the right-side stalk on the steering wheel works as a drive selector, while the left one can be used to control the headlights and turn indicators.

The drive selector on the steering column has enabled a cleaner centre console, featuring a wireless phone charger, two cupholders, and an electronic parking brake. The centre console extends to a centre armrest for front passengers. The seats get leatherette upholstery, and the front seats are powered and heated. The driver’s seat has a memory function that is also tied to the powered outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs). 

On the feature front, it is equipped with a 3-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Sonos sound system, a coloured head-up display (HUD), and a powered tailgate. Safety-wise, it gets 9 airbags, a rear parking camera (not a 360-degree surround-view system), hill hold and hill climb assists, and an advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite. 

2026 Audi Q3 powertrain

Gets a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and an AWD setup 

The 2026 Audi Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine that produces 204hp and 320Nm. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (AT) which sends power to all wheels (AWD). This powertrain enables a claimed 0-100kph sprint of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 229kph.

The Audi Q3 is the only rival in the segment to offer AWD. Rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA are front-wheel-drive (FWD) only. 

MG Astor discontinued in India

MG Astor discontinued in India
MG Astor discontinued in India

MG Motor India has discontinued the Astor midsize SUV, according to our dealer sources. The Astor first went on sale in India in 2021, rivalling the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq. However, the Astor didn’t find much of a footing with buyers, selling double or triple digits a month on average. For example, the Astor’s monthly average sales figure from September 2025 to September 2026 is 112 units.

Why did the MG Astor not succeed?

The MG Astor looked smart and came well-equipped, but it had little in the way of powertrain diversity. Where newer rivals offered petrol, diesel, CNG, and hybrid powertrains, the Astor was available with only two petrol engines: a 110hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, and a 140hp 1.3-litre direct-injection turbocharged three-cylinder. An electric counterpart of the Astor, dubbed the ZS EV, is available, but it costs significantly more.

Moreover, the 1.3-litre turbo engine was discontinued back in February 2025, leaving the Astor with only the rather-unexciting 1.5-litre NA engine, which could be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic. Another reason behind the Astor’s sluggish sales was likely its relatively low-slung crossover-esque design, which made it look smaller than its more upright-looking rivals.

Will there be a next-gen MG Astor?

Global-spec MG One. Image used for representation only.

The midsize SUV space is too lucrative to ignore, and to that effect, MG is not giving up on it. As we reported exclusively back in March 2026, MG is readying an Astor replacement that’s likely to be based on the brand’s SIGMA (SAIC Intelligent Global Modular Architecture) platform.

SIGMA can accommodate pure-combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains, which would overcome the powertrain variety hurdle faced by the Astor. We expect the next-gen Astor replacement to launch in 2027.

What to expect from Renault Duster hybrid ahead of launch tomorrow

What to expect from Renault Duster hybrid ahead of launch tomorrow
Renault Duster

The Renault Duster will get a strong-hybrid powertrain in India on October 17, joining the existing 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol options. Bookings are open for Rs 21,000. Here’s what to expect from the new hybrid variant, including its powertrain, features and rivals.

1. What is the claimed mileage of the Renault Duster hybrid?

Current Renault Duster image, used for representation only.

The Renault Duster hybrid has an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 29kpl, compared with 19.41kpl for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol manual, 17.75kpl for the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol manual and 18.45kpl for the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol DCT. The hybrid is Renault’s answer for the absence of a diesel option on the new Duster and is expected to give buyers seeking better fuel efficiency an alternative to the turbo-petrol versions.

Its claimed efficiency is also higher than that of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrids, both rated at 27.97kpl, and the Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid, rated at 28.65kpl.

2. How does the Duster’s hybrid system work?

Renault’s 160hp E-Tech hybrid powertrain. 

The E-Tech system combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors: a 20hp unit that acts as a generator and a 49hp motor that drives the wheels. The system produces a combined 160hp and 172Nm, supported by a 1.4kWh battery.

A multi-mode automatic gearbox with fixed gear ratios sends power to the wheels. Unlike the e-CVT used by the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Renault’s transmission can shift between ratios. Engine revs may therefore rise and fall more noticeably as the system changes between electric drive, engine drive and combined operation. The battery charges while driving and does not need to be plugged in.

Renault says the hybrid system can cover up to 80 percent of city driving in electric mode, using the battery and electric motor at low speeds and switching on the petrol engine when required. Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery while driving.

3. Which SUVs will rival the Renault Duster hybrid?

Current Renault Duster image, used for representation only.

The Duster hybrid will compete with the strong-hybrid versions of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The Toyota and Suzuki siblings use Toyota’s strong-hybrid system, which pairs a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors and a 0.60kWh battery, producing a combined 116hp and 141Nm. 

4. Will the Renault Duster hybrid look different from the regular Duster?

Current Renault Duster interior image, used for representation only.

The hybrid is expected to retain the regular Duster’s exterior design and cabin layout, along with a broadly similar feature list. A hybrid badge could help distinguish it from the turbo-petrol variants, with the powertrain being the main difference.

5. What is the expected price of the Renault Duster hybrid?

Current Renault Duster image, used for representation only.

The Renault Duster hybrid is expected to be priced between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom), commanding a premium over the turbo-petrol variants due to its more complex hybrid powertrain and the added fuel-efficiency benefits it offers.

Hyundai Creta crosses 15 lakh sales milestone

Hyundai Creta crosses 15 lakh sales milestone
Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta crossed 15 lakh domestic wholesales by the end of September 2026, with cumulative dispatches reaching 15,12,036 units since its launch in July 2015. The SUV accounts for around 15 percent of Hyundai Motor India’s cumulative passenger vehicle sales since the company entered India, and 55 percent of its utility vehicle dispatches since the Creta’s launch. Creta exports reached 2,95,994 units through August 2026, putting the SUV close to the 3 lakh-unit mark.

Hyundai Creta domestic wholesales by fiscal year

Fiscal yearUnitsYoY change
FY201663,836–
FY201796,89952%
FY20181,07,13611%
FY20191,24,30016%
FY202082,074-34%
FY20211,20,03546%
FY20221,18,092-2%
FY20231,50,37227%
FY20241,62,7738%
FY20251,94,87120%
FY20262,01,9214%
FY2027*89,727-10%
Total15,12,036–

Hyundai Creta sales: FY2026 was its best year

The Creta recorded its highest annual wholesales in FY2026, at 2,01,921 units, up 4 percent year on year. Before that, wholesales stood at 1,94,871 units in FY2025, up 20 percent, and 1,62,773 units in FY2024, up 8 percent.

In the first half of FY2027, combined Creta and Creta electric wholesales stood at 89,727 units, down 10 percent from 99,345 units in the same period last year.

The updated Creta, launched in January 2024, and the Creta Electric, launched in January 2025, have together accounted for an estimated 5.3 lakh domestic units through September 2026.

Hyundai Creta exports near 3 lakh units

Creta exports totalled 2,95,994 units through August 2026. Annual exports peaked at 50,820 units in FY2018. They fell to 3,859 units in FY2024 before rising to 4,314 units in FY2025 and 6,496 units in FY2026. Exports in April-August 2026 stood at 2,338 units.

The internal-combustion Creta is available with three engine options: a 115hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 160hp 1.5-litre direct injection turbo-petrol and a 116hp 1.5-litre diesel. It is offered with four gearbox options across 27 variants. All variants come with six airbags and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), according to the source report. The Creta has an ARAI-certified mileage of 17.4kpl to 21.8kpl across the range. Prices range from Rs 10.91 lakh to Rs 20.14 lakh, ex-showroom.

The next-generation Hyundai Creta is expected to launch in India sometime in 2027 and is likely to use the K3 platform that underpins the second-generation Kia Seltos.

With inputs from Dhruv Dhaka

SCOOP! Jeep Gladiator India launch under consideration

SCOOP! Jeep Gladiator India launch under consideration
jeep gladiator india launch scoop

Stellantis India recently announced a new and much-needed product onslaught comprising seven Citroen and five Jeep models, all due within the next four years. While the conglomerate did not specify what these models would be, it did confirm there would be a premium pickup, which we understand would be the Jeep Gladiator.

The pickup would be one of the earlier arrivals, and the company is likely to bring it in as a CKD, just as it currently does with the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler – with which the Gladiator shares its platform (JL).

Gladiator may mark Jeep India’s entry into the premium pickup segment

Currently the American pickup offers a single 3.6 litre V6 petrol and that could be the engine of choice for India too, and as is intrinsic to the brand, a 4×4 powertrain would also likely be offered. Alternatively, given that the Gladiator and Wrangler share a platform, Jeep India could consider utilizing the Wrangler’s 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine under the hood of the Gladiator in India.

In Jeep’s home market, the USA, the Gladiator and the four-door Wrangler are similarly priced, thus expect the Gladiator to be priced at around the Rs 70 lakh mark in India. This would be considerably higher than the Toyota Hilux. However, the Gladiator is larger than the Hilux; at over 5.5 meters in length, the Gladiator stretches the tape past the Hilux, which measures just over 5.3 meters.

The lifestyle pickup segment remains a niche market in India, although interest is gathering, with the new Toyota Hilux recently launched, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross continuing to be sold here, and Mahindra announcing its Scorpio Lifestyler. Given the higher segment that the Gladiator would occupy however, expect modest sales numbers. Besides, the American auto giant also needs to upgrade its sales and service network, a process it says is already underway. The company says its Stellantis Brand House format would support its expansion into Tier 2 as well as Tier 3/4 markets, where it sees potential.

Stellantis lines up 12 Citroen, Jeep launches for India by 2030

Stellantis lines up 12 Citroen, Jeep launches for India by 2030
Stellantis lines up 12 Citroen, Jeep launches for India by 2030

Stellantis has confirmed 12 Citroen and Jeep launches for India by 2030 as part of a roadmap dubbed ‘FaSTLAne 2030’. Speaking to Autocar India at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Tianshu Xin – the head of Stellantis China and Asia-Pacific – confirmed a new investment of Rs 4,000 crore for the Indian market and said, “The plan is to introduce 12 new models in the next three years…seven of them will be new models and five are upgrades.”

Stellantis India lines up a dozen launches across Citroen and Jeep

Multiple SUVs inbound, along with an MPV, an entry-level car, and a premium pickup

The first model under FaSTLAne 2030 is scheduled to go on sale in India by the second quarter of 2027. This influx of new Citroen and Jeep launches will cover the compact, midsize, and premium SUV segments, and include a new MPV, an entry-level car, and a premium pickup truck. Of the 12 launches, seven will be from Citroen and five from Jeep.

Brand footprints to be expanded in India

Stellantis says these brands will play “distinct but complementary roles” in its line-up – Jeep will bolster its current position in the premium SUV arena, and Citroen will do the same in the mass-market segments. Expanding the customer reach of Citroen and Jeep is crucial, and Stellantis has committed to growing the brands’ retail and service networks, especially in Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities, along with increasing parts availability.

More Stellantis EVs coming, hybrids also confirmed

Additionally, Stellantis has confirmed a new multi-fuel strategy for the Indian market, which will span “efficient internal combustion engines, hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery-electric (BEV) technologies.” These are already offered by Stellantis brands globally, and it should be interesting to see the specific powertrains that make it to India. As it stands, the majority of Stellantis India’s powertrain offerings are petrol; Citroen and Maserati also offer EVs, while Jeep additionally offers diesel in entry-level models.

Localisation target of 90 percent

According to Xin, the new models under FaSTLAne 2030 will be produced in India, so localisation will play a key role for competitive pricing. In light of that, Stellantis has set a target of 90 percent localisation across Jeep and Citroen, and will bank on its Indian R&D and manufacturing facilities, along with its supplier ecosystem, to achieve this. Moreover, India-developed FaSTLAne 2030 models will be exported to overseas markets.

Stellantis India’s two major brands, Citroen and Jeep, haven’t been very successful at attracting buyers in recent years. Citroen’s cars, despite recent updates, have struggled to gain traction in India due to their rivals being more aspirational and feature-rich. Jeep India, meanwhile, hasn’t launched any new models or facelifts in several years, turning prospective buyers away to more updated offerings. FaSTLAne 2030 is looking to be the shot in the arm that Stellantis India needs to pique buyer interest again.

What about Leapmotor?

Xin also provided an update on the long-overdue India entry of Stellantis’s Chinese EV brand, Leapmotor. Stellantis had planned to bring Leapmotor to India in 2025, but that evidently didn’t pan out. Xin noted that Leapmotor’s India entry is still being studied, and that there has to be enough “volume potential to justify the business case.” Therefore, a decision on Leapmotor entering India will only be made when the business case is ‘proven and solid.’

Mahindra XUV 3XO crosses 5 lakh sales milestone

Mahindra XUV 3XO crosses 5 lakh sales milestone
Mahindra XUV 3XO front quarter tracking

The XUV 3XO is the latest model from Mahindra to achieve the 5 lakh domestic market wholesales milestone. This total comprises sales of the XUV300 launched in April 2024, the rebranded model XUV 3XO introduced in April 2024, and the XUV 3XO EV unveiled in January 2026.

Collated sales data for this Mahindra compact SUV from February 2019 to September 2026 shows total domestic market wholesales of 505,590 units. An additional 37,000 units have also been exported.

XUV 3XO Sales Trend: Record Month and the Last 100,000 Units

Mahindra XUV300 / 3XO / 3XO EV Sales

Fiscal

Units

YoY % change

 

FY2019

9,532

 

FY2020

37,576

294%

FY2021

35,965

-4%

FY2022

50,260

40%

FY2023

60,968

21%

FY2024

54,174

-11%

FY2025

1,00,923

86%

FY2026

1,03,341

2%

FY2027*

52,851

19%

Total

5,05,590

 

This Mahindra SUV registered its highest monthly sales in October 2025 (12,237 units) when the 3XO achieved the 4 lakh milestone. This also means that the last 1 lakh 3XOs, comprising both ICE and EV, have been sold in the past 11-odd months. 

The 5,05,590 sales units give the 3XO brand a 17% share of the 30 lakh (30,12,830) SUVs Mahindra has sold from February 2024 till September 2026. FY2026 (103,341 XUV 3XOs), a marginal 2 percent improvement over FY2025 (1,00,923 units), was the best fiscal year yet for this compact SUV. In the first six months of FY2027, the 52,851 units are a 19 percent YoY increase (April-September 2025: 44,400 units) and give the XUV 3XO a 15 percent share of the 3,58,142 SUVs Mahindra dispatched to its dealers. Of the total 5,05,590 units sold, the XUV300 is estimated to account for 2,48,493 units from February 2019 to April 2024. The XUV 3XO, which took over, has sold 2,57,097 units. 

CNG Demand to bring more sales in FY27

Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG

With the addition of a CNG powertrain, the 3XO compact SUV will address a larger target buyer category. Current market trends indicate that CNG-powered vehicles, which typically draw value-conscious buyers keen on lower running costs, now also include buyers in higher-priced vehicle segments. CNG is now a mainstream fuel, particularly in the wake of higher petrol and diesel prices, and Mahindra is looking to tap this growing demand with the arrival of the XUV 3XO CNG. Suffice it to say that FY2027 should see the XUV 3XO (ICE, EV and CNG) achieve its highest-ever fiscal sales of around 1.25 lakh units.

XUV 3XO powertrain options and price

The XUV 3XO is Mahindra’s most affordable model and competes in the compact SUV space. Priced from Rs 7.79 lakh to Rs 15.04 lakh, it is offered with a 111hp, 200Nm 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that can also be paired with a factory-fitted CNG kit, a 131hp, 230Nm, turbo-petrol engine, and a 117hp, 300Nm, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine. All-electric versions range from Rs 13.89 lakh to Rs 14.96 lakh, and utilise a 39.4kWh battery pack paired with a front-mounted motor that produces 150hp and 310Nm and gets a claimed range of 351km.

All prices are ex-showroom, India

Maruti Victoris gets up to Rs 1.65 lakh discount in October 2026

Maruti Victoris gets up to Rs 1.65 lakh discount in October 2026
Maruti Victoris

Maruti Suzuki is offering discounts on the Victoris, Swift, Wagon R, Alto K10, Celerio, S-Presso and Eeco in October 2026. The highest benefits are available on the Victoris strong hybrid, at up to Rs 1.65 lakh. These offers include cash discounts, exchange or scrappage bonuses, loyalty benefits and additional offers, depending on the model and variant.

Disclaimer: Offers may vary by city and are subject to stock availability. Check with your nearest dealer for exact details.

Maruti Victoris discounts in October 2026

Up to Rs 1.65 lakh off

The Maruti Victoris strong hybrid gets benefits of up to Rs 1.65 lakh, comprising a Rs 40,000 cash discount, a Rs 30,000 loyalty upgrade bonus and an exchange bonus of up to Rs 95,000. A scrappage bonus of up to Rs 45,000 is available as an alternative to the exchange bonus. The petrol variant gets benefits of up to Rs 1.10 lakh, while the CNG variant gets benefits of up to Rs 95,000. Both variants are available with exchange or scrappage benefits, alongside other applicable offers.

The Victoris is priced between Rs 10.50 lakh and Rs 19.99 lakh and rivals the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra and Honda Elevate.

Maruti Swift discounts in October 2026

Up to Rs 71,000 off

The Swift Blitz Edition petrol variants are available with benefits of up to Rs 71,000, including discounted accessory kits. Other petrol variants get benefits of up to Rs 40,000, comprising a Rs 10,000 cash discount, a Rs 25,000 exchange bonus and a Rs 5,000 additional discount. The CNG variants get benefits of up to Rs 30,000, including an exchange bonus of Rs 25,000 and an additional discount of Rs 5,000. The Swift is priced between Rs 5.84 lakh and Rs 8.74 lakh and rivals the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Tata Tiago.

Maruti Celerio discounts in October 2026

Up to Rs 67,500 off

The Maruti Celerio petrol variants get benefits of up to Rs 67,500, comprising a Rs 40,000 cash discount, a Rs 25,000 exchange bonus and a Rs 2,500 additional discount. The CNG variants get benefits of up to Rs 47,500, including a Rs 20,000 cash discount, a Rs 25,000 exchange bonus and a Rs 2,500 additional discount. The Celerio is priced between Rs 4.70 lakh and Rs 6.75 lakh and rivals the Tata Tiago and Renault Kwid.

Maruti Wagon R discounts in October 2026

Up to Rs 67,000 off

The Wagon R Waltz Edition petrol variants get benefits of up to Rs 67,000, including a free accessory kit worth Rs 38,000 and an additional offer of Rs 1,900. Other petrol variants get benefits of up to Rs 57,500, comprising a Rs 30,000 cash discount, a Rs 25,000 exchange bonus and a Rs 2,500 additional discount. The CNG variants get benefits of up to Rs 52,500, including a Rs 25,000 cash discount, a Rs 25,000 exchange bonus and a Rs 2,500 additional discount. The Wagon R is priced between Rs 4.99 lakh and Rs 7.24 lakh and rivals the Tata Tiago and Citroen C3.

Maruti Alto K10 discounts in October 2026

Up to Rs 57,500 off

The Alto K10 LXi petrol variant gets benefits of up to Rs 57,500, comprising a Rs 30,000 cash discount, a Rs 25,000 exchange bonus and a Rs 2,500 additional discount. Other petrol variants get benefits of up to Rs 47,500, while the CNG variants are available with benefits of up to Rs 37,500. A scrappage bonus of up to Rs 10,000 is available as an alternative to the exchange bonus. The Alto K10 is priced between Rs 3.70 lakh and Rs 5.45 lakh and rivals the Renault Kwid.

Maruti S-Presso discounts in October 2026

Up to Rs 37,500 off

The S-Presso petrol variants get benefits of up to Rs 37,500, comprising a Rs 10,000 cash discount, a Rs 25,000 exchange bonus and a Rs 2,500 additional discount. The CNG variants get benefits of up to Rs 27,500, including an exchange bonus of Rs 25,000 and an additional discount of Rs 2,500. The S-Presso is priced between Rs 3.50 lakh and Rs 5.27 lakh and rivals the Renault Kwid and Alto K10.

Maruti Eeco discounts in October 2026

Up to Rs 37,500 off

The Eeco petrol variants get benefits of up to Rs 37,500, comprising a Rs 10,000 cash discount, a Rs 25,000 exchange bonus and a Rs 2,500 additional discount. The CNG variants get benefits of up to Rs 32,500, with a lower cash discount of Rs 5,000, while the exchange bonus and additional discount remain unchanged. The Maruti Eeco is priced between Rs 5.28 lakh and Rs 6.46 lakh.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

What to expect from the new Audi Q3 ahead of launch tomorrow

What to expect from the new Audi Q3 ahead of launch tomorrow
New Audi Q3 front tracking

Audi is all set to launch the new Q3 in India on October 16, 2026. The third-generation model is the German luxury marque’s entry-level SUV for India, and its first model for our market as part of its new product offensive. The upcoming Audi Q3 sports a completely new design both inside and out, an updated feature set and a single turbo-petrol powertrain. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from this compact luxury SUV.

1. What does the new Audi Q3 look like?

Now gets split headlamps, Digital Matrix LEDs, an updated grille and more

new Audi Q3 front quarter

The third-gen Audi Q3 has ditched the conventional placement for the headlamps. Instead, it sports a split arrangement with the new Digital Matrix LED units located in the bumper and slim LED DRLs placed above them. The former houses 25,600 individually controlled pixels, while the latter double up as turn indicators and offer four light signatures. The wide honeycomb grille of the Q3 now gets the brand’s new 2D logo with an integrated radar for the ADAS suite.

new Audi Q3 rear quarter tracking

Design highlights along the sides include the 18-inch alloy wheels with self-levelling centre caps, silver roof rails and shiny trim stretching between the A pillar and the roof. The rear of the new Q3 features split LED tail-lamps connected by a sleek light bar, an illuminated Audi logo on the tailgate, and a silver skid plate in the bumper. The new Q3 looks bigger than the outgoing model, though its 2,681mm wheelbase is unchanged.

2. How is the interior of the new Audi Q3?

A spacious boot, solid build, curved displays and a new gear selector are some of the highlights

new Audi Q3 interior

The boot of the new Audi Q3 has a capacity of 488 litres, which can be further expanded by folding down the 40:20:40 rear seats. There’s also a space-saver spare under the boot floor. This is a modern-looking interior, sporting an angled dashboard and centre console, curved digital displays and a hexagonal steering wheel. Meanwhile, placed on the steering column is the new stalk-type gear selector.

new Audi Q3 rear seats

Leather upholstery aside, this interior also gets fabric and wood trim. There are hard plastics lower down in the cabin, but the overall build quality is impressive. The front seats are well-bolstered and will be comfortable even on long drives, but the rear ones are best reserved for two adults. Conveniences at the back include a fold-down armrest with cupholders, two USB-C outlets, seat-back pockets and rear AC vents.

3. What features does the new Audi Q3 offer?

Headline tech includes a 12-speaker Sonos audio system, panoramic sunroof, head-up display and 9 airbags

new Audi Q3 dashboard

The new Audi Q3 offers a range of conveniences and tech – including a powered tailgate, multi-zone automatic climate control, powered & heated front seats with memory, and a 12-speaker Sonos audio system. There’s also a panoramic sunroof, a 12.8-inch touch-infotainment system, and an 11.9-inch digital driver’s display.

new Audi Q3 ADAS

Rounding off the tech features of the Audi Q3 are 9 airbags, an auto-park function, and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) with adaptive cruise control and auto-emergency braking. Surprisingly, the new Q3 doesn’t get lane-keep assist, a 360-degree camera, or even ventilated seats.

4. What engine and gearbox does the new Audi Q3 get?

The new Q3 will only be offered with a 204hp turbo-petrol engine and quattro all-wheel drive

new Audi Q3 side tracking

Under the bonnet of the new Audi Q3 is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with direct injection, rated at 204hp and 320Nm. Mated to this TFSI mill is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, while drive is sent to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.

There are multiple drive modes as well, including an ‘off-road’ setting. Audi claims a 0-100kph time of 7.1 seconds for the new Q3. However, there will be no diesel, hybrid or fully electric powertrains at launch.

5. What is the expected price of the new Audi Q3?

The new model is to be pricier than the outgoing Q3

new Audi Q3 front quarter tracking

The new Audi Q3 is expected to come at a premium over the outgoing model, which is priced between Rs 43.67 lakh and Rs 53 lakh (ex-showroom). The closest rivals of the Q3 will include the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG vs rivals: price, specifications compared

Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG vs rivals: price, specifications compared
Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG vs rivals

Mahindra’s entry-level offering, the XUV 3XO, is now available with a factory-fitted CNG kit in certain trim levels. This allows the XUV 3XO to directly rival CNG variants of the Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. We take a look at how Mahindra’s first non-commercial car with a factory-fitted CNG kit fares against its competitors, spec sheet to spec sheet.

Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG vs rivals: Dimensions

 XUV 3XOBrezzaNexon
Length (mm)3,9903,9953,995
Width (mm)1,8211,7901,804
Height (mm)1,6471,6851,620
Wheelbase (mm)2,6002,5002,498
Wheel size (inches)161616
Boot space (litres)270328321

The XUV 3XO is slightly shorter overall than the Nexon and Brezza, but ekes out the longest wheelbase and is the widest compact SUV here. In terms of height, the XUV 3XO falls just short of the Maruti, and all three SUVs offer 16-inch alloy wheels. Coming to boot space, though, the XUV 3XO lags substantially behind its rivals, despite having a similar boot-mounted twin-cylinder setup to the Nexon. The Brezza, meanwhile, has the highest boot space here due to its underbody CNG tank setup.

Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG vs rivals: Engine and gearbox

 XUV 3XOBrezzaNexon
Engine1.2 turbo-petrol1.5 petrol1.2 turbo-petrol
Cylinder count343
Power (hp)11188100
Torque (Nm)200121.5170
Gearbox6-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed manual
Claimed mileage (km/kg)24.726.924

Where CNG cars are usually weaker in CNG mode, the XUV 3XO flips the script by outputting identical power and torque figures in its petrol and CNG modes – Mahindra has achieved this by optimising the turbocharger calibration and ECU mapping. Therefore, the XUV 3XO CNG is the most powerful compact SUV here, beating the Nexon CNG by 11hp and 30Nm, and the Brezza CNG by a considerable 23hp and 78.5Nm margin.

That said, the Brezza CNG does claw a point in its favour by offering the biggest engine here and an additional cylinder over its rivals, which could make the driving experience feel smoother and more refined. Another big upside to the Brezza CNG is its segment-best claimed fuel efficiency. The XUV 3XO trails just behind the Brezza on the mileage front, while the Nexon CNG sports the lowest claimed figure.

Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG vs rivals: Price

 Price (Rs, lakh)
XUV 3XO9.99-12.27
Brezza*9.40-11.60
Nexon*8.35-13.42

*Excluding premiums for dual-tone paint finishes and/or cosmetic packages.

The XUV 3XO CNG carries the highest starting price compared to its rivals, with the Nexon CNG undercutting it by Rs 1.54 lakh and the Brezza CNG by Rs 59,000. Looking at top-spec variant prices, the order sees a rejig, with the Tata SUV commanding the highest price due to a broader spread of variants. At Rs 13.42 lakh, the range-topping variant of the Nexon CNG is Rs 1.15 lakh pricier than the XUV 3XO CNG’s equivalent version, and Rs 1.82 lakh more expensive than that of the Brezza CNG.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.