रामायण का इंटरनेशनल ट्रेलर रिलीज, राम और रावण की दो दुनियाओं का दिखा महासंग्राम, रणबीर-यश के लुक ने जीता दिल

।

मुंबई। भारतीय सिनेमा की सबसे बड़ी फिल्म कही जा रही ‘रामायण’ ने ग्लोबल मार्केट में अपना दम दिखाना शुरू कर दिया है। डायरेक्टर नितेश तिवारी और प्रोड्यूसर नमित मल्होत्रा की इस मेगा बजट फिल्म का इंटरनेशनल ट्रेलर गुरुवार को रिलीज कर दिया गया है।

ट्रेलर को बेंगलुरु में एक ग्रैंड इवेंट में लॉन्च किया गया। इस मौके पर रणबीर कपूर, साई पल्लवी, रॉकिंग स्टार यश, रवि दुबे, म्यूजिक कंपोजर एआर रहमान और डायरेक्टर नितेश तिवारी मौजूद रहे। फिल्म का ग्लोबल कैंपेन Sony Pictures Entertainment संभाल रही है।

राम vs रावण – दो दुनियाओं की झलक

इंटरनेशनल ट्रेलर की सबसे बड़ी खासियत है भगवान राम और रावण की बिल्कुल अलग दुनिया को दिखाना।

इस बार ट्रेलर का पूरा फोकस राम vs रावण के महायुद्ध पर है। ट्रेलर की शुरुआत होती है- “इतिहास लिखे जाने से पहले, इंसान देवताओं के साथ चलते थे और दुनिया में शांति थी।”

फिर एंट्री होती है यश उर्फ रावण की, जो बंजर जमीन पर तूफान के बीच चलता हुआ दिखता है। इसी में नया खुलासा हुआ है – कुणाल कपूर देवताओं के राजा इंद्र के रोल में हैं, जो अपने हाथी ऐरावत पर सवार होकर रावण से लड़ते हैं। रावण ऐरावत पर वार कर उसे गिरा देता है और दहाड़ता है-  मेरे सामने हर सिर झुकेगा।[“Before me, every head will bow”]

दूसरी तरफ रणबीर कपूर भगवान राम के अवतार में राक्षसों से लड़ते और चेतावनी देते दिखते हैं- “अगर मैंने उसे नहीं रोका तो दुनिया खत्म हो जाएगी।”

ट्रेलर में एक तरफ घने जंगल में धनुष पर बाण चढ़ाते हुए रणबीर कपूर का शांत और दिव्य लुक है, तो दूसरी तरफ लंका के भव्य महल में गिरे हुए योद्धाओं के बीच भाला लिए बैठे यश का खूंखार रावण अवतार।

मेकर्स ने इसके साथ दो सोलो पोस्टर भी जारी किए हैं। पहले पोस्टर में रणबीर कपूर भगवान राम के रूप में तीर चलाने जा रहे हैं, पीछे से जंगल में सूरज की रोशनी आ रही है। दूसरे में यश रावण के रूप में युद्ध के बाद थके लेकिन अजेय योद्धा के रूप में दिख रहे हैं।

स्टारकास्ट और रिलीज डेट

फिल्म में रणबीर कपूर[Ranbir Kapoor] भगवान राम, साई पल्लवी माता सीता, यश रावण, सनी देओल हनुमान और रवि दुबे लक्ष्मण के किरदार में हैं। फिल्म को 8 बार ऑस्कर जीत चुकी VFX कंपनी DNEG ने तैयार किया है।

‘रामायण’ दो पार्ट में रिलीज होगी। पहला पार्ट 5 नवंबर 2026 को दिवाली के मौके पर और दूसरा पार्ट दिवाली 2027 को आएगा। भारत में यह फिल्म हिंदी, तमिल, तेलुगु, कन्नड़ और मलयालम 5 भाषाओं में रिलीज होगी और इसे IMAX में दिखाया जाएगा। भारत के बाहर Sony Pictures और हिंदी बेल्ट में धर्मा प्रोडक्शंस इसे डिस्ट्रीब्यूट करेगी

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.

2027 Kawasaki KLX300SM revealed

2027 Kawasaki KLX300SM revealed
2027 Kawasaki KLX230 SM front right quarter.

If you saw the picture and thought the KLX230 got a new variant, you’re neither alone nor correct. What we have here is the KLX300SM, Kawasaki’s supermotard for the overseas markets, and the Japanese manufacturer has just given it a minor engineering and feature refresh for 2027.

  1. 2027 KLX300SM continues with a 292cc engine but with revised internals
  2. Not expected in India for the foreseeable future

2027 Kawasaki KLX300SM: What’s different from 2026?

The road-biased KLX230 upgrade that’s not in India (yet)

Discussing the changes is a very short affair in the KLX300SM’s case since there are only a few. First, the connecting rod big-end bearing has been changed from a needle bearing to a plain bearing, contributing to improved performance and slightly higher peak power and torque over the previous model. The single-cylinder liquid-cooled mill now makes 26.8hp and 24.9Nm compared to 25hp and 23.9Nm earlier.

Second, unlike in India, ABS is not mandatory in the US, so Kawasaki is adding single-channel ABS to the front 300mm disc for next year; the rear 240mm continues to be lockable by riders, but those who ride the KLX300SM are unlikely to complain about it. To accommodate the new ABS hardware, Kawasaki has switched from the dual radiators to a single, left-mounted radiator. However, Kawasaki says there shouldn’t be a difference in the overall cooling performance. Keeping in line with the times, Kawasaki has also updated the instrumentation and added smartphone connectivity. Through the Kawasaki Rideology app, users can connect their phone to the KLX300 for call/SMS alerts and navigation support.

Rider performing a left leaning turn on the 2027 Kawasaki KLX300 SM.

Supermotards typically offer long travel suspension and a slender build with road-biased tyres, usually 17-inch, at both ends. In the KLX300’s case, it has a USD fork with 230mm travel, adjustable for compression. The monoshock with 206mm travel can be adjusted for preload and rebound. This and the road-biased wheel and tyre setup are what make supermotards a fun package. For context, the KLX230 S – Kawasaki India’s road-focused dual-sport – has 160mm travel at the front and 163mm travel at the rear.

In the US, Kawasaki has priced the KLX300SM at USD 6,399 (Rs 6.08 lakh) for its single variant, and it will be available from early December. As for India, we’re only now starting to warm up to niche categories like off-roaders, thanks to the Hero Xpulse series and KLX230 (and the Honda XR series on the horizon), so Kawasaki is unlikely to bring the KLX300SM here anytime soon. That said, it would be nice to have the KLX300SM and its refreshed dual-sport siblings in India, and more variety for the KLX230 series (there’s also a KLX230 SM!).

2027 Kawasaki KLX300 SM right profile.

Kawasaki KLX300 XPL revealed

Kawasaki KLX300 XPL revealed
An outdoor shot of the new Kawasaki KLX300 XPL

Kawasaki has launched the KLX300 XPL in America, priced at USD 6,499 (equivalent to Rs 6.17 lakh). This travel-oriented dual-sport motorcycle is based on the base KLX300 but has factory-fitted accessories which include a tall windscreen, handguard and rear carrier. This lineup also comprises the standard KLX300, the KLX300 DF (which adds a hand guard and a rear carrier as standard), and KLX300 SM (supermoto with 17-inch wheels and road-focused tyres).

  1. Powered by a 292cc liquid-cooled engine making 27hp, 25Nm of torque
  2. Gets adjustable suspension both at the front and rear
  3. Uses a 21/18 wheel setup like the KLX230

2027 Kawasaki KLX300 XPL details  

The liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine makes around 27hp and 25Nm of torque

Setting the new KLX300 XPL apart from the rest of the range is a distinct round LED headlight. All four variants are powered by the 292cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing 26.8hp at 8,000rpm and 24.9Nm of torque at 6,800rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Kawasaki has introduced revised internals like a new connecting rod bearing design across the 2027 range to enhance engine performance and reliability. The twin-radiator setup from the previous model has also given way to a repositioned single unit to accommodate the new ABS hardware.

On the features front, the 2027 updates brings a redesigned LCD instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity through the Kawasaki Rideology app. Kawasaki has also equipped the KLX300 lineup with front-wheel ABS, which can be disabled to tailor braking performance when riding off-road. When the motorcycle is turned off and restarted, ABS automatically returns to its default active setting.

Chassis setup comprises a double cradle frame paired with an aluminum swingarm. Up front, it features a 43mm USD fork with adjustable compression damping, while the rear gets a fully adjustable link-type monoshock. Despite the additional equipment on offer, the KLX300 XPL (142kg) only weighs 3kg more than the KLX230 which is sold in India (139kg).

In theory, the KLX300 would make for a good step up from the KLX230 (Rs 2.19 lakh ex-showroom) sold in India, which has an air-cooled 233cc motor. However, Kawasaki India currently has made no announcement to indicate that the liquid-cooled KLX models will be coming to our shores.

USD-to-INR conversions are based on exchange rates at the time of writing.

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

TVS Raider 125 gets traction control

TVS Raider 125 gets traction control
TVS Raider TFT DD in Blue and SXC DD in Red colour, front right quarter and front left quarter respectively.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the TVS Raider 125 played a part in rejuvenating the sporty 125 segment in 2021. It garnered such a positive reception and sales that manufacturers like Hero, Honda and Bajaj responded with options of their own. TVS evidently keeps a close eye on the Raider, as it has just given it a new set of features.

  1. Feature additions are limited to the top two variants: SXC DD and TFT DD
  2. Rear tyre is one section larger than before, at 120/70-17

TVS Raider 125 gets four new features

No changes to the design or engine

TVS hasn’t made any changes to the Raider’s design or its 124.8cc engine; neither are there any updates to the looks of the SXC DD and TFT DD variants. The new features added to these two variants are traction control, emergency brake warning and a 27W USB-C charger.  

The Raider is the first in the 125cc segment to get traction control. For the uninitiated, traction control reduces rear-wheel slip, so both wheels offer enough grip over loose surfaces; think gravel-ridden and/or uneven roads. The wider 120/70-17 rear tyre (previously 110/80-17) should also help with grip and stability. The emergency brake gives an earlier heads-up to those behind during sudden braking by triggering the hazard lights. As a convenience addition, TVS has now added a 27W USB-C charger (versus a 12W USB-A charger before), which should help charge your devices much faster.

Apart from these additions, the Raider remains where it was earlier, which means its engine still puts out 11.2hp and 11.75Nm, of which 0.55Nm is supplied by its integrated starter-motor-generator. The dual-disc brakes with single-channel ABS also remain exclusive to the top two variants. With these updates, the Raider TFT DD variant costs Rs 1,03,170, and the SXC DD variant costs Rs 1,00,330. TVS says the updated versions will be available at its dealerships across the country.

Production-spec Honda 0 Alpha India debut on December 2

Production-spec Honda 0 Alpha India debut on December 2
Honda 0 Alpha India debut on December 2

Honda India is going to debut the production-spec 0 Alpha EV on December 2. The 0 Alpha SUV concept was revealed in October 2025, and its production version will be the carmaker’s first all-electric vehicle for our market. Honda is expected to reveal the official name of the vehicle as well. A heavily camouflaged prototype of 0 Alpha SUV was recently spied testing on our roads.

Italjet to enter India through Motohaus

Italjet to enter India through Motohaus
Italjet Dragster studio image

Italian two-wheeler brand Italjet is set to enter India through a strategic partnership with Motohaus India, the Kolhapur-based distributor that also handles the Brixton Motorcycles and VLF (Velocifero) brands. The brand has revealed that full details of its product portfolio, pricing, market positioning and launch timelines will be announced at EICMA 2026 in Milan next month.

  1. Italjet is headquartered in Bologna, Italy
  2. Full product portfolio and launch timeline to be announced at EICMA 2026 in Milan

Italjet scooters: What are they?

The Italian brand is known for its performance-oriented scooters with radical designs

Italjet is a Bologna-based brand best known for its unconventional design philosophy and performance-oriented products. Its global portfolio comprises the Dragster scooter lineup, which starts with the Dragster 125 and goes all the way up to the Dragster 700. These products feature an underbone chassis and are unlike anything else currently available in our market. One look at them and you’ll see why. While they can broadly be classified as scooters based on their overall stance, the Dragster 700 is powered by a 698cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine that produces 69hp and is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The products more likely to arrive in our market are the lower-capacity Dragster models, such as the Dragster 125 and 300, which share a similar design philosophy with elements such as a unique front suspension setup, Italjet’s Independent Steering System (ISS) and an exposed trellis frame.

Motohaus currently distributes Brixton Motorcycles and VLF scooters in our market, and Italjet products will be the latest addition to its portfolio, with more details expected at EICMA 2026.

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.