Audi India to launch over 10 new models in 2016 - IAB Report
Likely to include the new entry-level Audi Q2 crossover.
Following Mercedes-Benz India's announcement last month that it will launch 12 new models this year, Audi India has revealed that it will launch over 10 new models in 2016. Three of them are the 2016 Audi A4, 2016 Audi R8 and 2016 Audi A8 L Security. The 2016 R8 and 2016 A8 L Security, in fact, were launched concurrently with their unveiling at the Auto Expo 2016, priced at INR 2.47 crore (ex-showroon Delhi) and INR 9.15 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) respectively.
While three of the 10 new models are known, the remaining may include the Audi SQ5 TDI, Audi S3 Cabriolet, Audi A6 allroad, Audi RS 7 Performance, 2016 Audi A4, and the 2017 Audi S5 Sportback, all of which were (apart from the S5) showcased at the Auto Expo.
Audi Q2
Confirmed to have its world debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March, the Audi Q2 will be the company's new entry-level crossover and possibly be the company's most localised vehicle in India.
Audi A4
The all-new Audi A4 based on the MQB platform could be the most significant launch for the company from the volumes and profits perspective. Having lost 120 kg compared to its predecessor and gained a host of new equipment, the A4 could be launched as a CBU followed closely by local assembly.
Audi SQ5 TDI
The Audi SQ5 TDI is the company's only crossover to be included in the 'S' range of performance variants. The SQ5 TDI sports a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 diesel engine that produces 240 kW (326 PS) and 650 Nm of torque, and was displayed at the Auto Expo.
Audi S3 Cabriolet
The Audi S3 Cabriolet, the 'S' performance variant of the Audi A3 Cabriolet that's already on sale in India, is powered by the same 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 221 kW (300 PS/296 hp) and 380 Nm of torque as the Audi S3 sedan. This model was part of the exhibits at the Auto Expo.
Audi A6 Allroad
The Audi A6 Allroad is the adventure-styled version of the Audi A6 Avant (estate). While the latter isn't sold here, it's high-performance variant, the Audi RS 6 Avant, is. Following a similar strategy, the Audi A6 allroad could be launched here as a niche product, imported via the CBU route.
Audi RS 7 performance
The Audi RS 7 performance is an even more powerful Audi RS 7. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine produces 445 kW (605 hp) and maximum torque of 700 Nm (750 Nm during overboost). The 33 kW (44 hp) extra power and 50 Nm extra torque (only during overboost) allows the more capable RS 7 to get from 0-100 km/h 0.2 seconds faster than the standard RS 7, in just 3.7 seconds. The top speed is still limited to 250 km/h in standard configuration, but can be increased to 305 km/h by opting for the dynamic package.
2016 Audi S5 Sportback
Like the fifth generation Audi A4, the second generation 2016 Audi A5 Sportback will likely debut along with its performance variant - the Audi S5 Sportback, later this year. As the current Audi S5 Sportback is imported in India as a CBU, the new generation model's launch shouldn't be very far.