After a comparative lull for almost a year, Audi has planned to set 2017 ablaze with a slew of launches over the year. We have already had three new cars in the first two months with seven more to come. The launches will include updates for the existing models as well as the addition of a couple of new models in the Audi portfolio.
Audi has already launched the new A3 Cabriolet and the A3 sedan, renewing the compact luxury sedan for the year 2017. We have also got the new A4 sedan with the diesel mill earlier this month after the all-new A4 was introduced in 2016.
Of the upcoming cars, Audi has confirmed their smallest SUV made as yet, the Q2, for India. The Audi Q2 is built on the MQB platform and will sit below the Audi Q3 around the Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh price tag. The Audi Q3 will also be updated along with the Q5 SUV. As usual, the new cars will not look distinctly different form the current cars but underneath, they will be all new. You can expect the 2.0-litre diesel engine to develop slightly more horsepower and adhere to all emission norms.
The much awaited Audi SQ7 might finally arrive this year and will be their flagship SUV pumping out over 400bhp of power and a 1000Nm of torque. With the entire SUV line-up being updated, and the sedans taken care off, Audi might introduce the Audi A6 All-road. They had displayed the car at the Auto Expo 2016 and with Volvo bringing in the V90 Cross Country, this might be a good move from the Ingolstadt based manufacturer to see if at least the supposedly knowledgeable Indian car buyer chooses value over show.
Amongst the probable, we might have the new A7, the everyday version of the RS7 Sportback making a comeback after a brief hiatus. Audi has said that they will bring in halo products to alleviate the brand which makes us think about the Audi R8 e-Tron if not the Audi TT Roadster. The production version of the Prologue concept might turn out to be the new Audi A8. But for that to break cover globally and then come to India, will certainly take some time.
After the Dieselgate, Audi has realigned its strategy and aims to reclaim its number one spot in India from Mercedes. The premium car buyers like to be spoilt for choice and a wider portfolio will certainly help Audi boost their numbers.