THE LATEST CARS TO HIT THAI SHOWROOMS

AUDI Q3

Meister Technik, the authorised importer of Audi in Thailand, has given the all-new Q3 aggressive pricing in light of a growing SUV segment in the luxury car market.

Priced at 2,299,000 baht in regular form and an additional 200,000 for the sporty S-Line spec, the completely built-up Q3 is not only far cheaper than the 3.6-million-baht Jaguar E-Pace, but it’s basically on a par with locally assembled rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The Thai-spec Q3 comes with one of the most cost-effective powertrains available badged 35 TFSI: a 150hp 1.4-litre petrol-turbo, six-speed dualclutch automatic and front-wheel drive.

This drive system isn’t to be confused with that in the justlaunched A1 Sportback, which is also tagged 35 TFSI but sees a 150hp 1.5-litre variation with seven forward ratios.

The Q3 Sportback, a racier-looking model of the normal Q3, has also been introduced in just one trim, the S-Line going for 2,649,000 baht. The Q3 Sportback gets the same 1.4-litre engine and six-speed auto transmission.

The most direct rival for the Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI is the 2,999,000baht BMW X2 sDrive20i, which sees a 192hp 2.0-litre petrol-turbo engine and the equally racy M Sport look.

Company executives of Meister Technik say the premium compact SUV segment is crucial for growing sales, adding that attractive prices are prioritised over driving performance by many potential buyers.

Aside from the Volvo XC40 T5, all versions of the X1, GLA, E-Pace and Lexus UX have sub-200hp motors to chase first-time buyers of luxury cars.