Audi has launched the new base version of its baby SUV, the Q3 S, in the Indian market.

Despite the Rupee depreciating rapidly in recent months, Audi has still hung on to its promised price of Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Q3 S, hence making it the most affordable luxury SUV in India.

The Audi Q3 S comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine that makes 140bhp in the S trim as opposed to 177bhp in the regular Q3, and is driven by a front-wheel-drive layout mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.  

Standard equipment includes leather covered seats and steering wheel, cruise control, voice dialog system, climate control, MMI with Bluetooth connectivity, and 18-inch alloy wheels amongst others. What’s missing is the trademark Audi daytime running LED lamps.

Audi hopes to pit the Q3 S against the likes of other German compact luxury vehicle offerings such as the Mercedes-Benz A- and B-class, and the upcoming BMW 1-series, which will launch here on September 3.