Audi is pulling no punches with the Q3 as the Indian division’s president confirmed that the junior crossover model you see here will be released in early 2012. Audi is likely to present the Q3 at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo in January for people who are strapped for cash but care about the status of their car. The Audi brand is doing extremely well in India. Even without the services of its volume builder, A6, for most of 2011, it managed to clock 2010’s overall numbers by July end. Unlike the A7 and the RS5, the Q3 will be a volume generator for Audi and will sport an aggressive price tag. As Volkswagen has not brought down the Tiguan to India, brand hierarchy keeps away from Audi going for the kill with a sub-25 lakh rupee starting price.

Since there has been a paradigm shift in consumer demand from petrol to diesel models, the engine to watch out for is the 2-liter TDI from under the Jetta’s bonnet. Married to a 6-speed manual transmission/6-speed DSG Automatic, customers with a fetish for German luxury cars will be licking their lips at the sight of this test mule. The consistent (and high) demand for BMW’s X1 is a case in point for the potential of this segment. Q3 test cars have been seen testing everyday around Pune giving a sense that Audi will deliver before schedule to launch a quiet assault on the Munich camp.

The Q3 is more of a lifestyle product than an off-roader. It can seat five people and is offered in Europe with four-wheel drive. In India, like BMW, Audi would serve it with two-wheel drive as customers are unlikely to expect any off-road capabilities from this prestige vehicle.

(Image credit: Devang Panchmatiya)

For ages the Safari Merlin has been seen tested around the Tata Motors plant in Pune. There’s little doubt that Tata’s Utility Vehicle engineers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure there are no niggles on the new product – an issue that’s fouled with the reputation of all vehicles prior to the Aria. Hiding behind swathes of camouflage is a re-done exterior using new sheet metal panels. The plastic mouldings along the wheelbase and rear wheel arch has been redesigned snaking under the fuel lid. The outline of the Safari will not change, but the character lines, kinks and design properties have changed. 

At the front, Tata has opted for sharper wrap-around headlights and a flatter nose. If this inspiration has come from Land Rover, so has the move to relocate the spare tire under the body. The alloy wheels on this test mule are those of the Aria. Removing blandness from its rear will be chrome plate sitting right below the windshield.

Inside, the cabin’s several components like seats, trims and dashboard – that receive very few complaints – have been carried over. The comfort and space offered by the Safari is one of its sales pillars. Tata would not want to fix it until something is broken. The material quality can be upgraded and features like Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, steering-mounted audio buttons, speed-sensing door locks, automatic climate control and rain sensing wipers should be offered. We will not be surprised to see these features landing on the Merlin from the Aria.

Mechanically the Merlin rides on the Aria platform benefiting from the improvements made to the 2.2-liter DICOR engine that makes it smoother, quieter and more fuel efficient.

Hyundai’s HA (its internal codename) is often seen testing around the Sriperumbudur plant in Chennai hinting that the series production is not far away.

We’ve learnt from sources that Hyundai is considering a festival season launch for the 800cc mini car that will combat the Maruti Alto and upgraded variants of the Tata Nano.

Our sources have also told us to expect many class leading features on the Hyundai HA. The fully loaded variant is well appointed with power steering, beige interiors, air conditioning and a fancy two tone dashboard. Material quality, fit and finish will be nearly as well executed as i10. Hyundai has opted for the instrument panel behind the steering wheel rather than in the center.

A shallow shelf is placed above the glove box, like in the Ford Figo. The audio system has CD/MP3/USB playing capability and buttons are finished in gray-ish silver. Aircon control knobs are dial type. Height adjustable head rests for front seats is unlike the i10’s integrated type. Hyundai has not cut costs here.

The instrument cluster will have a three-dial layout with the speedometer placed in the middle, engine temperature (digital) on the left and fuel level (digital) on the right. Two front windshield wipers will clean better and is unlike the low cost Nano’s single wiper. Electronic power steering is chosen for better fuel efficiency and the i10’s steering wheel is also carried over. Front windows are electrically powered while rear windows will be manual. The rake of the rear windshield generates slightly extra luggage volume.|

Under the hood, the HA will use a sub-850cc three-cylinder petrol engine producing about 50bhp. It will be paired to a five-speed manual transmission. Can the HA send shivers down the spine of the Alto with its good quality, high mileage, well built cabin and low price? Hope so!

(Image credit: Tarun Samuel)