So far, it’s been a battle between Mercedes and BMW for the numero uno position. But there’s Audi India too which has been discreetly eyeing the top spot. 2015 seems to be the target as of now. So, how does Audi plan to reach there? After a global debut, the car maker may consider rolling out its Q3 mini-SUV in India too. Audi India has already started assembling its luxury SUV, the Q5 and is now thinking of assembling the Q3 at its Aurangabad facility in Maharashtra. If the Q3 enters India, it will be Audi’s smallest SUV in the country and will be competing with the BMW X1.

The Q3 may carry a tag of around Rs. 25-28 Lakh. Globally, the Q3 will be a lifestyle/sports car from Audi and will be positioned above the anticipated Q1. It will draw cues from the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform of the Volkswagen Golf Mk5, the same as the Volkswagen Tiguan/SEAT Tribu small SUVs. However, Audi India says nothing about what we have just heard.

An official said, “Audihas not even launched Q3 in the overseas markets. So launching the model in the Indian market doesn’t seem to be a possibility in the next few quarters. However, over a period of time, we may consider it if there is a market potential.” Well, we would say, hurry up Audi. 2015 is not too far away if you want to be the #1 luxury car maker.

Audi Board Member for Production Frank Dreves said, “Starting in 2011, the Audi Q3 will be produced to Audi quality standards at the Martorell factory. This gives us additional flexibility regarding future decisions about products. We will begin preparing at once.”

Yes, right now, Audi is busy getting the Q3 compact SUV ready for the international market. It will be launched next year, and so will the A1 compact hatch be introduced. The German car maker finally found the Seat site in Martorell, Spain just perfect for the production of its Q3. Audi has invested around €300 million for the junior-SUV’s production and the annual production capacity has been marked down as 80,000 units.

“Following in-depth consideration of all relevant factors and an extensive international comparison of various sites, we selected Martorell,” explained Rupert Stadler, chairman of the Board of Management at Audi AG. This decision enables Audi to continue its strategy of growth and internationalization. Stadler added: “We are counting on this Spanish site’s efficiency, the excellent quality of the Production department, and its highly trained staff. We will use the Group’s synergies to sharpen our competitive edge and help protect around 1,200 jobs. The decision furthermore safeguards workplaces at other Audi locations.”

Sources claim that the Q3 will use many components from the Golf Mk5, or perhaps Golf Mk6. It is believed to be borrowing the car’s Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) dual clutch transmission and also a 197-bhp 2.0 FSI turbo engine of the Golf GTI. For the flagship, the Q3S, the mini SUV will probably be strapped with a 229-bhp 3.0 turbo-diesel V6 and a 282-bhp 3.6 FSI V6. Audi will almost certainly bring the car in both front-wheel drive, and Quattro on-demand four-wheel drive variants. But we believe there will be no height-adjustable suspension, lockable differentials or low-range gearing. Instead, larger wheels and a sports suspension may come along.