Last week Audi India introduced a third variant of the Q8 crossover. At Rs 98.98 lakh, it is the least expensive version. And yet for obvious reasons, it won’t find many takers. To drive in the volumes, the company has today introduced the Q2 with prices starting at Rs 34.99 lakh. That’s much-more like it! Here’s the complete price list:

• Standard: Rs 34.99 lakh
• Premium: Rs 40.89 lakh
• Premium Plus I: Rs 44.64 lakh
• Premium Plus II: Rs 45.14 lakh
• Technology: Rs 48.89 lakh

In Audi’s world, the Q2 is a “compact SUV”. Some might call it a jacked-up hatchback or even a crossover. So, how compact is it? To put it in simple words, it is smaller than the Renault Duster. The Q2 measures a bit less than 4.2 metres in length, 1.8 metres in width (with ORVMs retracted) and slightly above 1.5 metres in height. The luggage space can gulp 355 litres of stuff.

If those numbers have put you off, here’s a set which will reignite the excitement. No matter which variant you choose, the Q2 will come with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 188bhp/320Nm. A seven-speed automatic takes care of transmission duties, while the Quattro all-wheel-drive system will help deliver a grippy driving experience. That, by the way, is the same powertrain that also does duty in the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and will power the upcoming, BS6-compliant Skoda Kodiaq. Audi says that the Q2 can hit 100kmph from nothing in 6.5 seconds and top out at 228kmph.

On the features front, the Audi Q2 offers stuff like a 10.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, electrically-operated and heated ORVMs, 17-inch alloy wheels, a digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and a range of Audi Connect Services. The Q2 also comes with cruise control, LED-powered headlights and DRLs, wireless mobile charger, Hill Hold Assist, all-four disc brakes, multiple drive modes and auto-dimming IRVM. Yes, the list of features will vary with the variant chosen.

Audi India is presently offering a ‘Peace of Mind’ package with the Q2. It includes a five-year comprehensive service pack, 2+3 years of extended warranty and 2+3 years of roadside assistance membership. The Q2 can potentially do wonders for Audi. Honestly, the brand’s Indian arm should’ve launched it at least a couple of years ago. What’s also surprising that Audi hasn’t taken the same route as its rivals from Germany. In the entry-level luxury car space, the Q2 will compete with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, both of which are four-door coupes.