New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS): German luxury car manufacturer Audi Monday launched a new version of its compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) Q3 S with a price tage of Rs.24.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The company also opened its online booking engine.

"Our customer feedback revealed a growing inclination of our younger customers towards a more engaging drive. Audi Q3 S edition is our answer to the ever increasing demand for luxury mobility with the thrill of self-controlled driving," Michael Perschke, head Audi India, said at the launch.

"We are the market leaders in the luxury SUV segment and the Audi Q3 further consolidated that position for us."

The company's sales in the first seven months of the calender year grew by 19 percent at 5,551 vehicles from 4,680 vehicles sold during the corresponding period of 2012.

The new Q3 version is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0 TDI engine coupled with a six-speed manual transmission which delivers a fuel economy of 17.32 km per litre.

Apart from the new vehicle, the company also launched its online booking engine and a its third showroom in New Delhi.

The company plans to expand its dealerships from the current 27 centres to 34 by the end of the year.

The company also launched a dedicated club for Audi owners, who will be able to enjoy a host of privileges in other brands like Abercrombie & Kent, Trident and Olive Bar and Kitchen which have partnered with Audi for the initiative.

Recently, the company also unveiled a range of sports cars in the country including Audi R8 V10 , Audi RS 5, Audi S6 and Audi TT models at the concluded Delhi Couture Week (DCW) 2013.

The world's second-biggest luxury vehicles maker is said to be upgrading the top-of-the-line A8 later this year to compete with a new generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The company also plans to outfit A3 models with high-speed wireless technology to enhance appeal.