After celebrating its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show in China last month, the new compact Audi Q3 takes to the European showrooms in June, entering a new market segment of small luxury SUVs.
Classic design characteristics are the “tornado line” dividing the side underneath the windows. The dynamic line imparts additional flourishes near the side sills. The wheel arches have a muscular look and metal constitutes two thirds of the vehicle’s exterior. The roof line slopes markedly toward the ground and the D-posts resemble those of a coupe.
The basic version weighs less than 1,500 kilograms. The engine hood and wraparound tailgate, which houses the tail lights, are made of aluminium.
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Customers can opt to supplement the standard specification with numerous options including adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights and an enhanced parking assistant to alert the driver to obstacles.
Among the infotainment components are a hard drive navigation system and a Bose surround sound system with illuminated woofers up front. In the near future, an online Bluetooth car phone will follow, paired with a WLAN hotspot to provide the Q3 with full internet connectivity.
The SUV is available with three different four-cylinder engines — one TDI and two TFSI units. All three will combine direct injection with turbocharging and a start-stop system. Power outputs range from 103 kW/140 hp to 155 kW/211 hp.
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The basic version, the Q3 2.0 TDI, powered by a 103 kW/140 hp unit and front-wheel drive will average less than 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.
The Audi Q3 will go on sale in June with a basic price in Germany starting at 29,900 euros (43,500 dollars).