The all-new Audi Q3 is the smallest in Audi's SUV range.
Sitting below the Q5 and the Q7,
the compact crossover's main competitor is the BMW X1.
One area in which the Q3 clearly beats the X1 hands down
is in terms of styling. Although that's mainly because
the BMW is so ugly, rather than the Q3 being a stunner.
The Audi Q3 looks neat and refined. The styling looks
subdued, not gaudy and showy, and there is a nicely proportioned
coupe-like profile.
The Q3's wraparound tailgate is similar in design to those
on its larger siblings. In conjunction with the xenon
plus headlights, LED light strips serve as tail lights.
On the inside, the Q3 features Audi's usual refinement.
A large wraparound dashboard is designed to encapsulate
the driver and front-seat passenger – a feature normally
used on the brand's larger modes. An optional color display
on the instrument panel is a first in the Q series.
From launch, five color schemes are available for the
interior: black, gray, beige, and two shades of brown.
With regard to upholstery, there are three fabric designs
and three leather designs. For the inlays, there are four
optional versions - including open-pored larch inlays
and new silvery aluminum inlays with supplementary wire
mesh and a 3D look. The S line sports package offers an
additional inlay and bathes the entire interior in a cool
black color.
The Audi Q3 will be available with one of four engines.
Two gasoline engines and one TDI engine will be offered
at first; with a second TDI engine appearing a little
later. All four of the four-cylinder engines will have
a displacement of 2.0 liters. They all deliver great output
and terrific torque from 280 to 380 Nm (206.52 to 280.27
LB-ft). In addition, all engines combine Audi's mighty
efficiency technologies: direct fuel injection, turbocharging,
the start-stop system, and the energy recovery system.
The 2.0 TFSI delivers either 125 kW (170 hp) or 155 kW
(211 hp). The more powerful version propels the Q3 from
zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.9 seconds and on up
to a top speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). The 2.0 TDI is
available with 130 kW (177 hp); a version with 103 kW
(140 hp) is to come a little later. Paired with front-wheel
drive, the version offering 103 kW (140 hp) averages less
than 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (45.23 US mpg).
Both TFSI engines and the stronger of the TDI units will
be supplied with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Its
key element is a hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which redistributes
power at lightning speed from the front axle to the rear
axle as needed.
The Q3 2.0 TDI with 103 kW (140 hp) will roll off the
assembly line with front-wheel drive and - just like the
Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro with 125 kW (170 hp) - with a six-speed
manual transmission. The 130 kW (177 hp) TDI engine and
the 155 kW (211 hp) TFSI combine quattro drive with a
dynamic seven-speed S tronic. Gears can also be shifted
via optional paddles on the steering wheel. When a driver
selects efficiency mode in Audi drive select, the S tronic
disengages a clutch while the sporty SUV is coasting and
allows it to roll freely - which further enhances fuel
efficiency.
Similar and related vehicles:
2008 Audi Q7 TDI V12
2006 Audi Q7 4.2 SE
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