Audi
Q3 - Audi's mid-size SUV offering
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.
| Year (of specifications) |
2011 |
| Engine |
2 diesel and 2 petrol options |
| Transmission |
FWD or AWD |
| Max speed |
- |
| 0-60 mph |
- |
| Horsepower |
140 - 211 hp |
| weight |
- |
|
