The new Audi Q3 is the premium German carmaker’s first foray into the premium SUV segment. The order book opens late in August for what is the third Q-model in the series.
Audi says the Q3 will have the distinction of being the first Audi SUV to offer the efficiency-focused option of a 54mpg front-wheel-drive variant.
Pricing for the Q3 will start at €33,850 ex-works (or €34,650 on the road ) for the 2.0TDI 140 SE version, which is expected to account for the majority of orders.
Audi says four engines will initially be available, all combining direct fuel injection with turbo charging, and all will be backed up by start-stop and energy recuperation systems.
First up is the aforementioned 2.0-litre TDI with 140bhp and 177bhp and the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit in 170bhp and 211bhp forms. The 2.0-litre TDI 140bhp unit will power the front-wheel-drive model only at launch, with a quattro version joining the offer early in 2012. With emissions of 133g/km, the 2.0TDI 140 variant resides in tax band B, qualifying the purchaser for annual road tax of €156.
The new Audi Q3 has a long, broad body, coupe-like roof line, and smooth, sweeping lines. Audi says it deliberately avoids the traditional ‘boxy’ look of an SUV. The carmaker also boasts that with its low lean-forward stance and muscular, flared wheel arches, the Q3 has an abundance of sporty character while retaining the Audi look.
Audi says the Q3 is deceptively roomy inside with seating for up to five adults. In the back there is 1,365 litres of load/luggage capacity thanks to split/folding rear seats. Audi claims the boot space offered in the Q3 (460 litres ) is superior to that of all its main competitors, underlining the practicality of its new premium offering.
The new Q3 offers a good level of standard equipment across the SE and S line specification levels. For example, externally the SE version includes 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails and rear parking sensors and, inside, dual-zone climate control, a concert audio system with 6.5-inch retractable colour display screen, bluetooth interface, Audi Music Interface (iPod connection ), and multifunction leather steering wheel.
The Q3 will also come equipped with navigation preparation, enabling customers to ‘activate’ navigation retrospectively by purchasing an SD card if required.
For a premium of €3,300 above SE versions, the new Audi Q3 can be upgraded to the S line specification, which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements, and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights.
Safety options that caught the eye include a ‘steerable beam’ adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, as well as a high-beam assistant to intelligently illuminate the road ahead.
In combination with the option of quattro permanent four wheel drive, the Q3 ensures all year long drivability through snow, ice, or whatever the conditions may be.
Safety and security are both key focus items for Audi as evident from the listing of ESP with electronic slip differential, six airbags, ABS, front and rear isofix points, and vehicle immobiliser on the standard equipment list.
Andrew Doyle, the managing director of Audi Ireland, told the Advertiser: “The Audi Q3 is a premium SUV offering all the benefits of Audi’s DNA in a more compact form. It is of course sporty, yet extremely efficient and versatile – a perfect mix of vehicle at the right time in the Irish market. The Q3 showcases Audi’s expertise in all aspects of engineering: from its lightweight body through strong and efficient drive trains and a dynamic chassis, to its state-of-the-art assistance systems and multimedia systems. We are delighted to introduce the newest member of the highly successful Q family to the Irish market.”
