Audi has just launched their first compact SUV, the latest to arrive in their Q-series.
The German carmaker will offer the new Q3 in Irish dealerships from next week. And Audi boasts that it 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 starts 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.
Four engines will be available from launch, all combining direct fuel injection with turbo charging and all backed up by start-stop and energy recuperation systems. In addition to the 2.0-litre TDI with 140 bhp and 177 bhp, there is the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit in 170 bhp and 211 bhp forms.
The 2.0-litre TDI 140 bhp unit will power the front-wheel-drive model only at launch, with a quattro version joining the offer early in 2012. With emissions of just 137g/km, the 2.0TDI 140 variant slots in to tax band B, with annual road tax currently (pre-Budget ) of just €156.
The new Audi Q3 has a long, broad body, coupe-like roof line and smooth, sweeping lines, and Audi says that it deliberately avoided having the traditional boxy look of an SUV. And with its low lean-forward stance and muscular, flared wheel arches the Q3 offers lots of sporty character, yet it retains instant Audi recognition.
Inside the Q3 there is good seating for up to five adults, an accommodating load bay offering up to 1,365 litres of capacity thanks to split/folding rear seats, and a good level of standard equipment across the SE and S line specification levels. Audi boasts that the boot space offered in the Q3 (460 litres ) is superior to that of all its main competitors underlining the practicality of Ingolstadt’s new premium offering.
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.
Audi tells us that 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.
The Euro NCAP consortium has awarded the new Audi Q3 maximum five-star rating for passive crash safety. The results for adult protection in a frontal, rear or side collision, as well as for child safety and pedestrian protection make the new Audi Q3 among the safest cars in its category. ESP with electronics slip differential, six airbags, ABS, front and rear isofix points, and vehicle immobiliser all come as standard.
There is also the option of quattro permanent four-wheel-drive. And the high driving position offers a superior view of the road to drivers.
In conclusion, Andrew Doyle, managing director, 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.”
More about the all-new Q3 after a test drive on Irish roads.
