Audi Q3 set for Shanghai debut
Audi has just lifted the veils around the new Q3 compact SUV ahead of its scheduled world debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. Now the junior-most member of Audi’s Q-family, the Q3 will enter the European market in June this year with prices to start at €29,900.
Audi Q3
That’s not likely to be the final amount in most invoices though. Audi has a plethora of options to tempt customers, and it is unlikely that items such as adaptive headlights, parking assistant, Bose surround sound, navigation, Bluetooth car phone, and full internet connectivity will cost a small sum of money, in isolation or all together.
Audi would love to see you go crazy over its options list.
Under the Q3’s flashy skin, you are essentially getting the Volkswagen Tiguan, and this is reflected by the engine options on offer – all using blown 2.0-litre four-pots at different power ratings. The opening deployment sees Audi field two petrol and one diesel engine, all three variants equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard.
Petrol power is delivered by the EA 888 TFSI engine offered at either 170hp or 211hp settings. The diesel TDI model will initially be offered with only 177hp, but a 140hp FWD version will follow at a later date. Audi has withheld torque rating for the engines, only stating that they range between 280 and 380Nm.
Because engines are mounted transverse in the PQ35 as opposed to being longitudinal in most other Audi models, the quattro AWD system used by the Q3 is essentially the same Haldex system found in the Tiguan. Other Audi models with longitudinal engines use a Torsen differential instead.
The 140hp FWD TDI version comes with a 6-speed stick shift, whilst the rest of them are equipped with the 7-speed S tronic (DSG) transmission. In the Q3, the S tronic has a function which disengages its clutch and allows the car to roll freely while coasting – provided that the driver has pre-selected efficiency mode in the Audi drive select system.
Audi will roll off the Q3 from its assembly in Martorell, Spain near Barcelona.
KON
See also:
– Volkswagen Tiguan Test Drive
– Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI Test Drive Report
It’s quite obvious that Q3 will succeed in impressing it’s fans. It’s the brand that matters here.
I agree Jones, the Q3 definately has succeeded in impressing the fanboys and fangirls, but it’s not just the brand that has gone into the Q3 – It’s an excellent car that these photo’s just don’t do enough justice for, it drives so well and feels like a car should – like you’re in complete control.