The Audi Q3: A premium SUV in compact form
The new Audi Q3 is a premium SUV in a compact form. This genuine Audi sets standards in all aspects of engineering - from its body through drivetrains and chassis to its state-of-the-art assistance systems and multimedia systems. The Audi Q3 is a versatile companion for everyday life - with an urbane character.
The design of the Q3 is classic Audi: its coupe-like styling is one-of-a-kind among SUVs and symbolizes its sporty identity. Distinctive lights add a striking touch and the very flat-set rear window emphasize the sporty nature of the Audi Q3.
Thanks to systematic lightweight design, the basic version of the Audi Q3 weighs less than 1,500 kilograms (3,307 lb). Its engine hood and wraparound tailgate, which houses the taillights, are made of aluminum; the safe and solid passenger compartment features a great many ultra-high-strength steels. Its low drag coefficient of just 0.32 also enhances fuel efficiency considerably.
The interior of Audi's latest model is very roomy; its ergonomics and its workmanship are exemplary. Just as for the exterior, customers have many opportunities to express their very own style in the interior: Audi offers a wide selection of materials and colors. The luggage compartment offers 460 to 1,365 liters (16.24 to 48.2 cu ft) of capacity - ideal for sports and leisure.
Customers can opt to supplement the standard specification with numerous options straight from the luxury class. Examples include adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, which ideally illuminates the road ahead - even around corners. And an enhanced parking assistant alerts the driver to obstacles, even if they are off to the side.
Furthermore, Audi offers an entire set of infotainment components, spearheaded by the large MMI navigation plus - a hard drive navigation system - and the Bose surround sound system, with handsomely illuminated woofers up front. In the near future, an online Bluetooth car phone will follow, paired with a WLAN hotspot to provide the Q3 with full Internet connectivity.
This compact premium SUV by Audi will roll off the assembly line with three different four-cylinder engines: one TDI and two TFSI units. All three will combine direct injection with turbocharging, and will feature not only an energy recovery system but also a start-stop system. With power outputs ranging from 103 kW (140 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), these engines will be as efficient as they are powerful. The basic version, the Q3 2.0 TDI, is scheduled to appear a little later and - with 103 kW (140 hp) and front-wheel drive - will average less than 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (45.23 US mpg).
The most powerful gasoline engine and diesel engine, respectively, will be paired with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic, which switches gears at lightning speed. And the S tronic features an innovation: during coasting, the dual-clutch transmission disengages the clutch and allows the Q3 to roll freely - provided that the driver has selected efficiency mode in the optional Audi drive select system. This measure also boosts fuel efficiency.
Drivers can use the four modes of Audi drive select to have various systems adjust to their individual driving style; these include engine management and the optional adaptive dampers. The chassis of the Q3 - featuring a four-link rear suspension, electromechanical power steering, and robust wheel brakes - is the fruit of great design labor. The hold assist function is an available option; down the road, the hill hold assist system will be made available.
The Audi Q3 will go on sale in June. Its basic price in Germany will be 29,900 euros.
Premium SUV in a compact form
The Audi Q3
Audi is venturing into a new market segment: The Audi Q3 is a premium SUV in a compact form. It is sporty and efficient as well as versatile and trendy - a vehicle which feels right at home on or off any road. The Q3 showcases Audi's expertise in all aspects of engineering: from its lightweight body through strong and efficient drivetrains and a dynamic chassis to its state-of-the-art assistance systems and multimedia systems. Many of its features are straight from the luxury class.
Design and body
The Audi Q3 features the sportiest and most progressive design in its segment. The single-frame grille with its tapered upper corners dominates the front; its outline is extended by the dynamic curve of the engine hood. The wedge-shaped headlights are available as a xenon plus version including LED daytime running lights. Large air inlets hint at the potential of the engines.
Viewed from the side, the Q3 similarly exhibits Audi's classic design characteristics. The tornado line divides the side underneath the windows. The dynamic line imparts additional flourishes near the side sills and the wheel arches have a muscular look. Metal constitutes two thirds of the vehicle's exterior; the greenhouse the remaining third. The roof line slopes markedly toward the ground; the D-posts resemble those of a coupe.
Despite its coupe-like styling, the Audi Q3 is clearly recognizable as a member of the Q family. Its wraparound tailgate is similar in design to those on its larger siblings, the Q5 and Q7. In conjunction with the xenon plus headlights, LED light strips serve as tail lights. The exhaust system's tailpipes terminate to the left and to the right. The Audi Q3 is 4.39 meters in length (14.4 ft), 1.83 meters in width (6.0 ft), and 1.60 meters (5.25 ft) in height - roof rail included. Its drag coefficient of 0.32 raises the bar in this segment; moreover, its underbody fairing facilitates optimum airflow - underneath the vehicle, too.
Audi offers twelve different colors of paint for its new compact SUV, and five customization options are available regarding add-on parts. In addition to the standard black add-on parts, customers can choose either a full paint finish or color-contrasting add-on parts in anthracite gray for the underbody guard and wheel arches. The Audi exclusive off-road styling package gives the Q3 a broad and powerful look. The S line exterior package, conversely, represents classic Audi and appeals to especially sporty customers.
This compact SUV's body is very rigid and impact-resistant yet quiet on the road. The passenger cell incorporates a great many tailored blanks as well as extremely strong hot-formed steel. These components are quite thin, which reduces the vehicle's weight. The tailgate and the engine hood of the Audi Q3 are made of aluminum. The front-wheel drive version of Audi's latest model weighs less than 1,500 kilograms (3,307 lb).
Interior
The roomy interior of the Audi Q3 harmoniously mirrors the exterior design's sinewy yet gentle styling. A large curve, known as a wrap-around, encapsulates the driver and the front-seat passenger - a feature familiar from the brand's large model lines. The dashboard's horizontal layout underscores its width. An optional color display (as large as seven inches diagonally) on the instrument panel is a first in the Q series.
Workmanship of uncompromising quality is every bit a matter of pride at Audi as is stylistic confidence in the selection of colors and materials. Five color concepts 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.
Operating the Audi Q3 entails straightforward logic and intuitive user-friendliness - typical Audi. It is simple to read the instruments at a glance; the seats provide outstanding support and comfort. The chorus sound system with an AUX-IN input is standard, as are an air conditioner and an extensive array of occupant restraint systems.
Numerous high-end options attest to the excellent technological standards of the Q3. They include an on-board computer with efficiency program, an ambient lighting package with a great many LEDs, a panoramic glass roof, a storage package, sports seats, electrically adjustable and heated seats, a convenience key for entering the vehicle and starting the engine at the touch of a button, two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, tinted rear windows, and a three-spoke leather steering wheel in a new Q-specific look. Adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights and the high-beam assistant intelligently illuminate the dark road ahead.
The Audi Q3 has a luggage compartment that offers plenty of room for recreational and sports equipment. Its 460-liter (16.24 cu ft) capacity swells to a volume of 1,365 liters (48.2 cu ft) with the split rear seat backrests folded down. A roof rail is standard. A wealth of options make driving this compact SUV even better. Among them: a luggage compartment package, a front-passenger seat with a folding seat back, a reversible loadliner, a reversible mat, a loading-sill protector made of stainless steel, a load-through hatch in the rear seat backrest, and a ski bag. The Audi Q3 can tow a trailer weighing as much as 2.0 metric tons (4,400 lb).
Drivetrain
The Audi Q3 will be available with one of four engines. Upon its market launch, two gasoline engines and one TDI engine will be offered; a second TDI engine will appear 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.
Chassis
The sportiest player in this segment, the Audi Q3 has a chassis that combines outstanding safety with excellent comfort and is well-balanced and harmonious. Its four-link rear suspension handles longitudinal and lateral forces separately. The electromechanical power steering performs responsively, precisely and very efficiently; the electromechanical parking brake boosts convenience.
Audi drive select is available as an option for all Q3 engine types. It accesses the accelerator and steering.
When ordered with the equipment options S tronic, adaptive light and Audi adaptive cruise control, these are influenced, too. The driver can vary the function of these systems between the comfort, auto, dynamic and efficiency modes. In efficiency mode, the air conditioner and cruise control operate with the specific aim of saving fuel.
The Audi Q3 leaves the factory with 16-inch lightweight alloy wheels fitted with 215/65 tires; the top-of-the-line engines are available with 17-inch wheels. Upon request, Audi can supply wheels between 17 and 19 inches, some of which are quattro GmbH products. All tires are distinguished by low rolling resistance; the brakes are strong and stable - and ventilated at the front. Thanks to its generous ground clearance of 17 centimeters (6.69 in), the Q3 can also tackle rough terrain.
In the Audi Q3, the electronic stabilization program (ESP) integrates an electronic differential lock, which - at the vehicle's cornering limit - regulates the distribution of drive torques to the wheels via minor, barely perceptible braking. Regardless of version, the ESP offers trailer stabilization. Upon request, Audi will supply the Q3 with the hold assist function; at a later time, a hill hold assist system will maintain a constant vehicle speed while driving downhill.
Audi connect
Audi will provide a full range of infotainment technologies for the Q3. The connectivity package, for instance, includes the Audi music interface for integrating mobile playback devices and a GPS interface, which the customer can activate at once or at a later date.
Many additional solutions are taken straight from the luxury class. For example, the Bose surround sound system integrates 14 speakers, and the woofers up front illuminate handsomely when the interior darkens. The high-end infotainment cornerstone is the large MMI plus, a hard drive navigation system. Its manually extendable seven-inch color screen displays high-resolution 3D images; the system can also process whole-word voice input.
At a later date, it will become possible to link the MMI navigation plus system with the online Bluetooth car phone, which integrates a UMTS module. And thanks to Audi connect, the Internet will be on board the Q3 - including special services. A WLAN hotspot enables mobile terminal devices so that passengers can enjoy unrestricted Internet connectivity on the road.
With the online Bluetooth car phone, a route chosen by the driver can be portrayed on a Google Earth map. Audi's online traffic information keeps drivers abreast of the traffic situation ahead. Information is up-to-the-minute and precise because data is generated from a great many vehicles.
Assistance systems
Assistance systems for the Q3 also come from higher-end model lines. Audi side assist employs radar to help drivers change lanes and Audi active lane assist helps drivers remain in their lane by slightly correcting steering, if necessary. The optional driver information system's screen shows important road signs thanks to the camera-based speed limit display.
No less than five systems are ready to help drivers park. The park assist system does the steering for drivers while the vehicle is reversing into right-angle or parallel spaces; if necessary, it will execute several steering steps. Its twelve ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles such as concrete pillars, even if they are off to the vehicle's side. The assistant's software memorizes the obstacles' locations and alerts the driver to them before the parking space is vacated.
The Audi Q3 - which will roll off the assembly line in Martorell, Spain near Barcelona - will go on sale in June. The basic price in Germany for the basic version will be 29,900 euros.
