Audi premieres the 2012 Q3 quattro AWD version, together with the two-wheel-drive model and the S Line at the Shanghai auto show. The Audi Q3 quattro is a lightweight, four-door compact premium SUV that features an elegant, coupe-like exterior styling. The Audi Q3 measures 14.4 ft in length (4.39 meters), 6.0 ft in width (1.83 meters) and 5.25 ft in height (1.60 meters). Audi designed the Q3 quattro with optimal aerodynamics in mind, the SUV featuring a 0.32 drag coefficient. This improves stability on the road and reduces the fuel consumption. Audi's Q3 quattro weights under 3,307 lb (1,500 kilograms), which around the same as a basic sedan.
In terms of carrying capacity, Audi says that the Q3 quattro offers a 16.24 to 48.2 cu ft
(460 to 1,365 liters) luggage space, which means you fit pretty much anything in it. Audi says the new Q3 is able to tow up to 2.0 metric tons (4,400 lb).
The Audi Q3 will come with four, 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter engines, powered by both petrol and diesel, with a torque output ranging from 206.52 to 280.27 lb-ft (280 to 380 Nm). The Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI will be available in two power levels, 125 kW (170 hp) or 155 kW (211 hp). If it's performance you want, the Q3 2.0 TFSI with 211 hp is the version for you. It has a top speed of 142.92 mph (230 km/h)
and a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 6.9 seconds.
The Audi Q3 2.0 TDI will be available at first with an output of 130 kW (177 hp). Audi will also offer a more powerful version of the Q3 2.0 TDI later in the SUV's life. This model will have a power output of 103 kW (140 hp). The less powerful version of the Audi Q3 2.0 TDI is the one to buy if efficiency is what you want. Audi says it will offer a 45.23 US mpg (5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers) fuel consumption.
Audi will offer the new Q3 with front-wheel-drive
and with the quattro all-wheel-drive system. The gearbox choices include a six-speed manual transmission and the seven-speed S tronic transmission.
At the interior, the Audi Q3 quattro comes equipped with a music interface for integrating mobile playback devices, a GPS interface, a Bose surround sound system with 14 speakers, hard drive navigation system and the company's MMI system.
The Audi Q3 S Line features a special aerodynamic package, which includes front and rear aprons, new side skirts and unique wheels.
The Q3 is Audi's entrance to the compact SUV market, which offers quite a wide range of vehicles. However, Q3's direct competitors are those on the premium segment, including the BMW X1 and the Mercedes GLK.
Audi will put the new Q3 quattro on sale starting from June. The Audi Q3 price will start on the German market 29,900 EUR. The price lists for other markets around the world will be announced at a later date.
Watch the Audi Q3 quattro on video lower down this page.
Audi Q3 video:
