Audi have announced the prices for their handsome new efficiency-focused front-wheel-drive compact SUV, the Audi Q3, with pricing starting at €34,650 on the road.
Being promoted by Audi as a premium SUV with all the DNA of its bigger siblings but in compact form, the new Q3 has gone on sale with first deliveries due for October.
It adds to Audi’s confident current range and it marks the German manufacturer’s first foray into the premium A SUV segment and the order books for the third Q-model in the series will open at the end of August. 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.
Initially four engines will be available, all combining direct fuel injection with turbo charging and all backed up by start-stop and energy recuperation systems – the 2.0-litre TDI with 140BHP and 177PS 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.
Despite its meaty appearance the 2.0 TDI 140 version has emission of only and is in Tax Band B (annual road tax of €156)
There will be two trims – the SE and the S line – with pricing starting at €33,850 (€34,650 on the road) for the 2.0TDI 140 SE version which is expected to account for the majority of orders.
Sleek
Despite being an SUV, Audi’s designers have tried to create a more sleek and sporty look to the car – more akin to a coupe than the traditionally more blocky SUV shape. To add to this sporty feel, the car has a low lean-forward stance and muscular, flared wheel arches.
There’s room for five adults inside plus a boot space of 460 litres.
The SE version comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails and rear parking sensors. Inside there’ll be dual-zone climate control, a concert audio system with 6.5-inch retractable colour display screen, bluetooth interface, Audi Music Interface (with an iPod connection) and a multifunction leather steering wheel.
For a premium of €3,300 above SE versions, the new Audi Q3 can be upgraded to the S line specification, which includes larger 18-inch alloy wheels, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements, and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights.
Options will include ‘steerable beam’ adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, a high-beam assistant to intelligently illuminate the road ahead, side assist blind spot warning and a panoramic glass sunroof.
The optional ‘quattro’ permanent four wheel drive will give drivers confidence when faced with snow, ice or whatever the conditions our dodgy weather and pot-holed roads may combine to throw at them.
Nick Bradshaw
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