Audi Builds Firm Foundations For UK Q3 Launch

Four engines will initially 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 TFSI petrol unit in 170PS and 211PS forms and the 2.0-litre TDI with 140PS and 177PS. The 2.0-litre TDI 140PS unit will power the front-wheel-drive model only at launch, deliveries of which will start in December, shortly after the rest of the range.

All other engines will be linked to quattro all-wheel-drive, but regardless of the configuration secure handling will be assured by the sophisticated Electronic Stability Program with electronic differential lock, which effectively regulates torque distribution by braking individual wheels when they start to slip.

New efficiency feature for S tronic
The 2.0 TDI 140PS and 2.0 TFSI 170PS engines will be linked to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while the 2.0 TDI 177PS and 2.0 TFSI 211PS units will feature a new development of the acclaimed seven-speed S tronic transmission. If the optional Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system with its new efficiency mode is specified, the rapid-shifting twin-clutch transmission will now disengage its active clutch each time the driver lifts off the throttle, allowing the Q3 to use the momentum already built up to ‘coast’ without the need for engine input. When the efficiency mode is selected, the electronic climate control and cruise control systems also operate at the optimum level for minimal fuel consumption.

Inside the deceptively roomy Q3 there is 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 an impressive level of standard equipment across the SE and S line specification levels.

Externally the SE option includes 17-inch alloy wheels, contrasting exterior trim, chrome window trims, aluminium roof rails and rear parking sensors, and inside dual-zone climate control, a Concert audio system with 6.5-inch manually retractable colour display screen, Bluetooth interface, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and light and rain sensors. The Q3 will also come equipped with navigation preparation, enabling customers to ‘activate’ navigation retrospectively by purchasing an SD card if required.

For a premium of £2,750 in each case, 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.

Options include ‘steerable beam’ adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, a high-beam assistant to intelligently illuminate the road ahead, the hard drive-based navigation system plus with seven-inch colour screen and 3D mapping and the side assist blind spot warning and lane assist lane departure warning driver aids.

Among the more practical extras is a luggage compartment package, a front-passenger seat with a folding seat back, a reversible loadliner, a reversible mat, a load sill protector made of stainless steel, a load-through hatch in the rear seat backrest and a ski bag.

Pricing

SE model pricing

Engines Drive Power Transmission Recommended OTR
2.0TDI front 140PS 6-speed Manual £24,560.00
2.0TDI quattro 177PS 7-speed S tronic £28,460.00
2.0TFSI quattro 170PS 6-speed Manual £25,690.00
2.0TFSI quattro 211PS 7-speed S tronic £28,610.00

S line model pricing

Engines Drive Power Transmission Recommended OTR
2.0TDI front 140PS 6-speed Manual £27,310.00
2.0TDI quattro 177PS 7-speed S tronic £31,210.00
2.0TFSI quattro 170PS 6-speed Manual £28,440.00
2.0TFSI quattro 211PS 7-speed S tronic £31,360.00

SE specification

As standard all Audi Q3 models feature the following equipment:

Engine

■Automatic start-stop function
■Recuperation for optimal energy utilisation
■Efficiency tips feature in the DIS, including gearshift indicator for manual models
Wheels, tyres and suspension

■17-inch 10-spoke design alloy wheels with 235/55 R17 tyres
■Tyre mobility system
■Locking wheel bolts
Audio and communication

■Concert radio with single CD player (with MP3, WMA, AAC file playback functionality) and SD card reader – 8 speakers
■6.5 inch display screen – manually retractable
■Audi Music Interface
■Bluetooth interface – for telephone connectivity and audio streaming
■Voice dialogue system
■Preparation for SD navigation (for SD card navigation retro-fit)
Seats

■Standard seats in ‘Initial’ cloth upholstery
■Driver and front passenger seats with manual height, forward and backward adjustment
■ISOFIX child seat mounting for front passenger (with airbag deactivation) and outer rear seats
■Split folding rear seats
Safety and security

■Light and rain sensor with automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation
■Rear parking sensors
■Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser
■Remote central locking
■Driver, front passenger and front side airbag system and sideguard airbags
Exterior equipment

■Contrasting exterior trim in anthracite metallic finish
■Aluminium roof rails
■Aluminium window trim framing the exterior side windows
■Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors with heated windscreen washer jets
■Front fog lights
Interior equipment

■Four-spoke leather trimmed multi-function steering wheel
■Front centre armrest
■Driver’s Information System in monochrome
■Dual-zone electronic climate control
■Door sill trims with aluminium inlays
■Luggage compartment sill protection in stainless steel
■Monometallic inlays
S line specification

Wheels, tyres and suspension

■18-inch five-twin-spoke design alloy wheels with 235/50 R18 tyres
■Standard suspension (S line sports suspension, lowered by 20mm, available as a no cost option)
Seats

■Front sports seats including electrically adjustable lumbar support
■Black ‘Sprint’ cloth/leather upholstery with embossed S line logo in front seats
Exterior equipment

■Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear tail lights
■S line badges on the front wings
■S line bodystyling including S line front and rear bumpers with platinum grey rear diffuser
■Full body colour paint finish
■Chrome-plated trims for the exhaust tailpipes
Interior equipment

■S line inlays in matt-brushed aluminium
■Three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel