Audi has officially unveiled the 2012 Audi Q3, a compact SUV that sits below the Q5 and Q7 in terms of positioning and size and of course pricing. Upon launch in its German home market in June after its public debut at theShanghai Motor Show next week, the Q3 will have to compete for sales with the BMW X1 and the upcomingMercedes-Benz GLK.
Underneath the handsome sheetmetal, adorned with familiar styling cues borrowed from its two larger siblings, resides the same platform that underpins the Volkswagen Tiguan. To provide the sporty drive that Audi promises, the weight count has been kept down with the use of aluminium for the bonnet and tailgate, with ultra-high strength steel used for the rest of the body; Audi states a kerb weight as low as 1500 kg.
At 4390 mm in length, 1830 mm in width and 1600 mm in height, the Q3 is some 240 mm shorter, 50 mm narrower and 53 mm lower than the Q5, but Audi claims that the five occupants will be able to enjoy ample room that is on par with the Tiguan’s cabin, in addition to the quality expected of an Audi. Storage capacity extends from 460 litres to 1365 litres.
The Q3 will be offered with three 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, each equipped with turbocharging, direct injection and auto start-stop system: a 177 hp 2.0 TDI, a 170 hp 2.0 TFSI and a 211 hp 2.0 TFSI. Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard for all three variants. A 140 hp 2.0 TDI is set to join the engine range later on
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