The Shanghai Motor Show has provided the backdrop for the official unveiling of the new Audi Q3 – a compact SUV priced from around £25,000.
Audi’s new mini-SUV will be available to order from June this year, according to sources, before deliveries commence later in the year in November.
It shares a platform with Volkswagen’s Tiguan compact-SUV and will compete with its Volkswagen Group compatriot as well as the forthcoming Range Rover Evoque in the busy segment.
With five-doors, the new Q3 will carry Audi’s signature front-end and wide grille as well as the typical daytime running lights seen on the brand’s most recent generation of vehicles.
It stands high from the ground and offers a raised driving position that is more befitting of the other fully sized Audi SUVs in the form of the Q7 and the Q5. It does however carry compact dimensions which the German manufacturer says are suited to urban driving.
In that vein the Q3 also returns brilliant CO2 emissions and fuel economy; particularly its front-wheel drive derivative which has a combined fuel cycle in excess of 54mpg thanks to a range of energy saving technology including start-stop technology, low rolling resistance tyres and energy recuperation.
From launch, the Q3 will be available with one diesel powertrain in the form of a 177PS 2.0-litre unit, mated to a clutch specifically designed for the new SUV – an S tronic twin clutch transmission.
Three 2.0-litre petrol units will also be available when the order books open with outputs comprising of 140PS, 177PS and 211PS.
Standard equipment on the Q3 is fairly extensive and includes rear parking sensors, light and rain sensors for the headlights and wipers and a climate control system on the range-opening SE specification.
The range-topping spec adds 18-inch alloys and more high-end materials – similar to those seen on the Audi executive saloons – will litter the interior.
Further details for the Range Rover Evoque’s competitor will be released closer to its launch date.
Askaprice.com holds a wide range of manufacturers and models at the car-quotation website, allowing users to access the best deals and most competitive quotes around. That means visitors can get Audi quotes and view the best Audi Q7 deals available.