Range Rover Evoque first drive
The new Audi Q3 is an arch-rival for the new baby Range Rover, and will also go up against the BMW X3 when UK deliveries start in November.
Audi Q3 revealed
Audi will initially offer four engines, including a diesel capable of 54.3mpg. This will be the first Audi ‘Q’ model to offer front-wheel drive, with others using the firm’s famous quattro four-wheel drive.
The most powerful engine is the 211hp 2.0-litre TFSI turbo, although Audi expects the majority of models to use ether the 140hp or 177hp 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel.
Six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic S tronic gearboxes are also offered: the latter now has automatic clutch disengagement when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, to maintain momentum and save fuel.
Audi’s new baby SUV sits below the large Q5 and gargantuan Q7 in the model line-up, meaning Audi has filled yet another niche in the market. It’s one of many products that will take Audi’s already-broad 35-strong car line-up to a full 42 different cars by 2015.
Initially, the Audi Q3 will be offered in two trim lines – SE and S line. All come as standard with start-stop, climate control, Bluetooth, 17-inch alloys and rear parking sensor.
The sporting-look S line adds 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, S line bodykit and, as a no-cost option, lower and firmer S line sports suspension.
Fuel economy, emissions and performance data has not yet been released by Audi, apart from the headline-grabbing 54.3mpg economy stat. This is not expected to stop pre-orders, though: expect more details to be announced by the time order books officially open in June.
Range Rover still has the upper hand over Audi for delivery times, mind. The Range Rover Evoque will be in customers’ hands a full two months earlier than the Q3.
We will thus have to wait until later in the year for the reveal-all twin tests between the UK’s two newest must-have SUVs…