The Q3 is the entry-level compact SUV offering from Audi, aimed at the premium crossover market currently being occupied by the likes of the Mini Countryman, Range Rover Evoque and Nissan Murano.
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Video transcript
Audi's added to its range with a new baby.The brand new Q3.It's a compact SUV.That's a small semi-off roader to you and me.It's aimed at taking on premiumcompetitors from established playerslike the BMW X1, aswell as formidable new entrants such as the Range Rover Evoque.The SUV market inthe UK is one ofthe fastest growing sectors with over 100,000 cars sold last year.
And obviously Audi wants a slice of the action.Audi's new Q3 faces stiff competition.So is it up for the challenge?
True to Audi tradition it comesacross as well made with a sporting edge.The stylists have putsome crisp suede lines down the body side.And in side profile, it's verysimilar to the Q5 andthe Q7, but in smaller form.The front end is very Audi.It's got the classic ball-nosed frontgrill, and the LED daytime running lamps.
The rear end is round andbulbous, with sweeping taillights, and there's a touchof sportiness given away by the twin tail pipes.So, what do you get for your money? Let'sstart by looking under the bonnet.The two-liter TFSI petrol engineis turbo-charged, which means they've squeezed.211 brake horsepower outof it, which is plenty enough power for a car this size.
Audi is focused on makingthe car lightweight, including lotsof lightweight components, such asAluminium boot and bonnet lid.Our car came with a setof stylish 18-inch alloys, which set it off nicely.The Q3 is premium product and it's priced accordingly.With prices starting at aroundtwenty-four and a half thousandfor the front wheel drive two-literTDI, up to almostthirty one and a halfthousand for the two literTFSI Quattro with the seven speed S-tronic gearbox.
I'm driving the two liter TFSIwhich is a turbo charged petrolunit pushing out two hundred eleven hundred brake horsepower.On the open road it's gotthe power and the grip tonegotiate sweeping bends and tightercorners with body roll kept to a minimum.
With out getting too technical theDSG transmission or directshift gearbox uses twoclutches, so it canline up the next gear before the shift is needed.This makes shifting both faster and smoother.Leave it in auto mode or use the paddles on the steering wheel.
The VSG gear box offers you the best of both worlds.All the flexibility of amanual gearbox without having to operate the gears yourself.
Audi claims fuel economy at36.7 miles per gallonwhich isn't bad for sporty 2 literpetrol, but if youwant real economy you'll needto go for the 2-liter TDI, whichAudi says will return 47.9miles per gallon on the combined cycle.The S-tronic gearbox has asports-mode which allows youto stays in lower gearfor longer to keep your engine revved up.
The steering response is positive even in tight bends.And the suspension is firm but comfortable.Inside the build quality looks good.The trim materials are pleasant enough.And the fit and finish is excellent.The dash light is intuitiveand everything is easy to understand.Stability control comes as standard on all models.
And given Audi's pretty good safetyrecord, we expect theQ3 to do well inEuro and cab tests.There's plenty of room in front,and if you've got longer legs thanmost you'll be pleased at thedetail Audi's included in theseat design with an adjustableseat squab to provide betterthigh support and evenwith a tall person in thefront there's really good leg room in the rear.
But, even though three seatbelts in the back you'd behard-pushed to fit three adults for more than just a short trip.Boot space is pretty impressive at 460 liters.This has been achieved because there's no spare wheel.You're supplied with an emergency repair kit instead.So that's the Q3.It's a stylish designand it has a power trainand ride and handling combination thatwe're sure will compete with thelikes of the BMW X1 the and Range Rover Evoque.
To read the First Drive report go to which.co.uk/cars.
The Audi Q3 retains conservative Audi looks, but with prices starting from around £25K it will occupy the higher end of the compact SUV market along with rivals like the Range Rover Evoque. It will be available with a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with four-wheel drive and a more economical two-wheel drive option. Other features include a new intelligent automatic gearbox and Audi's Drive Select as an optional extra.
Audi's new baby crossover, the Q3, joins its bigger 4x4 siblings, the Q5 and Q7. How will it fare against the likes of the BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque?
Used Audi Q3 reviews
Not being launched until November 2011, you won't be able to get your hands on a used version until the middle of next year at the earliest. We expect the Q3 to hold its value well, with most Audi models retaining good percentages of their new values and the compact SUV market booming at the moment.
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