The Q3 is the latest addition to Audi's 'Q' range of pseudo-off-roaders, joining the Q5 and Q7 models in a tough market where numerous carmakers are fighting for a share.
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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.
Watch our Audi Q3 video review
What’s new?
The Q3 is a brand new model, and carries many trademark Audi design cues. Indeed, it shares a very similar side-profile to its Q5 and Q7 siblings. It is Audi's first foray into the compact SUV market
Bull-nose grille and daytime-running LEDs have become prominent Audi trademarks
At launch, the Q3 is offered with a choice of three engines - two petrol and one diesel.
The petrol engines are versions of the four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI unit - one with 170bhp and another with 211bhp. Both benefit from a turbocharger to increase efficiency and power output. Audi has plans to offer a five-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol engine in the future.
The diesel is a 2.0 TDI and uses turbocharged common-rail technology to produce 177bhp. Audi plans to offer a lower-powered diesel unit (2.0 TDI 140bhp) later in the year.
There are two transmissions available - a six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG semi-auto. Both feed drive to all four wheels, although when Audi launches its lower-powered diesel engine it will be front-wheel drive.
Two trim levels are offered: SE and S Line. Standard safety features on all of these include stability control and acoustic rear parking sensors. Audi's 'Parking System Advanced' costs £650, or you can have the the same plus Park Assist for £900.
Audi tells us it is targeting 30-40 year-old males, couples with young children and third-lifers - over fifty and whose children have flown the nest.
It's certainly a premium model with a solid feel on the inside and some crisp styling features on the outside. The look is typically Audi, with the rounded front and goatee-style front grille giving a 'bull-nose' impression.
There are some sharp swages giving shape to the body-sides and the round rump is given a hint of Audi sportiness by twin tailpipes. And for a finishing touch, Audi has added daytime running LED lights front and rear - common on many 'premium' German cars.
Design follows the style of Q5 and Q7
What’s it up against?
The Q3 steps squarely into the compact SUV sector and comes up against models like the BMW X1 and the long-anticipated Range Rover Evoque. Other competition comes from its VW counterpart, the Tiguan and Ford's Kuga. This is a tough market to compete in, but it has bags of potential as the fastest-growing sector - SUV sales in the UK have grown from a little over 20,000 in 2000 to over 100,000 in 2010.
And the rewards are good, with Audi asking £24,560 for the entry-level model, right up to £31,360 for the range-topping 2.0 TFSI Quattro S Line with S Tronic gearbox.
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