AUDI’S smallest sports utility vehicle, the Q3, will make its world debut next week at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show.
This third and most compact member of the Audi Q series is set to hit the streets in November with a price tag of around £25,000.
Seen as a rival to top selling models like the Nissan Qashqai, the Q3 will have three engines from launch – 2.0 TFSI 170PS and 211PS petrol units plus a 177PS 2.0 TDI diesel – all with turbocharging and start-stop systems.
Though the range is predominantly equipped with quattro all-wheel drive, a front-wheel drive 2.0 TDI 140PS version boasting 54.3 miles per gallon economy will follow within a few months. It is expected to weigh in at below 1,500kg, which is a remarkable figure by SUV standards.
In addition to a lightweight aluminium body, the Q3 will have low rolling resistance tyres, energy recuperation and electromechanical power steering systems as standard and an optional Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system also features a fuel-saving efficiency mode.
The latter will be available as an option and incorporates comfort, auto, dynamic and efficiency modes which influence throttle and steering response.
Despite its city-friendly size the Q3 has a deceptively roomy interior with seating for five plus 460-litre load bay rising to 1,365 litres if the split/folding rear seat is stowed.
Two specification levels will be available – SE and S line. The SE option has 17-inch alloys, contrasting painted bumpers, chrome window trims, aluminium roof rails and rear parking sensors, a Concert audio system with 6.5-inch colour display screen, Bluetooth interface, iPod connection and light and rain sensors.
S line models add 18-inch alloys, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights
There are numerous high-end options but among the more practical ones is a luggage compartment package that includes a front passenger seat with a folding seat back, reversible loadliner, reversible mat, stainless steel load sill protector, a load-through hatch in the rear seat backrest and a ski bag.
And at a later date, it will be possible to link the MMI navigation plus system with the online Bluetooth car phone allowing the satnav to make use of Google Earth images, and will enable the Q3 to double as a WLAN hotspot in which passengers can enjoy unrestricted internet on the road.