THE relentless progress of Audi continues unabated – recession or no recession.
Serious numbers are the name of the game, like a best ever worldwide sale of 1,092,400 cars last year, just short of 100,000 of them in the UK.
And if big bucks investment pays its predicted dividend, then many more drivers are going to appreciate the meaning of Vorsprung durchTechnik as time creeps on.
A whopping £11.6 billion is earmarked for developing new products over the next four years, by which point Audi’s range will have grown from today’s 38 models to a total of 42.
Latest to hit the streets is compact sports utility vehicle the Q3, smallest of the German brand’s Q-series and – according to Audi – downsized for easy urban use but without compromising on cross-country ability.
With its coupe-like roofline, raised driving position and wraparound tailgate the efficiency-focused Q3 is seen as a rival to premium SUVs like the BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque.
Four 2.0-litre engines are available from launch – two petrol and a pair of diesels, all with different power outputs – each backed up by start-stop, low rolling resistance tyres and energy recuperation systems.
And in a new move for an Audi soft roader, the predominantly quattro equipped line-up will also include a front wheel-drive model aimed at maximum economy.
This 140PS diesel, which kicks off the range at £24,560 and arrives in December, is extremely light by SUV standards and can return an average 54mpg.
Most popular is expected to be the 2.0 TDI 177PS model, which Audi reckons will account for half of all Q3 sales.
It’s a seriously accomplished car to drive, as a test route across the North York Moors confirmed, with ample power whenever you need it and a solid, planted feel on the road.
In addition to its lightweight aluminium body, the Q3 also offers an optional Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system on 211PS petrol and 177PS diesel models with the seven-speed S tronic twin clutch transmission.
When efficiency mode is selected, the active clutch is disengaged every time the driver lifts off the throttle allowing the Q3 to coast, while the cruise and climate control systems also perform at the optimum level.
Upshot is an impressive official fuel figure of 47.9mpg for the diesel (36.7 petrol).
Despite its city-friendly size the Q3 has a deceptively roomy interior with comfortable seating for four – five at a push - plus 460-litre load bay rising to 1,365 litres if the split/folding rear seat is stowed.
Two specification levels are available, SE and S line, the former coming with 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 cost an extra £2,750 and 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 which can seriously ramp up the price. For instance the 177PS diesel SE model we tested in Yorkshire boasted no less than £12,500 worth of extras ranging from a striking Samoa Orange paint job at £525 to a panoramic glass sunroof at £1,100.
Among the more practical options are a luggage compartment package that includes a front passenger seat with a folding seat back, reversible load liner, reversible mat, stainless steel load sill protector, a load-through hatch in the rear seat backrest and a ski bag.
And it’s also 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.
Certainly the Q3 has the attributes to prove a serious player in the premium compact SUV arena.
It has lower emissions than both its principal rivals and boasts the best performance, fuel economy and predicted depreciation in its class. Beyond that it’s all down to taste.
Prices are from £24,560 for the Q3 2.0 TDI 140PS manual SE through to £31,210 for the 177PS 2.0 TDI S tronic quattro S line. Petrol models start at £25,690 for the 2.0 TFSI 170PS quattro SE.