Winter sports and functionality – the Audi Q3 Vail

Posted on 10 January 2012 by

  • Compact SUV as a themed vehicle at the auto show in Detroit
  • New, practical solutions and many individual design highlights
  • 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 231 kW (314 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft)

Audi is unveiling a themed vehicle of a special kind at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit – the Audi Q3 Vail with an output of 231 kW (314 hp). The compact SUV, which is named after the famous winter sports venue in the United States, unites a powerful presence with a sporty lifestyle. The Q3 Vail is a highlight of the young model series that only launched in 2011.

The Audi Q3 Vail represents a new, potential variation on the SUV concept. The themed vehicle has been designed for young fans of winter sports who love skiing or snowboarding. The Audi Q3 Vail is a sporty and robust compact SUV offering many practical attributes, an elegant appearance and individual design highlights.

The themed vehicle is painted in the color developed specially for it – Energy Red. The red paint contains golden pearlescent particles. The add-on body parts are in matt gray quartz-based paint, and underline the vehicle’s robust and rugged appearance. The high-gloss package, a characteristic feature of the model line, enhances the area around the windows with eye-catching elements in aluminum and high-gloss black.

Vertical struts made from aluminum are integrated in the single-frame grille. They extend across the full height of the grille. In the area of the horizontal panel, which carries the license plate on series-built vehicles, they are pulled outwards to striking effect.

The struts exhibit the bicolor theme that the Audi designers developed for the
Q3 Vail: their lateral edges are painted in matt quartz-based paint, and the slim front faces have a high-gloss finish.

In the headlights the zones in the lower area of the light-guide elements, which generate the daytime running lights, are painted anthracite. The side air inlets further emphasize the themed vehicle’s powerful appearance; their top areas are covered by solid aluminum panels. The underbody guard beneath the front end is also made from aluminum.

Eyecatching features on the sides of the Q3 Vail are the flared wheel arches and running boards, which Audi is to incorporate into the extensive range of Q3 accessories. The restyled aluminum roof rails are specially designed for transporting skis and snowboards – these two items of sports equipment are made from carbon fiber.

The front roof-rail support integrates compact, energy-efficient, wide-angled
LED lights that illuminate the area around the Audi Q3 Vail. They are controlled via buttons in the roof module.

The Audi Q3 Vail is fitted with five-arm wheels in 8.5 J x 20 format. Mirroring the single-frame grille, their visible edges have a high-gloss finish, while the inside areas feature the same matt quartz-based paint. The off-road tires are size 255/45. Track width has increased 40 millimeters (1.57 inches) at the front and rear compared to series-built models, and the body is 30 millimeters (1.18 inches) higher. The themed vehicle also features unique solutions at the back – the two tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust system are integrated in the diffuser and underbody guard area.

In the interior of the Audi Q3 Vail, three colors offer an ambience of sophistication and sporty elegance – black, gray and red. The headlining is made from titanium gray Alcantara; large parts of the interior, including the carpet, are black. The black, ribbed floor mats are edged with narrow strips of red velvet-finish leather.

An innovative leather/fabric material is used for the upholstery – thin strips of leather just a few tenths of a millimeter wide, are interwoven with yarn. The upholstery features piping with double seams; like the contrasting stitching, the piping is red. Small sections of the upholstery are made from red velvet-finish leather – a hardwearing material that looks similar to nubuck leather at first glance, but in fact has a finer structure. The segments integrated in the door trims are also in red velvet-finish leather, trimmed in steel gray Fine Nappa leather.

The entire instrument panel in the themed vehicle is trimmed in black Fine Nappa leather. Contrasting stitching in titanium gray is an elegant highlight. The leather across the hood of the instrument cluster is steel gray with red contrasting stitching. This color scheme is replicated on the door armrests at the front and rear. The front section of the center tunnel also has a leather trim.

The inlays around the S tronic selector level, at the front of the cockpit and in the doors comprise a three-dimensional stainless steel mesh that requires a complex manufacturing process. The selector lever features a high-gloss black ring and an aluminum badge with a milled “Q3 Vail” signature. The lever gaiter is enhanced by red stitching.

Aluminum takes center stage in the instrument cluster. The most striking elements are the metal dials around the speedometer and rev counter. They were made using a rotary-grinding process. Metal is also used on their rings and around the edges of the control lights. Horizontal bars and small fins give the dials and needle centers a sporty, three-dimensional look. The leather steering wheel features red contrasting stitching and an aluminum trim. Behind it are two large shift paddles for manually controlling the seven-speed S tronic. The footrest and the pedals have thin pads made from rubber. Slits offer a glimpse of the stainless steel beneath the pads.

In some parts of the interior the trims are in high-gloss black – the display and control elements on top of them appear to float. This applies to the area surrounding the driver information system, the zone around the air vents, the periphery of the MMI terminal and the row of switches on the center console. Aluminum inserts give the black switches an air of sophistication. Chrome trims adorn the controls of the air conditioning system; the air vents have black ribs and chrome-trimmed rotary knobs.

The soft keys for the MMI navigation plus system are made from aluminum, while the control terminal benefits visually from narrow strips of the same material. The monitor, which can be folded out manually, has a trim that matches the surface of the instrument panel. The system includes an animation showing the longitudinal and latitudinal tilt angle of the Audi Q3 Vail. In regions that are not included in the map data, the MMI navigation plus system logs the GPS coordinates of the route – for assistance during the return journey.

The interior of the Audi Q3 Vail includes two practical devices for winter sports fans. The side wall of the trunk houses a charging station. It can be used for storing flashlights and charging them inductively at the same time. The same technology is used for the Thermos bottle. It is located in the cup holder between the front seats and is able to chill or warm drinks. Both devices have LEDs that show the current charge level. One attractive extra is that, in addition to LED lighting, the flashlights incorporate an infra-red heating element that can be used for warming your hands or a pair of ski boots.

Another intelligent solution in the themed vehicle is the trunk mat, which has integrated heated seat cushions. The mat can be folded out and laid over the loading lip. This protects the trunk edge while the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, and also provides a warm area to sit on when putting on or taking off your ski boots. Small LED spotlights on the inside of the tailgate provide light.

The Audi Q3 Vail features a 2.5-liter five-cylinder TFSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging that generates an output of 231 kW (314 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque from a displacement of 2,480 cc.

The engine’s five cylinders are consecutively numbered; red wrinkled-finish paint has been applied to the cylinder head cover. A panel made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) partially covers the engine, and the air filter is also protected against dirt. There is a decorative trim made from plastic around the engine compartment. The acoustic mat on the inside of the engine hood has a “Q3 Vail” logo embroidered in dark gray.

The power of the turbocharged five-cylinder unit is transferred to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed S tronic transmission. The
Audi Q3 Vail accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds and continues to a top speed of 262 km/h (162.80 mph).

# # #

The Audi Group delivered around 1,092,400 cars of the Audi brand to customers in 2010. The Company posted revenue of €35.4 billion and an operating profit of €3.3 billion in 2010. In the first half of 2011, the Audi Group sold 652,970 vehicles bearing the four rings worldwide and achieved record figures in terms of revenue (€21.5 billion) and operating profit (€2.5 billion). Audi produces vehicles in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), GyÅ‘r (Hungary), Changchun (China) and Brussels (Belgium). Aurangabad in India saw the start of CKD production of the Audi A6 at the end of 2007, of the Audi A4 in early October 2008 and of the Audi Q5 in July 2010. Production of the new Audi A1 has been running at the Brussels plant since May 2010. The Audi Q3 has been built in Martorell (Spain) since June 2011. The Company is active in more than 100 markets worldwide. AUDI AG’s wholly owned subsidiaries include AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft., Automobili Lamborghini Holding S.p.A. in Sant’Agata Bolognese (Italy) and quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm. Audi currently employs around 60,000 people worldwide, including around 46,600 in Germany. Between 2011 and 2015 the brand with the four rings is planning to invest more than €11 billion, mainly in new products, in order to sustain the Company’s technological lead embodied in its “Vorsprung durch Technik” slogan. By 2015, Audi plans to increase the number of models in its portfolio to 42.

Audi has long been fulfilling its social responsibility on many levels – with the aim of making the future worth living for generations to come. The basis for Audi’s lasting success is therefore formed by environmental protection, the conservation of resources, international competitiveness and a forward-looking human resources policy. One example of AUDI AG’s commitment to environmental issues is the newly established Audi Environmental Foundation. Under the heading of “Audi balanced mobility,” the Company is directing its activities toward a major goal – comprehensive CO2-neutral mobility.

Audi Q3 Trans China Tour 2011 successfully reaches finish line

Posted on 04 November 2011 by

  • 20 cars, 160 drivers and 5,700 kilometers in 16 stages
  • Participants experienced the many different faces of China
  • Versatile features of the Audi Q3 proved their mettle
  • China is the biggest market for Audi, with growing potential

The Audi Q3 Trans China Tour 2011 has successfully reached the finish line. The 20 cars reached the destination in Shenzhen near Hong Kong yesterday after covering the 5,700-kilometer route. During the tour’s 16 stages the roughly 160 participants experienced the dependability of the Audi Q3 in every situation, from drives through the country’s dynamic metropolitan centers to the unpaved roads in spectacular mountain landscapes. The Trans China Tour proved the all-round qualities of the new compact SUV while showing the many diverse faces of the country that is now the most important sales market for the Ingolstadt-based carmaker.

The Audi Q3 Trans China Tour presented the rich and fascinating bounty that is China. The route for the first group of participants led from Beijing through the rapidly developing million-plus cities in the east like Jinan and Qingdao, and on to the sprawling metropolis of Shanghai with its spectacular skyline and futuristic urban freeway network. With its compact dimensions, high dynamics and clarity of design, the Audi Q3 proved ideal for the snarled traffic on the streets of the major Chinese cities.

The second group took over the cars directly on Shanghai’s famous Bund boardwalk and continued the tour southward. Traveling on the mostly new and extremely modern highways, the Audi Q3 provided superb comfort over long distances. The route led along the eastern coast of China through regions with highly dynamic economies and rapidly growing affluence – which also highlighted the potential for further development of the market for premium cars in this country. Shenzhen was the final destination for this stage of the tour. Within less than two decades this area has developed into a metropolis with more than 14 million residents.

The third and fourth groups ultimately were also able to experience the robust character of the new Audi SUV and its quattro permanent four-wheel drive in off-road conditions. The route led from the vast industrial regions surrounding Shenzhen over mostly smaller roads and pathways in the impressive rural region around Guilin, with its unique Karst mountain range and expansive rice fields. The participants reached the final destination of the Trans China Tour yesterday as they arrived in the metropolis of Hong Kong.

Each of the 20 Audi Q3 models had covered around 5,700 kilometers during the entire tour. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings there were no serious problems with keeping on the right path: the MMI navigation system in the Audi Q3 knows about three million kilometers of China’s roads, and even small streets are digitized. All of the navigation systems offered by Audi in China have been adapted extensively to the requirements of highway traffic there. This development work was carried out in Audi’s own Infotainment Tec Center (ITC) in Beijing.

The ITC is representative of how intensively Audi adapts its models for the specific challenges of this market. China has become the most important sales market for the Audi brand; around 300,000 units are targeted for the current year. Between January and September 2011, Audi delivered 223,631 cars in China, which amounts to an increase of 29 percent compared to the same period last year. This record result clearly confirms the brand’s position as market leader in the premium segment in China. The locally produced Audi A4 L, A6 L and Q5 models lead their respective market segments by considerable margins. Audi is currently represented in the country by almost 180 dealerships. In coming years the network will be doubled to around 400 support bases.

Starting in 2012 the new Audi Q3 will be added to the product range offered in the Chinese market; plans call for the car to be produced locally at a later point at the Audi plant in Changchun, about 1,000 kilometers north of Beijing. The SUV segment is booming in China far above the market average and the compact Audi Q3 is the perfect match, especially for younger and female customers – a target group that is also growing significantly.

Audi has been present on the Chinese market since 1988, and produces the Audi A4 L, the Audi A6 L and the Audi Q5 in Changchun in a joint venture with its partner FAW. The Audi Q3 will also be built in Changchun in the future. In addition, Audi has had great success with import cars from the recently introduced Audi A1 to the flagship Audi A8L W12.

Note: Additional information, photographs and videos are available for downloading at http://www.audi-q3-trans-china-tour.com/en and at http://www.audi-mediaservices.com/en.

Audi Q3 Trans China Tour 2011 starts in Beijing

Posted on 20 October 2011 by

  • 5,700 kilometers (3,542 miles) through China, Audi’s biggest single market
  • 20 Audi Q3 cars, 160 participants, 16 stages and fascinating routes
  • The compact Audi Q3 also to be available in China starting in 2012

The Audi Q3 Trans China Tour 2011 starts tomorrow in Beijing. At the wheel of the new Audi Q3, the roughly 160 participants will get an intense experience of the country that has become the most important sales market for the Ingolstadt-based carmaker. During 16 stages and a route covering a total of about 5,700 kilometers, the participants will experience the dependability of the new Audi Q3 in every situation, from driving through the dynamic metropolitan centers to the off-road drives through spectacular mountain landscapes.

The Audi Q3 Trans China Tour presents the rich and fascinating world that is China. It leads through the booming megacities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, as well as through the surroundings of Shenzhen with its enormous concentration of large-scale industrial companies. It also leads time and again through the countryside, and often through singular landscapes like the Karst mountain range at Guilin. China has meanwhile become the most important sales market for the Audi brand; around 300,000 units are targeted for the current year.

Four groups of participants will divide the entire route among themselves, with each group driving for four days. The first group will drive south from Beijing to Shanghai, and the second will drive on from there to Shenzhen. The destination for the third group is the city of Guilin, and the fourth group will ultimately arrive at the final stop of the tour in Hong Kong.

The Audi Q3 is the perfect car for the great Trans China tour. Its sporty character, strong and efficient engine and outstanding comfort make even long drives a pleasure. Thanks to its off-road features, the compact Audi SUV also feels at home on rough terrain, and with its neat body it negotiates just as effortlessly through traffic in big city streets.

The Q3 is immediately recognizable as the youngest member of the large Audi family – with its coupe-like lines lending it a sporty character. Sharp edges frame the elegantly curved surfaces of its body panels, and distinctive lights accentuate the front and rear. The wedge-shaped headlights are optionally available with xenon plus units including LED daytime running lights, which Audi also combines with LED taillights.

The range of driver assistance systems redefines the compact SUV class. The park assist system maneuvers the vehicle into tight parking spots autonomously; all the driver has to do is accelerate and brake. The system also detects and warns of obstacles to the sides. Audi side assist helps when changing lanes by using radar to detect cars in the blind spot. Audi active lane assist helps drivers stay on course by warning if they appear to be inadvertently drifting out of lane. The speed limit display detects and presents important traffic signs in the display between the speedometer and the tachometer.

Audi offers a comprehensive range of modular infotainment components. Topping the range of options is the hard-drive navigation system MMI navigation plus, which displays high-resolution 3D graphics on a fold-out 7-inch color monitor. The Surround Sound System from Bose features 14 loudspeakers and a maximum output of 465 watts.

The technical sophistication of the Q3 is illustrated by its four-link rear suspension, electromechanical power steering and 16-inch to 19-inch diameter wheels. An electromechanical parking brake and hill hold assist are standard, and hill-descent assist will be available later. Audi drive select enables the driver to adjust the steering, gas pedal characteristic and optional active shock absorbers in four levels to suit his or her individual driving style.

Audi Q3 customers currently can choose from among one TDI engine and two TFSI units. The three four-cylinder engines combine direct fuel injection with turbocharging and a start-stop system. They feature power outputs ranging from 125 kW (170 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp) and are as efficient as they are powerful. In the version with the 103 kW (140 hp) 2.0 TDI and front-wheel drive, which is to follow shortly after the market launch, the Q3 uses an average of 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (45.23 mpg).

Audi has been present on the Chinese market since 1988, and produces the Audi A4 L, the Audi A6 L and the Audi Q5 in Changchun in a joint venture with its partner FAW. The Audi Q3 will also be built in Changchun in the future. Initially, though, the compact Audi SUV will be available starting in 2012 as an import.

Between January and September 2011, Audi delivered 223,631 cars in China, which amounts to an increase of 29 percent compared with the same period last year. This record result clearly confirms the brand’s position as market leader in the premium segment in China.

Note: Additional information, current reports, and photographs and videos are updated daily and available for you to download at www.audi-q3-trans-china-tour.com/en and at www.audi-mediaservices.com

Audi Q3 starts volume production. Coming to Dallas?

Posted on 07 June 2011 by

  • Compact premium SUV from Audi begins rolling off the assembly line today
  • Board Member for Production Frank Dreves: “Martorell factory has first-class quality and Audi seal of approval.”
  • Annual production of 100,000 cars planned

The official start of production for the Audi Q3 has begun. Starting today, the compact SUV with the four rings will be built at the SEAT factory in Martorell, located in Spain’s Catalonia region. Approximately 100,000 Q3 units are slated to leave the three-shift assembly line each year. Audi and SEAT together have invested around €330 million in infrastructure and ultra-modern production facilities.

“The Q3 production is an example of how we are making use of synergies within the Group,” stresses Frank Dreves, Board Member for Production at AUDI AG. “The Martorell factory is an extremely productive facility with a highly skilled workforce, and one that meets the exacting quality standards of our brand. The Q3 definitely gets the Audi seal of approval.”

The decision to build the Audi Q3 in Spain signals the Ingolstadt-based carmaker’s intention to continue its dynamic course of growth while also pursuing a strategy of internationalization. In choosing Martorell as the new production site, Audi is also taking on an important social responsibility, for both the region and the workforce. The Company provides approximately 1,500 jobs at the plant, including 700 newly created positions. Special emphasis was placed on training the workforce. All staff have completed a 176-hour program designed specifically for the Q3 to prepare them for the challenges they will be faced with on the production line.

The Company has created the optimum conditions for the latest offspring in its broad product line-up: A new body shop featuring 450 state-of-the-art robots was erected especially for the Q3 on a site measuring 30,000 square meters (322,917 sq. ft). In use for the first time at the body shop is the so-called “roof bell,” an innovative development from the Audi Toolmaking Shop in Ingolstadt. A robot grabs the roof and aligns it precisely while a second robot has the roof bell ready for the following roof of the next body.

Thanks to its systematic lightweight design, the basic version of the Audi Q3 weighs less than 1,500 kilograms (3,306.93 lb). Its engine hood and the wrap-around hatchback with integrated tail lights are made of aluminum. A number of ultra-high-strength steels are employed in the rigid, safe passenger cell.

“A big thank you to all the employees who have been involved in the Q3 project over the past years,” says SEAT Board Member for Production Wolfram Thomas. “The new model is another example of the trust that the Volkswagen Group and AUDI AG in particular have placed in SEAT. The Q3 represents the SEAT employees’ excellent preparation and premium-carmaking skills,” Thomas stresses.

A small, sporty SUV, the Audi Q3 will join the other members of the Q family, the Audi Q5 and the Audi Q7. The five-door Q3 with its dynamic, coupe-like styling offers genuine SUV traits in terms of seating position, wheel size and ground clearance, and stands out on account of the extremely sporty driving experience it provides. The Q3 combines the design and dynamics of a compact car with the roominess and versatility of an SUV. The range of driver assistance systems brings a new dimension to the compact SUV category. The Audi Q3 will launch with three four-cylinder powerplants: one TDI unit and two TFSI engines. Developing between 103 kW (140 hp) and 155 kW (211 hp), they are as powerful as they are efficient.

With the Q3, the brand with the four rings is entering into a new segment. Advance sales for Europe will begin in June. Market launch is scheduled to take place in the fourth quarter of this year. Around 100,000 units are expected to make their way to customers in the first full production year, 2012. In Germany, sales of the Q3 will begin at a base price of €29,900. Plans are in place to build the sporty compact in China, specifically for the local market, in a second phase.

The SEAT factory in Martorell was built in 1993. It employs over 10,000 staff. The Audi Q3 is the first model built in Martorell by the Ingolstadt-based company.

Audi Q3 Premium SUV in a compact form

Posted on 15 April 2011 by

The new Audi Q3 is a premium SUV in a compact form. This genuine Audi sets standards in all aspects of engineering – from its body through drivetrains and chassis to its state-of-the-art assistance systems and multimedia systems. The Audi Q3 is a versatile companion for everyday life – with an urbane character.

The design of the Q3 is classic Audi: its coupe-like styling is one-of-a-kind among SUVs and symbolizes its sporty identity. Distinctive lights add a striking touch and the very flat-set rear window emphasize the sporty nature of the Audi Q3.

Thanks to systematic lightweight design, the basic version of the Audi Q3 weighs less than 1,500 kilograms (3,307 lb). Its engine hood and wraparound tailgate, which houses the taillights, are made of aluminum; the safe and solid passenger compartment features a great many ultra-high-strength steels. Its low drag coefficient of just 0.32 also enhances fuel efficiency considerably.

The interior of Audi’s latest model is very roomy; its ergonomics and its workmanship are exemplary. Just as for the exterior, customers have many opportunities to express their very own style in the interior: Audi offers a wide selection of materials and colors. The luggage compartment offers 460 to 1,365 liters (16.24 to 48.2 cu ft) of capacity – ideal for sports and leisure.

Customers can opt to supplement the standard specification with numerous options straight from the luxury class. Examples include adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, which ideally illuminates the road ahead – even around corners. And an enhanced parking assistant alerts the driver to obstacles, even if they are off to the side.

Furthermore, Audi offers an entire set of infotainment components, spearheaded by the large MMI navigation plus – a hard drive navigation system – and the Bose surround sound system, with handsomely illuminated woofers up front. In the near future, an online Bluetooth car phone will follow, paired with a WLAN hotspot to provide the Q3 with full Internet connectivity.

This compact premium SUV by Audi will roll off the assembly line with three different four-cylinder engines: one TDI and two TFSI units. All three will combine direct injection with turbocharging, and will feature not only an energy recovery system but also a start-stop system. With power outputs ranging from 103 kW (140 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), these engines will be as efficient as they are powerful. The basic version, the Q3 2.0 TDI, is scheduled to appear a little later and – with 103 kW (140 hp) and front-wheel drive – will average less than 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (45.23 US mpg).

The most powerful gasoline engine and diesel engine, respectively, will be paired with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic, which switches gears at lightning speed. And the S tronic features an innovation: during coasting, the dual-clutch transmission disengages the clutch and allows the Q3 to roll freely – provided that the driver has selected efficiency mode in the optional Audi drive select system. This measure also boosts fuel efficiency.

Drivers can use the four modes of Audi drive select to have various systems adjust to their individual driving style; these include engine management and the optional adaptive dampers. The chassis of the Q3 – featuring a four-link rear suspension, electromechanical power steering, and robust wheel brakes – is the fruit of great design labor. The hold assist function is an available option; down the road, the hill hold assist system will be made available.

The Audi Q3 will go on sale in June. Its basic price in Germany will be 29,900 euros.

Premium SUV in a compact form
The Audi Q3
Audi is venturing into a new market segment: The Audi Q3 is a premium SUV in a compact form. It is sporty and efficient as well as versatile and trendy – a vehicle which feels right at home on or off any road. The Q3 showcases Audi’s expertise in all aspects of engineering: from its lightweight body through strong and efficient drivetrains and a dynamic chassis to its state-of-the-art assistance systems and multimedia systems. Many of its features are straight from the luxury class.

Design and body
The Audi Q3 features the sportiest and most progressive design in its segment. The single-frame grille with its tapered upper corners dominates the front; its outline is extended by the dynamic curve of the engine hood. The wedge-shaped headlights are available as a xenon plus version including LED daytime running lights. Large air inlets hint at the potential of the engines.

Viewed from the side, the Q3 similarly exhibits Audi’s classic design characteristics. The tornado line divides the side underneath the windows. The dynamic line imparts additional flourishes near the side sills and the wheel arches have a muscular look. Metal constitutes two thirds of the vehicle’s exterior; the greenhouse the remaining third. The roof line slopes markedly toward the ground; the D-posts resemble those of a coupe.

Despite its coupe-like styling, the Audi Q3 is clearly recognizable as a member of the Q family. Its wraparound tailgate is similar in design to those on its larger siblings, the Q5 and Q7. In conjunction with the xenon plus headlights, LED light strips serve as tail lights. The exhaust system’s tailpipes terminate to the left and to the right. The Audi Q3 is 4.39 meters in length (14.4 ft), 1.83 meters in width (6.0 ft), and 1.60 meters (5.25 ft) in height – roof rail included. Its drag coefficient of 0.32 raises the bar in this segment; moreover, its underbody fairing facilitates optimum airflow – underneath the vehicle, too.

Audi offers twelve different colors of paint for its new compact SUV, and five customization options are available regarding add-on parts. In addition to the standard black add-on parts, customers can choose either a full paint finish or color-contrasting add-on parts in anthracite gray for the underbody guard and wheel arches. The Audi exclusive off-road styling package gives the Q3 a broad and powerful look. The S line exterior package, conversely, represents classic Audi and appeals to especially sporty customers.

This compact SUV’s body is very rigid and impact-resistant yet quiet on the road. The passenger cell incorporates a great many tailored blanks as well as extremely strong hot-formed steel. These components are quite thin, which reduces the vehicle’s weight. The tailgate and the engine hood of the Audi Q3 are made of aluminum. The front-wheel drive version of Audi’s latest model weighs less than 1,500 kilograms (3,307 lb).

Interior
The roomy interior of the Audi Q3 harmoniously mirrors the exterior design’s sinewy yet gentle styling. A large curve, known as a wrap-around, encapsulates the driver and the front-seat passenger – a feature familiar from the brand’s large model lines. The dashboard’s horizontal layout underscores its width. An optional color display (as large as seven inches diagonally) on the instrument panel is a first in the Q series.

Workmanship of uncompromising quality is every bit a matter of pride at Audi as is stylistic confidence in the selection of colors and materials. Five color concepts are available for the interior: black, gray, beige, and two shades of brown. With regard to upholstery, there are three fabric designs and three leather designs. For the inlays, there are four optional versions – including open-pored larch inlays and new silvery aluminum inlays with supplementary wire mesh and a 3D look. The S line sports package offers an additional inlay and bathes the entire interior in a cool black color.

Operating the Audi Q3 entails straightforward logic and intuitive user-friendliness – typical Audi. It is simple to read the instruments at a glance; the seats provide outstanding support and comfort. The chorus sound system with an AUX-IN input is standard, as are an air conditioner and an extensive array of occupant restraint systems.

Numerous high-end options attest to the excellent technological standards of the Q3. They include an on-board computer with efficiency program, an ambient lighting package with a great many LEDs, a panoramic glass roof, a storage package, sports seats, electrically adjustable and heated seats, a convenience key for entering the vehicle and starting the engine at the touch of a button, two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, tinted rear windows, and a three-spoke leather steering wheel in a new Q-specific look. Adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights and the high-beam assistant intelligently illuminate the dark road ahead.

The Audi Q3 has a luggage compartment that offers plenty of room for recreational and sports equipment. Its 460-liter (16.24 cu ft) capacity swells to a volume of 1,365 liters (48.2 cu ft) with the split rear seat backrests folded down. A roof rail is standard. A wealth of options make driving this compact SUV even better. Among them: a luggage compartment package, a front-passenger seat with a folding seat back, a reversible loadliner, a reversible mat, a loading-sill protector made of stainless steel, a load-through hatch in the rear seat backrest, and a ski bag. The Audi Q3 can tow a trailer weighing as much as 2.0 metric tons (4,400 lb).

Drivetrain
The Audi Q3 will be available with one of four engines. Upon its market launch, two gasoline engines and one TDI engine will be offered; a second TDI engine will appear a little later. All four of the four-cylinder engines will have a displacement of 2.0 liters. They all deliver great output and terrific torque from 280 to 380 Nm (206.52 to 280.27 lb-ft). In addition, all engines combine Audi’s mighty efficiency technologies: direct fuel injection, turbocharging, the start-stop system, and the energy recovery system.

The 2.0 TFSI delivers either 125 kW (170 hp) or 155 kW (211 hp). The more powerful version propels the Q3 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.9 seconds and on up to a top speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). The 2.0 TDI is available with 130 kW (177 hp); a version with 103 kW (140 hp) is to come a little later. Paired with front-wheel drive, the version offering 103 kW (140 hp) averages less than 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (45.23 US mpg).

Both TFSI engines and the stronger of the TDI units will be supplied with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Its key element is a hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which redistributes power at lightning speed from the front axle to the rear axle as needed.

The Q3 2.0 TDI with 103 kW (140 hp) will roll off the assembly line with front-wheel drive and – just like the Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro with 125 kW (170 hp) – with a six-speed manual transmission. The 130 kW (177 hp) TDI engine and the 155 kW (211 hp) TFSI combine quattro drive with a dynamic seven-speed S tronic. Gears can also be shifted via optional paddles on the steering wheel. When a driver selects efficiency mode in Audi drive select, the S tronic disengages a clutch while the sporty SUV is coasting and allows it to roll freely – which further enhances fuel efficiency.

Chassis
The sportiest player in this segment, the Audi Q3 has a chassis that combines outstanding safety with excellent comfort and is well-balanced and harmonious. Its four-link rear suspension handles longitudinal and lateral forces separately. The electromechanical power steering performs responsively, precisely and very efficiently; the electromechanical parking brake boosts convenience.

Audi drive select is available as an option for all Q3 engine types. It accesses the accelerator and steering. When ordered with the equipment options S tronic, adaptive light and Audi adaptive cruise control, these are influenced, too. The driver can vary the function of these systems between the comfort, auto, dynamic and efficiency modes. In efficiency mode, the air conditioner and cruise control operate with the specific aim of saving fuel.

The Audi Q3 leaves the factory with 16-inch lightweight alloy wheels fitted with 215/65 tires; the top-of-the-line engines are available with 17-inch wheels. Upon request, Audi can supply wheels between 17 and 19 inches, some of which are quattro GmbH products. All tires are distinguished by low rolling resistance; the brakes are strong and stable – and ventilated at the front. Thanks to its generous ground clearance of 17 centimeters (6.69 in), the Q3 can also tackle rough terrain.

In the Audi Q3, the electronic stabilization program (ESP) integrates an electronic differential lock, which – at the vehicle’s cornering limit – regulates the distribution of drive torques to the wheels via minor, barely perceptible braking. Regardless of version, the ESP offers trailer stabilization. Upon request, Audi will supply the Q3 with the hold assist function; at a later time, a hill hold assist system will maintain a constant vehicle speed while driving downhill.

Audi connect
Audi will provide a full range of infotainment technologies for the Q3. The connectivity package, for instance, includes the Audi music interface for integrating mobile playback devices and a GPS interface, which the customer can activate at once or at a later date.

Many additional solutions are taken straight from the luxury class. For example, the Bose surround sound system integrates 14 speakers, and the woofers up front illuminate handsomely when the interior darkens. The high-end infotainment cornerstone is the large MMI plus, a hard drive navigation system. Its manually extendable seven-inch color screen displays high-resolution 3D images; the system can also process whole-word voice input.

At a later date, it will become possible to link the MMI navigation plus system with the online Bluetooth car phone, which integrates a UMTS module. And thanks to Audi connect, the Internet will be on board the Q3 – including special services. A WLAN hotspot enables mobile terminal devices so that passengers can enjoy unrestricted Internet connectivity on the road.

With the online Bluetooth car phone, a route chosen by the driver can be portrayed on a Google Earth map. Audi’s online traffic information keeps drivers abreast of the traffic situation ahead. Information is up-to-the-minute and precise because data is generated from a great many vehicles.

Assistance systems
Assistance systems for the Q3 also come from higher-end model lines. Audi side assist employs radar to help drivers change lanes and Audi active lane assist helps drivers remain in their lane by slightly correcting steering, if necessary. The optional driver information system’s screen shows important road signs thanks to the camera-based speed limit display.

No less than five systems are ready to help drivers park. The park assist system does the steering for drivers while the vehicle is reversing into right-angle or parallel spaces; if necessary, it will execute several steering steps. Its twelve ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles such as concrete pillars, even if they are off to the vehicle’s side. The assistant’s software memorizes the obstacles’ locations and alerts the driver to them before the parking space is vacated.

The Audi Q3 – which will roll off the assembly line in Martorell, Spain near Barcelona – will go on sale in June. The basic price in Germany for the basic version will be 29,900 euros.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.