All-New Audi Q3 SUV joins compact class fray

Audi is venturing into a new market segment with the Audi Q3.

The Q3 is a premium SUV in a compact-class form, a sporty, efficient and versatile vehicle that is equally comfortable on or off the road. Every aspect of the Q3 showcases Audi technology—the body, the drivetrain, the chassis and the assistance and multimedia systems. Many of its solutions are straight from the luxury class.

The coupe-like lines are an expression of sporty character for the Q3, the youngest member of the large Audi family. Sharp edges frame elegantly arched sheet metal surfaces, and distinctive lights accentuate the front and rear. The wedge-shaped headlights are optionally available with xenon plus units and LED daytime running lights, which Audi also combines with LED tail lights. The low roof line, which begins dropping rather early, and the very flat D-pillars underscore the dynamics of the Audi Q3.

The Audi Q3 will be offered in the Philippines with a 2.0-liter TDI engine, producing 177 hp. The 4-cylinder engine combines direct injection with turbocharging and a start-stop system. Efficient yet powerful. The TDI is paired with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which uses a hydraulic multiplate clutch. The 7-speed S tronic comes standard. The dual-clutch transmission showcases an innovation that enhances efficiency even further. When coasting, it allows the Q3 to free-wheel when the “efficiency” mode of Audi drive select is active.

The Q3 is available with optional Audi drive select driving dynamics system. At the push of a button, the driver can decide at any time how he or she would like to drive the compact SUV—in the comfortable “Comfort” mode, the balanced “Auto” mode or the sporty “Dynamic” mode. In the fourth mode, “Efficiency,” all components including the cruise control and air conditioning are optimized for fuel consumption. All adjustments are made harmoniously so that they make their presence known to the driver.

Weighing 1,445 kilograms, it is rigid, safe and quiet. The occupant cell integrates a number of ultra-high-strength steels. Both the engine hood and the tailgate are made of aluminum. As is typical of the Q models from Audi, the undivided tail lights are integrated into the tailgate, which wraps around the pillars.

The Audi Q3 offers ample room for all of its five passengers and sets new standards for ergonomics and workmanship. A wide variety of materials and colors for the interior offers customers countless possibilities for expressing their own style. The wrap-around, a large arc extending from one front door to the other, is borrowed from the large Audi model series.

The luggage compartment of the compact SUV has a capacity of 460 liters (16.24 cubic feet), which can be increased to 1,365 liters (48.20 cubic feet) by folding down the split rear seat backs. A roof rail is standard.

The Audi Q3 brings more sportiness to the compact premium SUV class. Its balanced chassis combines agile handling, safety and great comfort. The best place to experience these is on winding country roads—the precision with which it responds to the steering input and the stability with which it takes corners. The responsive suspension smoothes out all types of road surface with ease. The steering provides precise feedback, a taut steering feel and composed, quiet tracking.

The Audi Q3 has already garnered some awards this year. It took first place in the “2012 Off Road Award” as the readers of OFF ROAD magazine chose the Audi Q3 as their favorite off-road vehicle in the “Crossover” category. It enjoys great popularity because of its coupe-like design, efficiency and high level of everyday practicality. Another important award given to the Audi Q3 is “Best in Class” in the 2011 Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. A top scorer among small SUVs, the Audi was honored as “Best in Class” in the category “Small Off-Road 4X4” by the European consumer protection initiative Euro NCAP. The model received five stars—the highest possible score—for passive crash safety. The scores awarded by the testers to the Q3 for driver and passenger protection in frontal and side impact collisions easily earned the car the top rating of five stars.