First Sketch: 2012 Audi Q3

In January, we brought you spy pictures of the Audi Q3 taken on its German home turf; the crossover’s official unveiling is expected to take place at the Shanghai auto show this month. Now Audi has released a number of interior and exterior sketches, and they give a good idea of what to expect from the final product.

The sketches show a sleek, compact crossover—a bit like a shrunken Audi Q5, which is itself a shrunken Q7—and, thankfully, the Q3 is sleeker in appearance than its close relative, the Volkswagen Tiguan. While the Tig and the Q3 are based on a front-wheel-drive platform, the Q3’s main competitor, BMW’s X1, is based on rear-drive underpinnings. We doubt many shoppers will notice the difference, though, and in any case, all-wheel drive will be optional on the Q3.

We can see that the Q3’s front grille resembles the snout of the new A6, and it contributes to an overall elegant look. For those seeking a more aggressive persona for their Q3, there will, of course, be an optional S-line appearance package, as well as optional LED lighting.

We also get our first view of the interior in these sketches, and it appears sporty and upscale, or at least as much as possible via pen strokes. The upper part of the dashboard wraps around the cabin, and the center console is tilted toward the driver. We look forward to seeing the finished vehicle.

Power for the Q3 will come from a range of turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. An SQ3 with around 270 hp is possible—and probably necessary to counter the BMX X1 xDrive35i, which will make at least 260 hp.

We’re looking forward to seeing the Q3 when it’s fully unveiled at this month’s Shanghai auto show—it’s just a shame that Audi hasn’t yet made up its mind whether or not we’ll see it on these shores.

Thanks to: Car and Driver