Shanghai Show 2011 Highlights: 2012 Audi Q3

Audi has lifted the veil off its eagerly awaited Q3 by revealing the compact SUV in production form for the first time at the Shanghai motor show.

The Q3 is set to go on sale in the UK in November. Prices will start from around £25,000 for a 168bhp, turbocharged 2.0-litre front-drive model.

The Q3 is Audi’s third dedicated SUV. It follows the larger Q5 and oversized Q7 — both of which have exceeded their original sales targets.

The new five-door Q3 is based on the same platform structure as the recently facelifted VW Tiguan, with which it also shares its transversely mounted engines and gearbox combinations. The Q3 continues the current Audi design lineage with a clean and unadorned exterior that provides it with a clear upmarket appeal.

The production car features trademark Audi styling cues, such as a single-frame grille, trapezoidal headlights, a prominent shoulder line along the flanks and a wraparound tailgate. However, the sharply dipping roofline of the Cross Coupé small SUV concept, shown in Shanghai in 2007, has been dropped.

At 4390mm long, 1830mm wide and 1600mm tall (roof rail included), the Q3 is 239mm shorter, 50mm narrower and 53mm lower than the Q5. Audi claims a 1500kg kerb weight for the base front-drive model. Weight-saving measures include the adoption of an aluminium bonnet and tailgate, although the remainder of the body is made from high-strength steel.

The Q3 will arrive in the UK with a choice of three engines. A potential volume-selling fourth engine is expected to be added towards the end of the year. The petrol units are a 168bhp 2.0-litre turbo, available with front drive or four-wheel drive, and a 208bhp version of the same motor that comes with four-wheel drive only. Audi claims the 208bhp model is good for 0-62mph in 6.9sec and a top speed of 143mph.

The diesel option at launch will be a 175bhp version of Audi’s 2.0-litre common-rail engine, with four-wheel drive only. Also planned is a 138bhp version of the diesel that runs either front drive or four-wheel drive, but don’t expect it until the end of 2011.

Gearboxes include a standard six-speed manual on the lesser petrol and diesel units, and a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch auto for the more powerful engines. The more sophisticated transmission will also be offered on the base powerplants as an option.

Thanks to: Autocar