Audi Builds Firm Foundations For UK Q3 Launch

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – May 17, 2011: The new Audi Q3 compact SUV is in good shape to take on the UK following the confirmation this week of keen pricing starting from £24,560 OTR, and the finalization of an impressive equipment list for all versions. Orders for the third Q-model in the series, which will have the distinction of being the first Audi SUV to offer the efficiency-focused option of a 54.3mpg front-wheel-drive variant, are set to begin in June. Deliveries will start in November.

Four engines will initially be available, all combining direct fuel injection with turbo charging and all backed up by start-stop and energy recuperation systems - the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit in 170PS and 211PS forms and the 2.0-litre TDI with 140PS and 177PS. The 2.0-litre TDI 140PS unit will power the front-wheel-drive model only at launch, deliveries of which will start in December, shortly after the rest of the range.

All other engines will be linked to quattro all-wheel-drive, but regardless of the configuration secure handling will be assured by the sophisticated Electronic Stability Program with electronic differential lock, which effectively regulates torque distribution by braking individual wheels when they start to slip.

New efficiency feature for S tronic
The 2.0 TDI 140PS and 2.0 TFSI 170PS engines will be linked to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while the 2.0 TDI 177PS and 2.0 TFSI 211PS units will feature a new development of the acclaimed seven-speed S tronic transmission. If the optional Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system with its new efficiency mode is specified, the rapid-shifting twin-clutch transmission will now disengage its active clutch each time the driver lifts off the throttle, allowing the Q3 to use the momentum already built up to ‘coast’ without the need for engine input. When the efficiency mode is selected, the electronic climate control and cruise control systems also operate at the optimum level for minimal fuel consumption.

Inside the deceptively roomy Q3 there is seating for up to five adults, an accommodating load bay offering up to 1,365 litres of capacity thanks to split/folding rear seats, and an impressive level of standard equipment across the SE and S line specification levels.

Externally the SE option includes 17-inch alloy wheels, contrasting exterior trim, chrome window trims, aluminium roof rails and rear parking sensors, and inside dual-zone climate control, a Concert audio system with 6.5-inch manually retractable colour display screen, Bluetooth interface, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and light and rain sensors. The Q3 will also come equipped with navigation preparation, enabling customers to ‘activate’ navigation retrospectively by purchasing an SD card if required.

For a premium of £2,750 in each case, the new Audi Q3 can be upgraded to the S line specification, which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements, and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights.

Options include ‘steerable beam’ adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, a high-beam assistant to intelligently illuminate the road ahead, the hard drive-based navigation system plus with seven-inch colour screen and 3D mapping and the side assist blind spot warning and lane assist lane departure warning driver aids.

Among the more practical extras is a luggage compartment package, a front-passenger seat with a folding seat back, a reversible loadliner, a reversible mat, a load sill protector made of stainless steel, a load-through hatch in the rear seat backrest and a ski bag.