Audi Launches Q3: A New Urban Compact SUV
Press Release for the launch of Audi's Q3 in New Zealand this May.
The new Audi Q3 will enter the luxury SUV market in New Zealand in May as the premium, compact SUV. It is sporty, efficient and versatile - a practical urban companion for everyday that is equally at home on or off the road. Every aspect of the Q3 showcases Audi’s advanced technology -the body, the drivetrain, the chassis and the assistance and multimedia systems.
Design and body
Robust, powerful and sporty, the Audi Q3 has a distinctive road stance. The Q3 is immediately recognisable as the youngest member of the successful Audi SUV family. The coupé-like lines are an expression of its sportycharacter. Sharp edges frame elegantly arched sheet metal surfaces, and distinctive lights accentuate the front and rear. The wedge-shaped headlights are available as a xenon plus version including LED daytime running lights.
The low roof line, which begins dropping rather early, and the very flat D-pillars underscore the dynamics of the Audi Q3. Add-on parts are available in a number of variants where customers can choose between black, anthracite or the body color. There is also a choice of two exterior packages.
Audi once again demonstrates its dominance in "ultra" lightweight design and construction with the Q3. The base version of the Audi Q3 weighs just 1,585 kilograms. Its rigid, safe and quiet 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. At just 0.32, the coefficient of drag is uncommonly low.
Passenger compartment and interior
The Audi Q3 offers ample room for all five passengers and sets new standards for ergonomics and workmanship. Evidence of the premium character of the Audi Q3 can be seen in every last detail in the interior. A wide variety of materials and colours for the interior offers customers countless possibilities for expressing their own personal style. The wrap-around, a large arc extending from one front door to the other, is a design feature borrowed from the large Audi model series.
The luggage compartment of the compact SUV has a capacity of 460 litres (16.24 cu ft), which can be increased to 1,365 litres (48.20 cu ft) by folding down the split rear seat backs. The standard roof rail can be fitted with a wide range of racks for bikes, skis, kayaks and other sports equipment. Many other useful options, including a luggage compartment package and a load-through hatch, make the Q3 even more versatile and convenient in everyday use.
Drivetrain and engine
The four-cylinder engine combines direct injection with turbocharging and features a start-stop system. With power outputs of 130 kW (175 hp) this engine is as efficient as it is powerful.
The Audi Q3 is being launched in New Zealand with a 2.0 TDI quattro with 130 kW (177 hp). Audi pairs this engine with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which uses a hydraulic multi-plate clutch. The seven-speed S tronic comes standard with the most powerful TDI engine. 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 the Audi drive select option is active.
Chassis
The chassis of the Q3 –featuring a four-link rear suspension, electromechanical power steering and wheels measuring between 17 and 19 inches in diameter –is the fruit of great design labour. An electromechanical parking brake and hill hold assist are standard, with hill-descent assist to be available later. Audi drive select enables the driver to adjust various technology modules, including the optional suspension with active damper control, in four stages to suit his or her individual driving style.
Equipment
The Audi Q3 comes generously appointed with a long list of standard equipment taken directly from the luxury class including Audi music interface, rear parking aid, Bluetooth and MMI with a 6.5“ screen. Options
include the adaptive light system for xenon plus headlights, a panoramic glass roof and an LED interior lighting package. The range of the driver assist system is without peer in this segment. The park assist system autonomously steers the car into a parking space and Audi side assist employs radar to make changing lanes easier. Other options include Audi music interface, rear parking aid, Audi offers a whole set of modular infotainment components, the pinnacle of which is the hard drive-based navigation system, MMI
navigation plus. The Bose surround sound system delivers an exceptional 465 watts of power to 14 speakers.
The Audi Q3has already been crowned '2012 OFF ROAD Award“ by well respected OFF ROAD magazine as their favourite off-road vehicle in the Crossover category.
The new Q3 is Audi‘s third model in its SUV range, joining the impressive Q5 and Q7, together seeing record-breaking sales performance around the world.
The Audi Q3, which rolls off the assembly line in Martorell, near Barcelona in Spain, will be available in New Zealand early May 2012 with the following specifications:
Q3 2.0TDI quattro S tronic $70,900 + ORC
Q3 2.0TDA quattro S tronic S line $77,900 + ORC
