Audi shows Q3 compact 4x4

Audi has unveiled its new Q3 at the Shanghai Motor Show in China, the third in the German company’s SUV arsenal.
The design of the Q3 is classic Audi with coupe-like styling, distinctive lights and a very flat-set rear window.
Thanks to systematic lightweight design the basic version of the Audi Q3 weighs less than 1 500 kg.
Its bonnet and wraparound tailgate, which houses the taillights, are made of aluminium while the safe and solid passenger compartment features ultra-high-strength steels. And its low drag coefficient of just 0.32 also enhances fuel efficiency.
Given its compact dimensions Audi has managed to make the interior very roomy, with excellent ergonomics workmanship, and a wide selection of materials and colours. The luggage compartment offers 460 to 1 365 litres of capacity – ideal for sports and leisure.
Customers can opt to supplement the standard specification with numerous options usually retained for luxury vehicles, including adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights and an enhanced parking assistant which alerts the driver to obstacles, even if they are off to the side.
In addition Audi offers an entire set of infotainment components, spearheaded by the large MMI navigation plus – a hard drive navigation system – and the Bose surround sound system, with handsomely illuminated woofers up front.
The Q3 will roll off the assembly line in Europe with three different four-cylinder engines: one TDI and two TFSI units. All three will combine direct injection with turbo-charging, and will feature not only an energy recovery system but also a start-stop system.
Power outputs range from 103 kW to 155 kW with an entry level Q3 2.0 TDI set to join the line-up at a later date.
In Europe, the most powerful petrol engine and diesel engine, respectively, will be paired with quattro permanent 4WD and a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox.
And the S tronic features an innovation: during coasting, the dual-clutch transmission disengages the clutch and allows the Q3 to roll freely – provided that the driver has selected efficiency mode in the optional Audi drive select system. This measure also boosts fuel efficiency.
Drivers can use the four modes of Audi drive select to have various systems adjust to their individual driving style. These include engine management and the optional adaptive dampers. The chassis features a four-link rear suspension, electro-mechanical power steering, and big brakes.
Hold assist function is an available option and later hill hold assist system will be made available.
The Audi Q3 will go on sale in June in Europe, and in the first half of 2012 in South Africa. Pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.