Audi Q3 is on the money

The new Audi Q3 SUV, starting from £24,560 OTR, has arrived…

For the third Q-model in the series, the Q3 will have the distinction of being the first Audi SUV to offer the efficiency-focused option of a 54.3mpg front-wheel-drive variant.
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.

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