Audi has announced a more affordable version of its Q3 crossover in the UK and the new model is set to reach South African shores in June this year.
Whereas the smallest petrol engine in the current Q3 line-up is a 125kW 2-litre turbopetrol, the new entry derivative sports a version of the VW Group's 1.4-litre turbopetrol.
The 1.4 TFSI model is available only in front-wheel drive form and, in South Africa's case, will be mated to a seven-speed S Tronic gearbox.
The motor is credited with 110kW between 5000 and 6000rpm and 250Nm from 1750 to 3000rpm.
It's hardly a slouch though, with Audi claiming an 8.9-second 0-100km/h sprint and a top speed of 203km/h. Naturally, the little motor has a consumption benefit to boast about, which amounts to 6.2 litres per 100km on the combined cycle - 7.7 l/100km in town and 5.4 l/100km on the open road.
South African models will reportedly be available only in the 'S' trim line, which should help keep the price down.
On that note, it is too early to confirm how much it'll cost, but you can expect it to carry a reasonably good saving over the current entry-level 2.0 TDI, which costs R385 000.