Premium SUVs have for some time now been available in large and medium sizes, but small, not so much. BMW came out with its compact X1 last year, and now, in a clear act of retaliation, Audi brings us its new Q3.
The vehicle comes in below the bigger Q5 and biggest Q7 SUVs in both dimensions and price. It’s comparable in size to the brand’s A3 Sportback station wagon but with mild off-roading capabilities in the form of a raised ride height that’ll see it clamber easily over suburbia’s most treacherous speed humps.
Though all but one model comes with quattro all-wheel drive, Audi never once mentioned any offroad credentials at the Q3’s international press launch in Switzerland earlier this week.
In fact, of the hundreds of provided press photos only a few pictured the car on smooth gravel surfaces, and runflat tyres fitted to alloys sized 16 through 19 inches should offer an indication of its intended urban habitat. Nope, no spare wheel at all.
Our test routes in and around picturesque Zurich were also made only of blacktop, but no matter because in markets like ours vehicles like this rarely venture far from the safety of gated communities and local shopping centre parking lots. And in this type of environment the newcomer will perform nicely.
The well-heeled Generation X target market will appreciate its elevated driving position, smooth-shifting S tronic gearbox (lower models get 6-speed manuals) and easy-turning electronically-assisted power steering.
The Q3’s general flavour is very much that of other current Audis with nearly identical switchgear, dashboard layout and cabin material options. The obligatory LED lighting technology is as usual available as exterior bling on the head and taillights, and now also finds its way inside in places like the cupholders that are now illuminated with a ring of the clean white light.
Other typically Audi paraphernalia includes an optional MMI Navigation system with a 60-gig hard drive for music storage and the same neat album art display function first seen on the new A8 limo. Audi Drive Select which adjusts suspension, steering and transmission settings at the push of a button can also be ordered.
Road-sign recognition sees speed limits displayed cleverly in the instrument cluster, a parking-assist system uses 12 sensors to virtually parallel park for you, and if your bank balance allows it you can add a panoramic sunroof, a foldaway towbar, sexy S Line body kits and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Strangely, fold-down back seats are only optional.
The Q3 will be offered in four engine choices at its South African introduction during the second quarter of next year.
Turbodiesel options include either 103kW/320Nm or 130kW/380Nm 2-litres, and turbopetrols comprise either 125kW/280Nm or 155kW/300Nm 2-litres.
Sadly the range-topping five-cylinder turbo, common to both the TT RS and upcoming RS3, is for now a prototype only and not yet confirmed for series production. -Star Motoring