Audi Q3: Launching 2011

Motoring Channel Staff - 29/April/2009

Ingolstadt, Germany – Expected to be priced below $50,000 when it arrives in Australia in 2012, Audi's upcoming Q3 compact AWD will be another feather in the hat of the German marque's 4WD product line-up.

Joining the Q7 medium and Q5 small SUVs which have been good earners for Audi, the Q3 compact SUV will be the smallest SUV in the range and possibly the most popular.

The new model will be built in Spain and will go on sale in Europe in late 2011. 

It is expected to be released in Australia in 2012.

Audi's Q3 will rival BMW X1, but no official images of the new have yet been released. 

However the Cross Coupe Concept (pictured, right) is a close approximation of how the Q3 will be styled.

Despite the announcement of the new model, BMW looks as though it will get the jump on its homeland competitor, launching the X1 compact AWD early in 2010 in Australia which is expected to boost sales with $50k starting prices.

Audi will offer a range of engines in the upcoming Q3, including diesel and petrol.

There are also rumours that a hybrid model may be incorporated into the mix, making use of a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

The usual array of Audi/VW engines are expected, basically the same line-up available on the Volkswagen Tiguan, with which the Q3 will share its platform.

As well as 103kW diesel engine, a higher power 125kW version is expected, not to mention a selection of 4-cylinder turbo petrol engines outputting between 125 and 155kW. 

Along with 6-speed manual gearboxes, Audi will offer a 7-speed twin-clutch automatic, which is currently in use on the Volkswagen Golf and Audi Q5.

The German automaker says the Q3 will be a sporty SUV with an emphasis on performance and 'True to Audi tradition, innovative technical solutions will blaze new trails in efficiency, driving pleasure, and comfort'.

Audi explains that manufacturing will begin in 2011 with an annual production capacity of up to 80,000 units. The total investment will amount to around €300 million ($500 million approx.).

While car maker's like General Motors and Chrysler are on the brink of destruction, Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG, said he wasn't worried about the financial crisis: "We will systematically explore our options in the context of the current market crisis. Audi is in a good position."

Related Links:
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- Audi Sportback Concept (2009)
- Audi R8 LMS (2009)
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- Audi RS 4 (Road Test)
- Audi A5 (Road Test)
- Audi A1 Sportback Concept (2008)
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