2011 Audi Q3 review
2011 Audi Q3
By Ian Lynas, 10th November 2011
The new product introductions are continuing at a fair pace from Audi; the latest being the new Q3 and to date, the smallest member of the German marque's SUV range.
I asked an Audi press executive if there would be a Q1? His response was: "I would not be surprised - next year Audi will bring 13 new products to the market including the eagerly awaited new A4".
2011 Audi Q3 interior
The Q3 fits into the premium compact SUV sector and enters the market to compete with the Range Rover Evoque and the BMW X1.
According to information gathered by the various manufacturers, this is a fast growing segment in Europe and next year Audi aim to sell 8,000 Q3s in the UK market.
So what is so special about this new member to the Audi range? For a start, its compact size will appeal as will a range of fuel efficient engines.
New 2011 Audi Q3
Two equipment levels are offered: SE and S line, both with a choice of petrol and diesel engines and I suspect that here in Northern Ireland buyers will favour the diesel version. No doubt, in the future Audi will offer even more powerful engines for their baby SUV. On various driving routes in Yorkshire and over the moors, I had ample opportunity to put this new Audi through its paces.
One area I found where it differs from its main competitors is that it drives more like a hatchback than a compact SUV and it has the road holding to match.
Dimensions-wise, it is roughly on a par with the A3 Sportback but sits much higher; this does not seem to detract from the crisp handling. Someone on the launch suggested that it was simply a taller A3; but it offers much more than that.
2011 Audi Q3
The technology that Audi customers have come to expect is handed down from the larger cars to the new Q3.
There is comfortable seating for five, all of whom will have an excellent view thanks to high positioning and the boot space is generous at 460 litres.
Most of those who buy the Q3 will use it in an everyday manner; it is certainly not a serious off-roader. Where it will score well, is with its quattro four-wheel drive, although by the end of this year two-wheel drive variants will be available.Should we face winters like the past two, then this new Audi in all-wheel drive will be a good buy
New Audi Q3
The styling of the newcomer is unmistakeably that of an Audi, with a coupe-like roof-line and wraparound tailgate.
Items as a 6.5 inch colour flip screen and Concert radio are standard with options such as MMI 3G, Online Services with Google Earth and Audi drive select.
Standard specification is good and that is not always the way from Audi, however with the Q3, you can expect to benefit from dual-zone aircon, Bluetooth interface, rear parking sensors and light and rain sensors.
2011 Audi Q3
A choice of diesel engines are available with 140 and 177PS, while the petrol units deliver 170 and 211PS. As far as emissions levels go; when the 2.0TDI 140PS front-wheel drive manual arrives, the figure is reported to be 137g/km. Economy is also pleasing - even the 211PS version can deliver 36.7mpg. The Q3 also beats its direct competitors with insurance groups ranging from 18 to 25E.
Pricing is keen too, when you compare it with competitors; the 2.0 TDI 140PS FWD manual costs £24,560 with the range topping 2.0 TFSI 211PS Quattro S tronic at £31,360.
