|
A new compact Audi SUV that will be as
comfortable within the confines of the city as it will be scaling hills
or crossing continents makes its world debut next week at the 2011
Shanghai Motor Show (April 21-28). The Q3 wraps trademark Audi quality,
50-plus mpg efficiency and advanced technology in a rugged SUV body with
dimensions that favour urban use, and underpins these with an agile
chassis with increased ground clearance and the all-weather reassurance
of quattro all-wheel-drive.
The most diminutive member of the Audi
Q-series has been designed to be very much in tune with the times. As a
new departure for an Audi SUV, the predominantly quattro-equipped range
will also include a front-wheel-drive model that will give absolute
priority to efficiency. This 2.0-litre TDI, 140PS version with manual
transmission will weigh in at under 1,500kg – a remarkable figure by SUV
standards - and will be capable of achieving in excess of 54mpg.
Numerous additional measures contribute
to this exemplary efficiency, and apply right across the range. The
streamlined body with its lightweight aluminium and high-tech steel
content slips easily through the air thanks to an impressively low drag
coefficient of 0.32, and low rolling resistance tyres, engine
start-stop, energy recuperation and electromechanical power steering
systems all feature as standard across the board. The optional Audi
drive select adaptive dynamics system also features a fuel-saving
efficiency mode, and when this option is specified the further developed
S tronic twin clutch transmission can now disengage drive each time the
throttle pedal is released to reduce draw on the engine.
Efficient four-cylinder engine
range
Three engines will initially be
available, all combining direct fuel injection with turbo charging - the
2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit in 170PS and 211PS forms and the 2.0-litre
TDI with 177PS. The top ranking 2.0-litre TFSI unit powers the Q3 from
rest to 62mph in 6.9 seconds and on to a 143mph top speed. Soon after
launch the 140PS 2.0-litre TDI will be offered in the entry level
front-drive Q3.
The 2.0 TDI 140PS and 2.0 TFSI 170PS
engines will be linked to six-speed manual transmission as standard,
while the 2.0 TDI 177PS and 2.0 TFSI 211PS units will feature the
acclaimed seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.
All versions will have the necessary
grounding to make unruffled progress over a variety of terrains thanks
to their raised 170mm ride height and robust multi-link front and rear
suspension. This is bolstered by the sophisticated Electronic Stability
Program with electronic differential lock, which effectively regulates
torque distribution by braking individual wheels when they start to
slip. The predominant configuration will of course be quattro
all-wheel-drive, which via a hydraulic multi-plate clutch redistributes
power at lightning speed from front to rear axles as needed, instilling
exceptional grip and control in all weathers and on the most challenging
of roads or the roughest of tracks.
The Audi drive select adaptive dynamics
system will be available as an option to enable drivers to tailor the
Q3’s driving characteristics even more precisely. The system
incorporates comfort, auto, dynamic and efficiency modes which influence
the responses of the throttle and steering, and also the optional
adaptive light and cruise control systems where these are fitted.
Upgraded S tronic transmission
When the efficiency mode is selected,
the electronic climate control and cruise control systems operate at the
optimum level for minimal fuel consumption, and in models with S tronic
transmission, the active clutch is disengaged 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.
The city-friendly size of the
distinctive Q3 body encapsulates a deceptively roomy interior with
seating for five and an accommodating load bay with a 460-litre
capacity, rising to 1,365 litres if the standard split/folding rear seat
is stowed. Celebrated Audi precision and attention to detail are as
evident as ever in the high quality fittings and the attractive
wrap-around dashboard with its clear, intuitive controls.
Two specification levels will be
available for UK Q3 models – SE and S line. The SE option builds
impressively strong foundations, with 17-inch alloy wheels, contrasting
painted bumpers, chrome window trims, aluminium roof rails and rear
parking sensors featuring externally, and 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 all present inside. The Q3 will also come
equipped with navigation preparation, enabling customers to ‘activate’
navigation retrospectively by purchasing an SD card if required.
S line models will upgrade with 18-inch
alloy wheels, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements and
xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights
Numerous high-end options attest to the
excellent technological standards of the Q3. They include adaptive light
technology for the xenon plus headlights, a high-beam assistant to
intelligently illuminate the road ahead, the hard drive-based navigation
system plus with seven-inch colour screen and 3D mapping and the side
assist blind spot warning and lane assist lane departure warning driver
aids.
Among the more practical options is a
luggage compartment package, a front-passenger seat with a folding seat
back, a reversible loadliner, a reversible mat, a load sill protector
made of stainless steel, a load-through hatch in the rear seat backrest
and a ski bag.
At a later date, it will become
possible to link the MMI navigation plus system with the online
Bluetooth car phone, which integrates a UMTS (Universal Mobile
Telecommunications Standard) module. This will enable the navigation
system to make use of Google Earth images, and will enable the Q3 to
double as a WLAN hotspot in which passengers can enjoy unrestricted
internet connectivity on the road.
Audi A1
Forum
|
