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Audi Q3 officially unveiled Smallest-ever Audi SUV revealed, as bosses take fight to Qashqai and Kuga, numerous spec options inside and out give huge potential for customisation
After years of speculation and numerous snatched spy shots, Audi has finally revealed pictures and details of its smallest-ever SUV: the Q3.

The newcomer is set to be unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show towards the end of April, and will be a premium rival to the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga. Measuring in at 4.39 metres long, it’s only 8cm bigger than Nissan’s popular crossover.

Its looks are characterised by crisp lines, a sloping roof and a rear inspired by the A1 city car. Specify xenon-plus headlamps, and a set of stylish LED strip tail units is included. At the front, the wedge-shaped lights and large hexagonal grille take cues from the A6 saloon. 

The cabin is up to Audi’s typically high standards, but customisation is a key part of the Q3’s appeal. Buyers will be offered a selection of five interior colours: black, grey, beige and two shades of brown. That’s 
on top of three fabric and three leather seat designs, as well as four trim options. The extras list is extensive, with ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, keyless go and auto climate control available. 

Practicality impresses, too: there’s 460 litres of boot space with all five seats in place, and this expands to 1,365 litres with the rear chairs folded. Carrying capacity is further boosted by standard-fit roof rails.

From launch, the Q3 can be ordered with a 2.0-litre TFSI engine producing 168bhp or 208bhp, and a 2.0-litre TDI with 175bhp. A 138bhp version of the oil-burner will arrive later, but as it will be offered with front-wheel drive only, this model promises 54.3mpg. 

Both petrol units and the more powerful diesel come with quattro all-wheel drive as standard, and the range-topping 208bhp variant is able to sprint from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and go on to 143mph. The more muscular petrol and diesel units are mated to Audi’s quick-shifting S tronic twin-clutch box, while the less powerful variants make do with a six-speed manual.

A light 1,500kg kerbweight – achieved partly through the use of aluminium for the bonnet and tailgate – means the car should prove agile in bends. Audi has even included a torque vectoring system which brakes the inside wheels during hard cornering. 

Order books for the Q3 open in June, with prices from around £25,000, and the first deliveries are due to be made in November.

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