Audi Q3 goes all-quattro
Prices and equipment on the rise for Audi's most popular modelThe cheapest member of the popular Audi Q3 compact SUV range has been replaced by a more expensive and thirstier model.
The 2.0-litre TDI six-speed manual was the only front-wheel drive Q3. As part of a range update a quattro version with an S tronic dual clutch seven-speed gearbox has taken its place.
While the 103kW/320Nm turbo-diesel engine remains the same, the changeover to Haldex on-demand all-wheel drive and S tronic raises the price by $2700 to $47,500. The claimed fuel consumption rate also climbs from 5.2 to 5.8L/100km.
The other three members of the Q3 range – a 130kW TDI and 125kW and 155kW TFSI – all rise in price by $500 (see bottom of the story for the price list).
Audi argues that swapping the entry-level Q3 from front-wheel drive to quattro lowers the price at which buyers can access all-wheel drive. But that is only because the $47,000 manual version of the 125kW TFSI turbo-petrol model has also been dropped from the range.
The hip pocket hit has been softened by the Audi Music Interface and a storage and luggage compartment package being transferred from the options list to standard equipment for all models.
Audi also says the $2700 price rise for the entry level Q3 is about half what quattro and S tronic would cost to upgrade to if they were boxes ticked as options.
The new entry-level Q3 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed seating, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth interface with audio streaming, rear parking system, driver information system, light and rain sensor and front fog lights
Audi’s figures show the front-wheel drive Q3 accounted for only one per cent of all model sales.
The Q3 is booming in popularity. To the end of August it was the number one selling Audi with 2107 sold and playing a key role in driving the German luxury brand’s sales up by 13.9 per cent year-on-year toward another record.
“We believe sales of the Q3 range will continue to grow with this introduction,” said Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle.
As part of the 2014 update Audi has also introduced a new package structure for Q3 that is similar to the strategy adopted for the A1 and A3. It claims these packs offer up to a 45 per cent discount.
They include:
Style Package – from $2000
>> Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights
>> 18-inch alloy wheels in two styles
>> Audi parking system plus with rear view camera, park assist and area view
>> Audi Sound System
Comfort Package – from $3990
>> Fine Nappa leather
>> Electric front seats with lumbar support
>> Front seat heating
>> Convenience key
>> Auto dimming interior mirror
>> Active lane assist
>> High-beam assist
>> Sport seats in Alcantara and leather with S line embossing
>> Sports multifunction steering wheel
>> Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights
Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic 125 kW $49,450
Q3 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic 130 kW $55,000
Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic 155 kW $56,500
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