Audi Q3 joins compact SUV crowd
New Q3 offering from Audi widens luxury options in compact SUV classAudi has added the Q3 compact SUV to its Q range in Australia. The Q3 launch line up includes front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, manual and auto transmission options and a choice between diesel and petrol engines with a range of outputs.
Pricing starts at $44,800 for the front-wheel drive, 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel Q3 with six-speed manual. A 130kW/380Nm version is available, with Audi’s seven-speed S tronic and quattro all-wheel drive, for $54,500.
The Q3 petrol models are all quattro-equipped and start from $47,000 for the 125kW/280Nm option, with manual, or add $1950 for the S tronic. The range-topper (at this stage) is the 155kW/300Nm Q3, starting at $56,000.
The mid-$40K starting price is on target against competitors including BMW X1 and Land Rover Freelander II. But “it’s not about having a low signal price,” Audi spokesman Philip Duelfer told motoring.com.au.
“We could tell you now: it’s $50,000 drive-away, but that’s not the message,” he said. Instead, Audi Australia will offer “competitive packages for the local buyer” via options, like it has with the A1 range.
“Our goal is to give to those who want a base version an attractive entry price, while others still have the opportunity to get it [equipment upgrade] at a good rate,” Duefler said.
The standard-fit list includes 17-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth (with audio streaming), electromechanical park brake and start-stop function. Audi’s S Line exterior package can be applied to the Q3, for $2750, and an ‘Off Road’ package is available, adding 18-inch wheels and stainless steel front underbody guard, for $5150.
As for its actual offroad ability, Audi admits the Q3 is an “urban SUV” and is marketing it as such. The citified SUV has 170mm of ground clearance, which proved useful over the short paddock run included in the launch program, but driver assist features like Audi’s optional Driver Select system are of the road-going kind.
The Audi Q3 is available for order from dealers now. Read our local launch review shortly for more details on the Audi Q3.
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