That's this then?
This? This is the "new" Audi Q3 and RS Q3 - the quotation marks around the new bit are because this is really just a thorough mid-life update for Audi's littlest 4x4.
4x4? Don't you mean faux-x-4?
Well, yes, most Q3s are sold with front-wheel drive it's true and few, if any, will ever see any rugged off-road action, but that doesn't stop it being a perfectly pleasant car and it doesn't make the update any less significant. While the brochure speaks of 'coupé-like-lines" and 3D-effects the major changes on the outside are really some new headlights (with lots of optional LED configurations) and a new radiator grille that apes the one seen on the new TT coupé. There are also some tweaks to the bumpers and some snazzy new alloy wheels, plus 'scrolling' indicators, that light up fluidly from inside to out. Shades of Knight Rider's KITT?
Is it all a bit Joan Rivers?
No, actually. While the exterior has been touched up, under the skin there's some more significant work going on. Both versions of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine have been updated - power increases from 140- to 150hp and 177- to 184hp, depending on which version you're looking at, with the 150hp version recording a quoted 61mpg and 119g/km of CO2.
The 2.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol also gets a power boost from 170- to 180hp, but the big news is that there's a new 1.4-litre petrol turbo entry-level engine with Cylinder-On-Demand technology. This engine is lifted from the Volkswagen Golf, where we've been mightily impressed with it, and in the Q3 it hits an official 50.3mpg.
Finally, there's the RS Q3 whose five-cylinder turbo petrol unit gets a power boost too, taking it to 340hp and dropping the 0-62mph time to just 4.8 seconds.
Brisk, then.
Yup, but really the Q3 is about being a small-but-practical car for well-heeled city types. To help them feel comfy, Audi is now fitting Audi Drive Select (which allows drivers to toggle between various Sport and Comfort modes) as standard, while there's also a powered tailgate for the 420-litre boot for S line models and up. All versions include dual-zone climate control, a Concert audio system with 6.5-inch manually retractable colour display screen, Bluetooth, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and light and rain sensors. Navigation preparation, enabling customers to 'activate' navigation retrospectively by purchasing an SD card if required, is standard for SE and S line models, while the 'S line plus' specification (more on that below) comes ready prepared with SD-based navigation as standard. In addition to its LED headlights, new five-spoke design 18-inch alloy wheels and exterior and interior styling enhancements, the S line upgrade also includes cloth and leather combination upholstery for the sports seats and the option to specify S line sports suspension in place of the standard set-up at no cost.
The new S line plus spec mentioned above adds larger 19-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and standard metallic paint externally, and on the inside, SD card-based navigation, perforated leather and Alcantara combination upholstery, cruise control and the Audi parking system plus with acoustic and visual guidance.
How much for this little bundle of premium loveliness?
Starting from £25,340 to you, squire. Or £26,880 if you want a diesel.
Neil Briscoe - 14 Nov 2014
