Audi's new small SUV, the Q3, will be available to order from June and first deliveries to the UK will start in December. The Q3 will cost from £24,560 and will come with stop-start technology on all models.
Using stop-start helps the Q3 achieve 54.3mpg average economy in the 138bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel model. This Q3 comes with front-wheel drive rather than the four-wheel drive offered with the three other engine choices and also has a six-speed manual transmission.
Other engines in the line-up include a 174bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel and a 208bhp 2.0-litre TFSI petrol that both come with a seven-speed S-tronic double-clutch gearbox. A 167bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel rounds off the range and has a six-speed manual gearbox.
As well as stop-start, every Q3 will come with brake energy recuperation to recharge the battery as the car slows. On the SE model, there are 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery and Audi's MMI (multi media interface) system that includes a 6.5-inch display screen.
Move up to the S Line versions of the Q3 and you get 18-inch alloys, 20mm lower sports suspension as a no-cost option, part leather upholstery, Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights.
With the SE models starting at £24,560 for the 2.0 TDI front-drive model, the equivalent S Line will set you back £27,310. The more powerful 174bhp turbodiesel Q3 costs from £28,460 - or £31,210 in S Line trim.
Petrol-powered Audi Q3s cost from £25,690 for the 167bhp SE, with the S Line version at £28,440. Go for the most powerful 208bhp petrol model and you'll pay £28,610 for the SE and £31,360 for the S Line.
Alisdair Suttie - 18 May 2011