What's the news?
Audi has added a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine at the entry point to the Q3 range and a new trim level for the top models. The new motor is available from £23,870 in SE trim while the S line Plus specification adds £2,350 to the price of the S line quattro models.
Adding the new powerplant is part of Audi's plan to reduce engine capacities for improved economy without affecting performance. Peak power is 150hp between 5,000- and 6,000rpm with maximum torque of 250Nm produced between 1,750- and 3,000rpm. Available only with front-wheel drive the official fuel economy figure is 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions are 137g/km with a manual transmission. Specifying the seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox reduces fuel economy by 2.3mpg and adds 8g/km to the CO2 figure, but also slightly improves the performance figures with 0-62mph taking 8.9 seconds - rather than the 9.2 seconds claimed for the manual version.
For customers considering a top-spec Q3 the S line Plus adds a variety of features. There are 19-inch 'five segment spoke' alloy wheels, privacy glass is fitted from the B-pillar back and seven metallic paint colours are available. Inside, the seats are trimmed in perforated leather and Alcantara and there is also cruise control plus a SD card-based satellite navigation system. The Q3 S line Plus is available with 2.0-litre petrol or diesel power with prices starting at £31,835.
Anything else?
Company car drivers may appreciate that the Q3 1.4 TFSI has a 19% BIK figure and will cost a 40% tax payer £1,800 in tax for the first year.
John Lambert - 29 Jan 2014
