Latest Audi Q3 spy shots

Baby SUV caught cold-weather testing in northern Europe ahead of its debut later this year.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Tom Phillips

15th February 2011

Audi’s new Q3 is ready to come in from the cold! The firm’s baby SUV has been snapped cold weather testing ahead of its debut, which sources have intimated will be the Geneva Motor Show next month.

The stylish SUV takes its design inspiration from the Audi Cross Coupe concept which debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2007. Our spy shots reveal that the production model remains faithful to the concept, including the sloping rear hatchback.

The Q3 is based on a modified version of the VW Tiguan’s platform, and slots into the range beneath the Q7 and Q5. To differentiate it from the VW model, Audi’s Q3 will be tuned for a sportier drive, and will feature adaptive dampers, like those featured on the TT.

There will be a choice of 168bhp and 208bhp versions of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, while the 2.0-litre TDI diesel comes in either 138bhp or 168bhp tune. Six-speed manual and seven-speed S Tronic gearboxes will be available, and all Q3s will feature four-wheel-drive.

The Q3 will be built at SEAT’s Martorell factory just outside Barcelona, alongside a SEAT-badged version of the car that will debut in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show. Combined Audi and SEAT production should be around 80,000 units per year.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous Next >

7 Comments

Info

Where did ye get the info about the SEAT from???

By Leonidas on 15 February, 2011, 7:34pm

Like a broken pencil.

Pointless.

By snappyuk on 17 February, 2011, 8:13am

I understand it now...

In the quest to reduce material costs and increase profits, Audi design a standard platform which can be used / amortised across many cars within ranges, each with just a different body shape to suit a perceived market. This we have know for a long time, however Audi are now taking it one step further by proactively developing this strategy to ramp up volumes of common parts and reduce unit costs to acchieve the aforementioned reduction. Its alsmost car design by accountants, again something we have known Audi have been doing since about 2002. Result bland, amorphic designs, no true lasting or memorable style and for the owner, no vehicle recognition eg was that an A6, A5 or A7 Sportback or was that and A4 Sportback Sportline or an RS5 costing me £30k more...

By reddo on 17 February, 2011, 8:35am

Crap car...

...nuff said.

By Kingbob12 on 17 February, 2011, 7:33pm

Why do Audi bother trying to hide their new cars?

If this monstrosity drove past me I probably wouldn't give it a second glance. I know it's becoming a bit of a cliché but all Audis do look the same and to be honest haven't changed much since the 90's!

By marc100 on 24 February, 2011, 9:29pm

BUGGAR!!

I love Audis, but why on earth do they need this in the line-u???? When I read it's also the Tiguan, and will ALSO be a Seat, that was it. 3 cars in 1, no thanks.
reddo, its a terribly sad reality but the tossers supposed to be in charge of the books, and now dictating [with iron fists] exactly, down to a nut and bolt, what will go and what wont. At least Audi wouldnt have wasted too many resources trying to make it look different to the VW and Seat. Just a few badges?? I understand the rationality, but HATE the results.

By barina47 on 28 February, 2011, 3:38am

Addendum........could someone please explain the difference between the Audi monikers "Sportline" and "Sportback".
When did the boring old term "hatchback" go out of style?
The way the language of cars is being buggared around with, I despair. Coupes with 4 doors......what sort of garbage is that MB??

By barina47 on 28 February, 2011, 3:54am

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.