Jul 5 2011

Review 2012 Audi Q3

This sporty, tall sort-of-A3 is considered an “A-SUV” in Europe, belonging to the smallest A-segment of the market there. Built at the underutilized yet state-of-the-art Seat factory in Martorell, Spain, on a spanking new production line, Audi projects annual sales in a full year of 100,000 units. Chief stated competition for the Q3 includes the BMW X1, Land Rover Evoque and the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz BLK currently in prototype testing.

Of the four engine variants that we were able to test – two torqued 2.0-liter TDI diesels (138 horsepower and 174 hp) and two versions of the 2.0-liter TFSI gas engine (168 and 208 hp) – we went straight for the hotter 2.0-liter TFSI quattro with full S-line trim package and the seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch gearbox, certain to be the top trim for hot urban late 20s and early 30s trendsetting smoothies. Our tester even included Audi Drive Select with its Efficiency/Comfort/Automatic/Dynamic chassis and drive settings now calibrated exclusively through Audi’s MMI controller. Note: There’s no driver-customizable “Individual” gradient for the Q3′s Drive Select, which is a bit of a bummer.

The Q3′s exterior design is, of course, very Audi, but if we’re being honest, it’s not quite the sexy execution we had in mind thanks to some packaging and stance issues. Despite this, Audi designers have clearly decided to make the tail end “sporty” instead of maximizing hauling room in back. A subtle design detail that’s worth noting is the added crease running down the rearmost support pillars – it’s a first for Audi. To our eyes, the Q3′s sloped rear end cuts too much into the overall side view proportions, so the whole design feels a little pudgy to the eye – even when hunkered lower in dynamic mode.

Source: AutoBlog