The Q3 joins the Q5 and Q7 in Audi's range of off-roaders, and the new model will be pitted head-to-head against BMW's X1. The Q3 is based on the Volkswagen Tiguan's platform, and measures 4.39 metres in length, 1.83 metres in width, and 1.60 metres in height with the roof rails, meaning its 240mm shorter, 50mm narrower and 53mm lower than the Q5.

The Q3's design is unmistakably Audi, with several design cues taken from Audi's Cross Coupe Quattro Concept that was shown at the 2007 Shanghai Motor Show. The Q3 features a sharper front design with wedge-shaped headlamps and a roofline that slopes gently towards the back for a more dynamic profile.

The interior of the Q3 is also typically Audi, with a clean-cut design. The Q3 offers seating for five, and has a boot capacity of 460 litres. The split rear seats can be folded down however to expand the boot's volume to 1365 litres. Standard and optional equipment expected to be offered for the Q3 include an on-board computer with efficiency program, an ambient lighting package with a bevy of LEDs, a panoramic glass roof, a storage package, sports seats and a three-spoke leather steering wheel in a new Q-specific look.

The Q3 will be available with four engine choices at launch, with two petrol and two diesels, all of which will be four-cylinder 2.0-litre units. The petrol 2.0 TFSI models will have either 170bhp or 211bhp, with the latter allowing the Q3 to go from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds, and reach a top speed of 230km/h.

The Q3 2.0 TDI diesels will produce 177bhp or 140bhp, with the latter fitted with front-wheel-drive, while all other Q3 models will have Audi's Quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system. The less powerful of the petrol and diesel models will be equipped with a standard six-speed manual gearbox, while the more powerful variants will come with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Audi says that the weight of the Q3 has been kept low by using a combination of materials. For example, the engine hood and tailgate are made of aluminium, while the passenger compartment features a variety of ultra-high-strength steels. The Q3 will be produced at Seat's factory in Barcelona, Spain, and go on sale across Europe in June.

Source: Audi