(continued from the previous page)

Interior

The interior of the Audi Q3 harmoniously mirrors the exterior design's sinewy yet gentle styling. A large curve, known as a wrap-around, encapsulates the driver and the front-seat passenger - a feature familiar from the brand's large model lines. The dashboard's horizontal layout underscores its width. An optional color display (as large as seven inches diagonally) on the instrument panel is a first in the Q series.

Workmanship of uncompromising quality is every bit a matter of pride at Audi as is stylistic confidence in the selection of colors and materials. Five color concepts are available for the interior: black, gray, beige, and two shades of brown. With regard to upholstery, there are three fabric designs and three leather designs. For the inlays, there are four optional versions - including open-pored larch inlays and new silvery aluminum inlays with supplementary wire mesh and a 3D look. The S line sports package offers an additional inlay and bathes the entire interior in a cool black color.

Operating the Audi Q3 entails straightforward logic and intuitive user-friendliness - typical Audi. It is simple to read the instruments at a glance; the seats provide outstanding support and comfort. The chorus sound system with an AUX-IN input is standard, as are an air conditioner and an extensive array of occupant restraint systems.

Numerous high-end options attest to the excellent technological standards of the Q3. They include an on-board computer with efficiency program, an ambient lighting package with a great many LEDs, a panoramic glass roof, a storage package, sports seats, electrically adjustable and heated seats, a convenience key for entering the vehicle and starting the engine at the touch of a button, two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, tinted rear windows, and a three-spoke leather steering wheel in a new Q-specific look. Adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights and the high-beam assistant intelligently illuminate the dark road ahead.

The Audi Q3 has a luggage compartment that offers plenty of room for recreational and sports equipment. Its 16.24 cu ft (460-liter) capacity swells to a volume of 48.2 cu ft (1,365 liters) with the split rear seat backrests folded down. A roof rail is standard. A wealth of options make driving this compact SUV even better. Among them: a luggage compartment package, a front-passenger seat with a folding seat back, a reversible loadliner, a reversible mat, a loading-sill protector made of stainless steel, a load-through hatch in the rear seat backrest, and a ski bag. The Audi Q3 can tow a trailer weighing as much as 4,400 lbs (2.0 metric tons).

Drivetrain

The Audi Q3 will be available with one of four engines. Upon its market launch, two gasoline engines and one TDI engine will be offered; a second TDI engine will appear a little later. All four of the four-cylinder engines will have a displacement of 2.0 liters. They all deliver great output and terrific torque from 206.52 to 280.27 lb-ft (280 to 380 Nm). In addition, all engines combine Audi's mighty efficiency technologies: direct fuel injection, turbocharging, the start-stop system, and the energy recovery system.

The 2.0 TFSI delivers either 170 hp or 211 hp. The more powerful version propels the Q3 from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and on up to a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h). The 2.0 TDI is available with 177 hp; a version with 140 hp is to come a little later. Paired with front-wheel drive, the version offering 140 hp averages 45 US mpg (5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers).

Both TFSI engines and the stronger of the TDI units will be supplied with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Its key element is a hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which redistributes power at lightning speed from the front axle to the rear axle as needed.

The Q3 2.0 TDI with 140 hp will roll off the assembly line with front-wheel drive and - just like the Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro with 170 hp - with a six-speed manual transmission. The 177 hp TDI engine and the 211 hp TFSI combine quattro drive with a dynamic seven-speed S tronic. Gears can also be shifted via optional paddles on the steering wheel. When a driver selects efficiency mode in Audi drive select, the S tronic disengages a clutch while the sporty SUV is coasting and allows it to roll freely - which further enhances fuel efficiency.

Chassis

As an SUV that tries hard to catch up with the sportiest players in this segment, the Audi Q3 has a chassis that combines safety with excellent comfort and is well-balanced and harmonious. Its four-link rear suspension handles longitudinal and lateral forces separately. The electromechanical power steering performs responsively, precisely and very efficiently; the electromechanical parking brake boosts convenience.

Audi drive select is available as an option for all Q3 engine types. It accesses the accelerator and steering. When ordered with the equipment options S tronic, adaptive light and Audi adaptive cruise control, these are influenced, too. The driver can vary the function of these systems between the comfort, auto, dynamic and efficiency modes. In efficiency mode, the air conditioner and cruise control operate with the specific aim of saving fuel.

The Audi Q3 leaves the factory with 16-inch lightweight alloy wheels fitted with 215/65 tires; the top-of-the-line engines are available with 17-inch wheels. Upon request, Audi can supply wheels between 17 and 19 inches, some of which are quattro GmbH products. All tires are distinguished by low rolling resistance; the brakes are strong and stable - and ventilated at the front. Thanks to its generous ground clearance of 17 centimeters (6.69 in), the Q3 can also tackle rough terrain.

In the Audi Q3, the electronic stabilization program (ESP) integrates an electronic differential lock, which - at the vehicle's cornering limit - regulates the distribution of drive torques to the wheels via minor, barely perceptible braking. Regardless of version, the ESP offers trailer stabilization. Upon request, Audi will supply the Q3 with the hold assist function; at a later time, a hill hold assist system will maintain a constant vehicle speed while driving downhill.

Audi Connect

Audi will provide a full range of infotainment technologies for the Q3. The connectivity package, for instance, includes the Audi music interface for integrating mobile playback devices and a GPS interface, which the customer can activate at once or at a later date.

Many additional solutions are taken straight from the luxury class. For example, the Bose surround sound system integrates 14 speakers, and the woofers up front illuminate handsomely when the interior darkens. The high-end infotainment cornerstone is the large MMI plus, a hard drive navigation system. Its manually extendable seven-inch color screen displays high-resolution 3D images; the system can also process whole-word voice input.

At a later date, it will become possible to link the MMI navigation plus system with the online Bluetooth car phone, which integrates a UMTS module. And thanks to Audi connect, the Internet will be on board the Q3 - including special services. A WLAN hotspot enables mobile terminal devices so that passengers can enjoy unrestricted Internet connectivity on the road.

With the online Bluetooth car phone, a route chosen by the driver can be portrayed on a Google Earth map. Audi's online traffic information keeps drivers abreast of the traffic situation ahead. Information is up-to-the-minute and precise because data is generated from a great many vehicles.

Assistance Systems

Assistance systems for the Q3 also come from higher-end model lines. Audi side assist employs radar to help drivers change lanes and Audi active lane assist helps drivers remain in their lane by slightly correcting steering, if necessary. The optional driver information system's screen shows important road signs thanks to the camera-based speed limit display.

No less than five systems are ready to help drivers park. The park assist system does the steering for drivers while the vehicle is reversing into right-angle or parallel spaces; if necessary, it will execute several steering steps. Its twelve ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles such as concrete pillars, even if they are off to the vehicle's side. The assistant's software memorizes the obstacles' locations and alerts the driver to them before the parking space is vacated.

The Audi Q3 - which will roll off the assembly line in Martorell, Spain near Barcelona - will go on sale in June. The basic price in Germany for the basic version will be 29,900 EUR.

Audi Q3: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications