Audi has just given its most compact member of its Q range a series of cosmetic revisions, along with power increases for a number of its powerplants and the addition of a new entry-level model.
Among the aesthetic updates to the Audi Q3 are a more prominent 3D-design front grille, revised headlamps (which can now be ordered as full-LED units with sweeping dynamic turn signals) and taillamps, and new front and rear bumpers.
The new entry point to the Q3 range features a 1,4-litre turbopetrol engine that develops 110 kW/250 N.m and can be coupled with a choice of six-speed manual or 7-speed automatic gearboxes; both of which channel their drive to the front wheels.
Among this models standard features are Audi’s Xenon plus headlamps with LED daytime running lights, multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth telephony with voice activation and audio streaming, Audi music interface with pop-up colour LCD screen, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, cloth seats and manual air-con.
The 2,0T’s turbopetrol engine has received a boost from 125 kW/280 N.m to 132 kW/320 N.m and is offered solely with the company’s Quattro all-wheel drivetrain and 7-speed automatic transmission.
A 2,0-litre turbodiesel engine serving up 135 kW and 380 N.m of torque will arrive on our market next month and will be joined by a 110 kW variant early next year. Both will come with automatic transmissions, with the latter being offered solely in front-wheel drive.
The 2,5-litre, five-cylinder turbopetrol in the range-topping RS Q3 has also received a shot in the arm to the tune of 22 kW and 30 N.m, bumping the outputs up to 250 kW and 450 N.m. The 0-100 km/h sprint time now stands at 4,8 seconds on the way to an electronically limited 250 km/h. Expect the RS Q3 to arrive here in August this year.
Pricing:
Audi Q3 1,4T FSI 110 kW manual: R 402 500
Audi Q3 1,4T FSI 110 kW S tronic: R 419 500
Audi Q3 2,0T FSI 132 kW quattro S tronic: R 499 000
Audi Q3 2,0 TDI 135 kW quattro S tronic: R 515 000
Audi RSQ3 2,5T FSI 250 kW quattro S tronic: R 769 500*
* Indicative pricing
All prices are inclusive of VAT and a 5 year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
