2015 Audi Q3 headed for Detroit before hitting US showrooms this fall

Thu, 09 Jan 2014

The market for small premium crossover vehicles continues to grow in popularity here in the US, and Audi is finally ready to get in on the action. Going up against competitors like the BMW X1, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and soon-to-arrive Mercedes GLA-Class, Audi will unveil a US-spec version of the 2015 Q3 at the Detroit Auto Show next week. And in what we can only assume is an amusing coincidence, the Q3 will go on sale during Q3 of this year.

As we reported back in October, it appears that our Q3 will boast a slightly taller ride height than its European counterpart, but Audi isn't releasing too much information about the crossover just yet. What we know for sure is that it will be powered by Audi's well-liked 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI inline-four producing 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive will come standard, while Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system will be optional.

Visually, the 2015 Q3 shown here has a different front fascia design than its European counterpart, but it's not immediately clear if this is exclusive to the US model or if it will be a new element for Q3 in all markets. We don't expect pricing to be announced until closer to its on-sale date, but the Q3 will definitely be stuffed with content, even in base form. Audi has already confirmed such niceties as a panoramic moonroof, Xenon headlights and heated leather seats. Delivering a good amount of practicality for its size, the Q3 will provide a maximum cargo capacity of up to 48.2 cubic feet and 16.2 cu-ft with the rear seats in place.

Scroll down for Audi's press release on the Q3, and sit tight for live photos and impressions from Monday's Detroit Auto Show press conference.

Audi enters the premium compact class of SUVs with the sporty and versatile new 2015 Q3

-Q3 will join the already successful family of Audi SUVs that includes the Q5 and Q7
-Q3 showcases many of the luxury and technology features found in the full-size vehicles offered by Audi
-Available Fall of 2014 with a 200 hp 2.0-liter TFSI® engine and front-wheel drive and available Audi quattro® all-wheel drive

The new 2015 Audi Q3 will arrive in the U.S. in the Fall of 2014 and will join the already successful lineup of Audi SUVs that includes the Q5 and Q7. It will make its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on January 13th. The Q3 is a premium, compact SUV that pairs coupe-like looks with the utility of a SUV. Its quality engineering and advanced features offer ideal performance and functionality, but also advanced technology and driving dynamics.

"Coming off the recent A3 family announcement we are now for the first time entering into the premium compact class of SUVs with the introduction of the Audi Q3 into our line-up," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. "Our growing SUV family will now offer three distinct products in the premium SUV category; and like the successful Q5 and Q7, the Q3 will continue with the established standards they started with regards to utility, technology, craftsmanship and performance."

Standard Features
The Audi Q3 comes generously appointed with a long list of standard equipment, including:
-200 hp 2.0-liter TFSI® engine with six-speed Tiptronic® transmission
-Panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade
-Audi xenon plus front lighting with LED DRLs and taillights
-Heated, 12-way power front seats
-Leather seating surfaces
-Audi advanced key

Design and Body
The Audi Q3 model's coupe-like lines are an expression of its sporty character. This is demonstrated by:
-Low roof line, flat D-pillars, and a wraparound tailgate
-Distinctive exterior lighting
-Sharply drawn lines on the flanks frame athletically arched sheet metal surfaces - the defining shadow contour is the Tornado line
-The housings of the side mirrors sport LED turn signals
-Both the hood and tailgate are made of aluminum
-The signature, wedge-shaped headlights house xenon plus lighting and LED daytime running lights, which are combined with LED taillights, all standard
-The available power tailgate opens electrically, including via the remote key fob, and swings up to accommodate the spacious cargo area

Interior
The interior of the Audi Q3 is spacious and comfortable for all five passengers. Its elegant, ergonomic design boasts superior build quality. Evidence of the premium character of the Audi Q3 can be seen in every last detail in the interior craftsmanship, in the selection of the materials, in their processing and in the tight, consistent interior gaps.
-The cargo area offers a base luggage capacity of 16.2 cu ft. Folding down the split rear seatbacks increases this capacity to 48.2 cu ft.
-Standard LED interior lighting – a technology that bathes the interior in dramatic light
-Efficient white light-emitting diodes illuminate the doors, foot wells, vanity mirrors, storage compartments and the air vent thumb wheels. LED light guides even accentuate the cup holders
-When equipped with the BOSE Surround Sound system, the frames of the woofer/mid-range speakers in the front doors form elegant rings of white light
-The Q3 comes standard with two front airbags, thorax-pelvis side airbags in the backs of the front seats and side curtain head airbags. Safety belt tensioners up front, belt force limiters and the integral Audi head restraint system. Rear side airbags are optional.

Powertrain and Performance
The standard 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine in the Q3 produces 200hp and 207 lb-ft. of torque.
-Standard six-speed Tiptronic® transmission
-Front wheel drive standard, Audi quattro® permanent all-wheel drive available
-Optional Audi drive select system - allows drivers to adjust handling and response at the touch of a button. There are three drive select modes: Comfort, Dynamic, and Auto.

Chassis and Suspension
The Q3 brings more sportiness to the compact premium SUV class. Its balanced chassis combines agile handling, supreme safety and great road comfort.
-The Q3 model's front suspension is a sophisticated design featuring McPherson struts with forged aluminum lower wishbones. The rear includes a four-link rear axle with a separate spring/shock absorber arrangement to maximize interior cargo space.
-Electromechanical power steering with speed-dependent power assist
-ESC with offroad mode and hill descent assist
-Standard 18-inch wheel with optional 19-inch design available

Available Equipment
The Q3 showcases many aspects of Audi expertise found in our full-size luxury vehicles and makes that content and technological prowess available in a premium compact SUV.
-Sport package including front sport seats with adjustable thigh support
-Driver Assistance package including Audi side assist and Audi parking system with rearview camera
-Audi MMI navigation plus with 7.0-inch color monitor
-Power tailgate with a programmable preset opening angle
-The Prestige trim package includes extended infotainment and convenience features including Audi connect®
-Audi side assist uses radar to help make changing lanes easier
-BOSE Surround Sound system. This system features a ten-channel receiver delivering 465 watts of power to 14 speakers

Audi connect®
The 2015 Audi Q3 features the award-winning infotainment system, Audi connect®, when the Prestige trim package is ordered.
-Factory-fitted, in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for passenger use, enabling the Audi connect system to deliver connectivity to up to eight wireless devices for passengers.
-The on-board Audi MMI navigation plus system is enhanced with Google Earth™ maps for a true aerial view of the route.
-Audi connect also features real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices
-Google Voice™ Local Search for detailed information about travel destinations, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer reviews
-myAudi Destination feature, which allows users to log on to Google Earth from virtually any location in the U.S. and download up to 50 destinations to the vehicle
-Audi also offers real-time Sirius XM® Traffic information via enhancements to the Audi MMI Navigation plus system (active Sirius XM® Traffic subscription required).

By Jeffrey N. Ross