Audi Q3 debuts at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show

It seems only fitting that that the production model of the Audi Q3 would be unveiled in Shanghai, as the Cross Coupe Concept was revealed in Shanghai 4 years earlier.

The premium compact SUV fills out the Q family of SUV’s offered by the German Automaker.  As one would expect, the Q3 sits as the smallest of the 3 models of Sport Utility vehicles Audi makes. The vehicle measures 439o mm long, 183o mm wide and 1600 mm tall. Sure that’s 240 mm smaller than the Q5 but still roomy enough for 5 passengers and aims squarely at the BMW X1 market.

As is now the norm with recent offerings from Ingolstadt, the body is a hybrid of lightweight materials including  high strength steel, and Aluminum.  The vehicle tips the scales at a svelte 1,500 kg. Globally, power for the new urban themed SUV will be provided by one of three 4 cylinder engines, two TFSI gasoline and one TDI unit. The more powerful TFSI engine produces 211 HP and is the same unit used in the current A4 sedan. If the Q3 does come to Canada, expect the more powerful gasoline engine paired with Audi’s legendary Quattro All-Wheel-Drive system. A second diesel engine is rumoured for a later introduction in Europe.

The Q3 may be priced $7000 Euro less than a Q5 but still manages to impress with its creature comforts and safety equipment. Besdies a wide palette of interior colours and textures,  the Q3 will feature Audi’s MMI infotainment system with 3D navigation, a 20-gigabyte hard disc drive, a seven-inch high-definition display, a Bose surround sound stereo system with 14 speakers and Bluetooth. Also look for adaptive xenon headlights with parking proximity warning, even for obstacles off to the side.

The Q3 will go on sale in Europe in June 2011 for a starting price of  29,900 Euros. Audi expects to sell 100,000 Q3’s annually.