Auto Shanghai 2011: Audi Q3

At the Shanghai auto show, Audi displayed an all new model that will be scaling hills and crossing continents as the Q3 SUV made its world debut.

The most diminutive member of the Audi Q-series, the Q3 has been designed to be very much in tune with the times. As a new departure for an Audi SUV, the predominantly quattro-equipped range will also include a front-wheel-drive model that will give absolute priority to efficiency. This 2.0-liter TDI, 140 hpversion with manual transmission will weigh in at under 1,500kg.

Numerous additional measures contribute to this exemplary efficiency, and apply right across the range. The streamlined body with its lightweight aluminium and high-tech steel content slips easily through the air thanks to an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.32, and low rolling resistance tyres, engine start-stop, energy recuperation and electromechanical power steering systems all feature as standard across the board. The optional Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system also features a fuel-saving efficiency mode, and when this option is specified the further developed S tronic twin clutch transmission can now disengage drive each time the throttle pedal is released to reduce draw on the engine.

The all new Q3 wraps trademark Audi quality, high fuel efficiency and advanced technology in a rugged SUV body with dimensions that favour urban use, and underpins these with an agile chassis with increased ground clearance and the all-weather reassurance of quattro all-wheel-drive.

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