First look: new Audi Q3 compact SUV

The new Audi Q3 blends luxury and versatility, offering a premium SUV in a compact form. Pitched as an urbane drive for everyday living, the Q3 sets standards in all aspects of engineering - from its body through drivetrains and chassis to its state-of-the-art assistance systems and multimedia systems.

The design of the Q3 is classic Audi: its coupe-like styling is one-of-a-kind among SUVs and symbolizes its sporty identity. Distinctive lights add a striking touch and the very flat-set rear window emphasize its sporty nature.

Thanks to lightweight design, the basic version of the Audi Q3 weighs less than 1500kg. Its engine hood and wraparound tailgate, which houses the taillights, are made of aluminium; the safe and solid passenger compartment features a great many ultra-high-strength steels. Its low drag coefficient of just 0.32 also enhances fuel efficiency.

The interior of Audi's latest model is roomy, with high-spec ergonomics and workmanship. The luggage compartment offers 460 to 1365 litres of capacity - ideal for sports and leisure.

Buyers will be able to tailor both the exterior and interior to taste, with a wide selection of materials and colours available. There's also a long list of luxury options,like adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, which ideally illuminates the road ahead - even around corners. And an enhanced parking assistant alerts the driver to obstacles, even if they are off to the side.

A slew of infotainment components is spearheaded by the large MMI navigation plus - a hard drive navigation system - and the Bose surround sound system, with handsomely illuminated woofers up front.

This compact premium SUV will roll off the assembly line in Europe with three different four-cylinder engines: one TDI and two TFSI units. All three will combine direct injection with turbocharging, and will feature not only an energy recovery system but also a start-stop system. With power outputs ranging from 103 kW (140 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), these engines will be as efficient as they are powerful. The entry-level Q3 2.0 TDI will join the line-up at a later date.

In Europe, the most powerful petrol engine and diesel engine, respectively, will be paired with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic, which switches gears at lightning speed. And the S tronic features an innovation: during coasting, the dual-clutch transmission disengages the clutch and allows the Q3 to roll freely - provided that the driver has selected efficiency mode in the optional Audi drive select system. This measure also boosts fuel efficiency.

Drivers can use the four modes of Audi drive select to have various systems adjust to their individual driving style; these include engine management and the optional adaptive dampers. The chassis of the Q3 - featuring a four-link rear suspension, electromechanical power steering, and robust wheel brakes - is the product of an arduous design regime. The hold assist function is an available option; later, the hill hold assist system will be made available.

The Audi Q3 will go on sale in June in Europe, and will come to Australian showrooms in the first half of 2012. Australian pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.