According to sources from within the company present in New York, the new Audi Q3, which will had its official public reveal at the Shanghai Auto Show later this week, will only reach the North American shores at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS). Europeans, however, will likely get a closer look at the model at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show this September.
The new Q3, which will come to compete with BMW’s X1, is based on the Volkswagen Tiguan, will be available with one of four engines. Upon its market launch, two gasoline engines and one TDI engine will be offered; a second TDI engine will appear a little later. All four of the four-cylinder engines will have a displacement of 2.0 liters. They all deliver great output and terrific torque from 280 to 380 Nm (206.52 to 280.27 lb-ft). In addition, all engines combine Audi’s mighty efficiency technologies: direct fuel injection, turbocharging, the start-stop system, and the energy recovery system.
Interior highlights include an optional color display (as large as seven inches diagonally) on the instrument panel is a first in the Q series. Five color concepts are available for the interior: black, gray, beige, and two shades of brown. In terms of upholstery, there are three fabric designs and three leather designs. For the inlays, there are four optional versions. The S line sports package offers an additional inlay and bathes the entire interior in a cool black color.
The new Q3 is to become available in Europe starting in June and will have a base price in Germany of €29,900 (about $43,400 at the current exchange rate), with the US availability and pricing to be disclosed at a later date.
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