Preview: 2010 Audi Q3 SUV

Posted Mon Jul 23 2007 10:47 AM by Ralph Hanson

Audi’s compact Q3 soft-roader is expected to be given the green light by senior management within months, which means we should see the first cars roll off the production line by early 2009. Before the Q3 arrives, Audi is expected to launch the mid-sized Q5 SUV along with its Tiguan sibling from sister brand Volkswagen.

The Q3, meanwhile, will be based on Audi’s Cross Coupe concept car that was showcased at April’s Shanghai Auto Show. These renderings show that designers are sticking with the lines of the concept car and that final production versions will feature a five-door body. A smaller three-door version is also planned, targeted as more of a lifestyle cruiser rather than a serious off-roader. This is reflected by the fact that AWD will be optional rather than standard, and there’ll be no adjustable suspension, lockable differentials or low-range gearing.

Many of the car’s mechanicals will be lifted straight from the A3 hatch. Engines will include a 147kW 2.0L TFSI, plus a 171kW 3.0L turbodiesel and a 210kW 3.6L FSI pair of V6 engines.

Full image after the jump.

Reader Comments

Mon Jul 23 2007 12:45 PM
Foxfire says

I kind of thought that Cross Coupe would turn into Q3 rather than Q5. But this is the first time that I've read about Q3 using the MLP architecture... with the Cross Coupe concept using a modified Golf platform, I've got to wonder if this is just pure conjecture/wishful thinking or real info
Mon Jul 23 2007 12:59 PM
admin says

The Q3 will be Golf based, like the next A3. We made a mistake with the MLP information as that was supposed to be for a Q5 article we're working on.
Mon Jul 23 2007 2:08 PM
Foxfire says

OK, thanks for clearing that up. Will the Q5 also adopt the "coupe-ish" look of Q3 with the sloping rear hatch?

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