The Audi Q3 has been updated with a host of changes for 2015. It will go on sale January next year. It is a direct rival to German brand’s BMW X1 and will get upgraded engines, improved efficiency and new technology.
Its deliveries will begin in spring 2015, and prices will start at £25,340 for the new 1.4 TFSI petrol in SE trim, rising to £30,820 for the top-spec model. The hot RS Q3 also receives a series of engine updates for more power, as well as a few chassis tweaks to improve overall performance. The Q3 will be available with the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine from the A1 and A3 hatchbacks, which features cylinder deactivation technology for improved efficiency.
This new entry-level model is front-wheel drive only. The 148bhp 1.4 TFSI takes the car from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds with the six-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch automatic gearbox. It churns out 50.4mpg and emits 128g/km of CO2 with the manual gearbox while the S-Tronic ‘box returns 47.9mpg and 136g/km of CO2.
Audi’s Drive Select adaptive dynamics system is now standard across the range, whilst adaptive dampers are optional. Exterior updates include a new grille, revised bumpers and new alloy wheel designs. Revised headlights now get xenon bulbs as standard, as well as LED daytime running lights and reworked LED rear lights. S-Line spec models get full LED headlights.
The hot Audi RS Q3 performance SUV gets a range of tweaks to make it faster and better to drive. In particular, the 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine gets a 29bhp increase, up to 335bhp. This takes it from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, a 0.4-second increase. It is also now fully compliant with the EU6 emissions standard. The seven-speed S-Tronic transmission has also been refined for quicker changes. Prices for the RS Q3 have not been announced yet.
