2015 Audi Q3 Preview

Introduction

The 2015 Audi Q3 slots into the automaker's SUV lineup beneath the larger Audi Q5 and Q7 models. Designed to carry five passengers and up to 48.2 cu. ft. of cargo, the new Audi Q3 is expected to compete against the Acura RDX, BMW X1, Infiniti QX50, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Lincoln MKC, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Porsche Macan when it goes on sale in the fall of 2014.

Exterior Features

Equipped with "coupe-like looks," according to Audi, the 2015 Q3 features an aluminum hood and tailgate, the latter displaying the automaker's signature wrap-around design similar to the larger Q5 and Q7 models. Standard equipment includes Xenon Plus headlights, LED running lights, LED taillights, and LED turn signal indicators embedded into the side mirror housings. A panoramic sunroof is standard, and the new Audi Q3 rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Interior Features

According to Audi, the 2015 Q3 comes standard with leather upholstery, heated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, LED interior lighting, and Audi Advanced Key passive entry with push-button ignition. There is 16.2 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the rear seat, about as much as a typical midsize sedan. Fold the rear seat down to expand room to 48.2 cu. ft.

Optional Features

Highlights from the 2015 Audi Q3 model's optional equipment list include a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, an Audi MMI Navigation Plus system, and Audi Connect technology that offers in-vehicle Wi-Fi. A Sport package adds 19-inch aluminum wheels and front sport seats equipped with adjustable thigh support bolsters, and a Driver Assistance package includes Audi Side Assist and an Audi Parking System with a reversing camera. Q3 buyers can also upgrade the SUV with side-impact air bags for the rear seat and a power tailgate that can be programmed to open to a specific height.

Under the Hood

Audi plans to install its turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the 2015 Q3. The company says the power plant will make 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque, but those figures may rise a bit in advance of the Q3's arrival in the United States.

A 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability is standard equipment, delivering power to the Q3's front wheels. Audi's Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system is optional, and the vehicle's stability control system includes an Off-road Mode as well as Hill Descent Assist. The electric steering is equipped with speed-dependent assist.

Equipped with the optional Audi Drive Select technology the SUV's driving characteristics can be adjusted to Comfort, Dynamic, and Auto modes.

Safety

In addition to the Audi Q3's standard safety features, buyers can opt for rear side-impact air bags, a reversing camera, and Audi Side Assist, the latter a blind-spot warning system designed to make lane changes safer.

Technology

The optional Audi Connect technology is available only for the most expensive version of the SUV, the Q3 Prestige. Audi Connect provides the ability to connect up to eight devices to the embedded mobile Wi-Fi connection. Additionally, the system adds Google Maps to the navigation system, Google Voice Local Search capability, real-time traffic and weather, access to news feeds, and local fuel price comparisons. Audi Connect's myAudi Destination feature allows the Q3's owner to download up to 50 destinations to the navigation system for easy reference and use.