Power and equipment upgrades position new compact SUV range flagship on the rung above its RS Q3 countepart
- New top model with 367PS and 465Nm slots in above 340PS RS Q3
- Further revised version of award-winning five-cylinder engine good for 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds and 167mph top speed
- Expected to open for UK order later this month priced from £49,175 OTR
The ranks of the new Audi ‘RS performance’ range offering RS enthusiasts even more power and pace have swelled again this week with the arrival of the new RS Q3 performance. Joining RS 6 and RS 7 performance variants in the new wave of models positioned above ‘standard’ RS equivalents, the RS Q3 performance uses an increased 367PS output to deliver even more exceptional acceleration on the ascent to an elevated 167mph top speed, and features equipment enhancements which also distance it visually from its namesake.
Five-cylinder fury in the new RS Q3 performance is guaranteed by a revised version of the 2.5-litre TFSI unit which an international panel of automotive journalists has named the “International Engine of the Year” in its category six years in a row. Here, the cooling capacity of the main radiator has been increased and the fuel pump has been modified to liberate 27PS more power. Peak torque of 465 Nm (343.0 lb‑ft) is available between 1,625 and 5,550 rpm, helping the top-ranking compact SUV to break through the 62mph barrier from rest in just 4.4 seconds (RS Q3 4.8) and to reach a top speed of 167mph (RS Q3 electronically limited to 155mph), yet the result of the combined consumption test is a creditable 32.8mpg, which corresponds to 203 grams CO2 per km.
The seven-speed S tronic transmission with tight ratios that complement the engine’s performance characteristics can take care of extremely rapid shifts itself or leave the driver to change gears manually using the shift paddles on the standard RS multifunction steering wheel. When the Audi drive select dynamic handling system – a standard feature – is in its dynamic mode each gear change is accompanied by double-declutching.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system smoothly delivers the engine’s power to the road via a hydraulically actuated, electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. Power is distributed automatically between the front and rear axles as needed, and even selectively to each wheel thanks to the networked Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), which features a further enhanced sport mode affording even greater adjustability.
RS-specific sports suspension
Complementing quattro is taut RS sport suspension which lowers the body by 20 millimetres compared with the standard Q3 and perfectly translates the propulsive power into incisive and rewarding handling. RS sport suspension plus with damper control is available as an option, and can adjust the dynamic parameters between Comfort, Auto and Dynamic settings via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.
The exterior design with its typical RS design details underscores the distinctive appearance of the Audi high-performance models. These include the purposefully styled bumpers with large air inlets up front, the heavily profiled diffuser insert at the rear and the gloss black honeycomb grilles.
The exterior of the RS Q3 performance is also distinguishable from the ‘standard’ RS Q3 through additional matt titanium-look detailing applied to the frame of the air inlet duct, the Singleframe grille, the lateral flaps in the air inlets, the trim strips at the side windows, the exterior mirror housings, the roof rails, the upper edge of the diffuser and the fins of the roof edge spoiler. To maximise the differentiation, the new paint finish Ascari blue metallic is also exclusively available as an option for the RS Q3 performance.
RS-specific 20-inch ‘performance exclusive’ alloy wheels with a matt titanium finish which complements the exterior detailing are standard, and red calipers bearing the RS logo are visible within them. These are also available in black at no extra charge.
The dynamic line of the exterior design is echoed in the interior. The dial instruments feature grey faces, white dials and red needles. Sports seats finished in Alcantara and leather with honeycomb stitching in blue are standard for UK models, and the blue accents are also applied to elements such as the RS sport leather steering wheel, the selector lever gaiter, the centre armrest and the floor mats. Inlays in carbon twill blue, in which a blue thread is woven into the carbon material, continue the theme into the dashboard and door mouldings.
Equipment levels befit the RS badge, and externally include all-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and tail lights, privacy glass, powered tailgate operation and the Audi advanced key system affording keyless entry and starting. Inside, features such as front seat heating, the Audi Music Interface channeled through the 180-watt Audi Sound System, satellite navigation and front and rear parking sensors ensure that the prodigious performance is delivered as comfortably and conveniently as Audi drivers rightfully expect.
AUDI ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2016 Q3 CROSSOVER
- Compact crossover receives redesign of front lights, grille, and exterior fascia along with Alu-optic interior MMI controls and interior upgrades
- Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera join wide array of standard equipment
- Full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals on Prestige trim
June 03, 2015 | HERNDON, Virginia — Audi today announced pricing for the 2016 Q3. The redesigned compact crossover now boasts a wider array of standard features, including front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, as well as an updated dynamic exterior styling for a balance of luxury and functionality.
2016 Audi Q3
The 2016 Q3 boasts a refreshed exterior aesthetic, with redesigned front lights, grille, bumper, side sills and rear lights. The crossover is now offered with standard 18’’ 5-arm turbine design wheels. Also available are 19” 5-double-spoke Offroad design wheels. Inside, the Q3 now features Alu-optic MMI controls, a new cargo cover and other elements for an enhanced interior design. Both the exterior and interior are offered in new colors, including Hainan Blue, Utopia Blue, Misano Red and Cuvee Silver. Adding to the wide array of standard features offered by Q3 are front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera. The Prestige trim now features full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals along with the S line exterior package and 19” wheels.
Standard Features
The Audi Q3 comes generously appointed with a long list of standard equipment, including:
- 200 hp 2.0-liter TFSI® engine with six-speed Tiptronic® transmission
- Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera
- Panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade
- Audi xenon plus front lighting with LED DRLs and taillights
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated, 12-way power front seats
- Leather seating surfaces
- Audi advanced key
Design and Body
The Audi Q3 model’s coupe-like lines are an expression of its sporty character. This is demonstrated by:
- Low roof line, flat D-pillars, and a wraparound tailgate
- Audi advanced key
- Distinctive exterior lighting (full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals now available on Prestige models)
- Sharply drawn lines on the flanks frame athletically arched sheet metal surfaces – the defining shadow contour is the Tornado line
- The housings of the side mirrors sport LED turn signals
- Both the hood and tailgate are made of aluminum
- The signature, wedge-shaped headlights house xenon plus lighting and LED daytime running lights, which are combined with LED taillights, all standard
- The available power tailgate opens and closes electrically, including via the remote key fob, and swings up to accommodate the spacious cargo area
Interior
The interior of the Audi Q3 is spacious and comfortable for all five passengers. Its elegant, ergonomic design boasts superior build quality. Evidence of the premium character of the Audi Q3 can be seen in every last detail in the interior craftsmanship, in the selection of the materials, in their processing and in the tight, consistent interior gaps.
- The cargo area offers a base luggage capacity of 16.2 cu ft. Folding down the split rear seatbacks increases this capacity to 48.2 cu ft.
- Alu-optic MMI controls
- Standard LED interior lighting – efficient white light-emitting diodes illuminate the doors, foot wells, vanity mirrors, storage compartments and the air vent thumb wheels. LED light guides even accentuate the cup holders
- When equipped with the BOSE Surround Sound system, the frames of the woofer/mid-range speakers in the front doors form elegant rings of white light.
The Q3 comes standard with two front airbags, thorax-pelvis side airbags in the backs of the front seats and side curtain head airbags. Also included are safety belt pretensioners up front, belt force limiters and the integral Audi head restraint system.
Powertrain and Performance
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
| Engine | Transmission | Horsepower | Torque | EPA estimates (City/Highway/ Combined mpg) |
|
| Q3 2.0T | 2.0 T FWD
2.0 T quattro® |
Six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission w/ FWDSix-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission w/ quattro®all-wheel drive |
200hp | 207 lb-ft | 20/29/23
20/28/23 |
Fuel economy values are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.
The standard 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine in the Q3 produces 200hp and 207 lb-ft. of torque.
- Standard six-speed Tiptronic® transmission
- Front wheel drive standard, quattro® permanent all-wheel drive available
Optional Audi drive select system – allows drivers to adjust handling and response at the touch of a button. There are three drive select modes: Comfort, Dynamic, and Auto.
Chassis and Suspension
The Q3 brings more sportiness to the compact premium SUV class. Its balanced chassis combines agile handling and great road comfort.
- The Q3 model’s front suspension is a sophisticated design featuring McPherson struts with forged aluminum lower wishbones. The rear includes a four-link rear axle with a separate spring/shock absorber arrangement to maximize interior cargo space.
- Electromechanical power steering with speed-dependent power assist
- ESC with offroad mode and hill descent assist
- Standard 18-inch wheels with optional 19-inch wheels available
Available Equipment
The Q3 showcases many aspects of Audi expertise found in our full-size luxury vehicles and makes that content and technological prowess available in a premium compact SUV.
- Sport package including front sport seats with extendable thigh support and Audi drive select
- MMI navigation plus with 7.0-inch color monitor included in Technology package, standard with Prestige trim
- Power tailgate with a programmable preset opening angle, standard with Prestige trim
- The Prestige trim package includes extended infotainment and convenience features including Audi connect®
- Audi side assist uses radar to help make changing lanes easier included in Technology package, standard with Prestige trim
- BOSE Surround Sound system. This system features a ten-channel receiver delivering 465 watts of power to 14 speakers standard on Prestige trim
- S line exterior package on Prestige trim
- Full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals on Prestige trim
Audi connect®
The 2016 Audi Q3 features the award-winning infotainment system, Audi connect®, when the Prestige trim package is ordered or with the Technology package.
- Factory-fitted, in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for passenger use, enabling the Audi connect system to deliver connectivity to up to eight wireless devices for passengers.
- The on-board MMI navigation plus system is enhanced with Google Earth™ maps for a true aerial view of the route.
- Audi connect also features real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices
- Google Voice™ Local Search for detailed information about travel destinations, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer review.
- myAudi Destination feature, which allows users to log on to Google Earth from virtually any location in the U.S. and download up to 50 destinations to the vehicle
- Audi also offers real-time Sirius XM® Traffic information via enhancements to the MMI Navigation plus system (active Sirius XM® Traffic subscription required)Model year 2016 Q3 starting manufacturer suggested retail prices:
(Excluding destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges)
| Model | Premium Plus, FWD | Premium Plus, quattro | Prestige, FWD | Prestige, quattro |
| Audi Q3 | $33,700 | $35,800 | $38,600 | $40,700 |
Prices above exclude destination charges ($925), taxes, title, optional equipment, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
