As the wettest summer on record continues to reinforce the arguments in favour of quattro all-wheel-drive, Audi has just launched its 250th model equipped with this invaluable all-weather traction aid – a new ‘entry level’ version of its popular compact SUV, the Q3.
Audi's Q3 quattro
The new Q3 2.0 TDI quattro 140PS is now available to order and is expected to account for up to 40 per cent of total Q3 sales. It will cost from £26,510 OTR.
The new model channels the 140PS and 320Nm of torque delivered by its 2.0-litre direct injection diesel engine through a six-speed manual gearbox to the rapid-reacting quattro system. Optimised by engine start-stop and recuperation technology, the highly efficient unit can return up to 49.6mpg according to the combined cycle test.
Equally importantly, it can take the Q3 to 62mph in 9.9 seconds and push on to a top speed of 122mph.
Options include ‘steerable beam’ adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, a high-beam assistant to intelligently illuminate the road ahead, the hard drive-based navigation system plus with seven-inch colour screen and 3D mapping and the side assist blind spot warning and lane assist lane departure warning driver aids.
No wonder Audi say their latest TDI version of the acclaimed compact SUV is expected to be the most popular of all Q3 sales.