Everyone has been anxiously awaiting the début of the 2012 Audi Q3. It was supposed to show at the 2011Geneva Motor Show, but did not. Instead, it was first seen by the public at the April 2011 Auto Shanghai exhibition. Although this news tidbit was out long before the public showing of the concept car, it was confirmed that Audi would not be producing the Q3. On the contrary, it would be built by Seat, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, in the Martorell, Spain factory. Sales are expected to be brisk, as the plant ramps up to produce 80,000 units per year.
One trend that has emerged recently for all car manufacturers is the necessity to move away from big SUVs. Consumers are looking for less expensive vehicles (not cheaply priced, though), and smaller vehicles that do not use as much gas. This newest market segment is called the “luxury compact crossover”. The 2012 Audi Q3 will fit the new niche in downsized upper-end cars. Consequently, the new Q-car will be a four-door with hatchback, smaller than the existing Q5 SUV model. It will also come in a two-door version with back entry door for cargo. Of course, for today’s busy families, the four-door is perfect because children and pets can easily fit in the back seat, while suitcases and bags are neatly stored in the rear of the vehicle.
Originally announced as the Cross Coupe concept car in 2007, the Q3 will be lighter than other models, mostly because of the aluminum hood and back hatch door. The car is sportier in style, but still mature in design. The front of the car is blazoned with a large black grill, and in the center, the Audi insignia. Rectangle headlight holders define the shape of the Q3′s nose. A sloping roofline adds to the sleek nature of the car.
Once the 2012 Audi Q3s are ready for sale, customers will be able to choose from four different engines including a high performance engine and a lower performing unit in both gas and diesel. Depending on the engine chosen, the car will come with either two-wheel drive or four, and six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed semi-auto transmission. Standard features will include air conditioning, an MP3 connection, and alloy wheels. Consumers will have the options to purchase heated seats, LED ambient lighting, upgraded storage compartment, climate control settings, keyless entry and ignition, or glass sunroof.
Production cars ready for sale in European markets should roll off the assembly line around June 2011. For Audi fans in the US, the future looks rather bleak. At this point in time, Audi has stated that they are undecided about the American market, even though sales in this segment seem to considerable. If it is decided that the Q3 would be sold in the US, it would then take at least a year to fifteen months to actually have cars ready for sale. Possible direct competition from BMW’s X1 and Mercedes Benz’s BLK may ultimately decide what direction is taken by Audi.