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.