German automaker Audi has launched its first SUV in the compact segment, the Q3 in the Middle East markets.

Following the success of the company’s Q5 and Q7 SUV models, which made up 30 per cent of total Middle East sales in the first four months of 2012, Audi is placing high hopes the Q3, a statement said.

Jeff Mannering, managing director of Audi Middle East, said: “The demand for both the Audi Q5 and Q7 still outstrips supply. We are constantly negotiating with the factory for higher allocations for the Middle East markets, even though the new generations of the Q5 and Q7 are expected only in 2013 and early 2015 respectively. We are positive that the new Audi Q3 will fare equally as well.”

The Q3 is immediately recognizable as the youngest member of the large Audi family. While the coupe-like lines are an expression of its sporty character, distinctive lights xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights accentuate the front and rear.

The compact SUV is 4.39 meters long, 1.83 meters wide and 1.59 meters high. With only 1,630 kilograms weight (base version) and a highly rigid and safe occupant cell, Audi once again demonstrates its competence in “ultra” lightweight construction, the statement said.

Earlier this year the Audi Q3 received five stars – the highest possible score – for passive crash safety by the European consumer protection initiative Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program).

The Audi Q3 offers room for five passengers and a luggage compartment with a capacity of 460 liters, which can be increased to 1,365 liters. Many useful options, including a pass-through hatch, make the Q3 even more versatile and convenient in everyday use.

The Audi Q3 features standard 17-inch alloy wheels, the concert audio system as well as ISOFIX child seat mounting. It also offers a choice of optional equipment taken directly from the luxury class, including the adaptive light system, the high-beam assistant, the panoramic glass roof and the comfort key.

For the Middle East, the standard settings also include heat insulating glass and a deluxe automatic air conditioning that considers the position of the sun and humidity.

The range of driver assistance systems redefines the compact SUV class. The park assist system maneuvers the vehicle into tight parking spots almost autonomously; Audi side assist employs radar to help change lanes.

Audi also offers a comprehensive range of infotainment components. Topping the range of options is the hard-drive navigation system MMI navigation plus, which displays high-resolution 3D graphics on a fold-out 7.0-inch color monitor.

The Bose surround sound system delivers 465 watts of power to 14 speakers. Coming soon is the Bluetooth online car phone paired with a WLAN hotspot to provide the Q3 with Internet connectivity.

The Audi Q3 is being launched with two four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engines, which combine direct injection with turbocharging and feature an energy recovery system. With power outputs of 170 hp and 211 hp, these engines are as efficient as they are powerful.

For the 170 hp and 211 hp version respectively, the engines deliver a constant 280 and 300 Nm of torque and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 and 6.9 seconds on their way to a top speed of 212 and 230 km/h.

Fuel consumption is 7.7 liters per 100 km on average, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 179 grams per km. Audi combines both engines with quattro all-wheel drive and a fast-shifting dual-clutch seven-speed S-tronic transmission.

The Audi Q3 – which rolls off the assembly line in Martorell, near Barcelona in Spain – is available as of now, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service