Sign in

(10)

---

The highly anticipated Audi Q3 compact 4x4 will arrive in November costing from £25,000, going head-to-head with the BMW X3 and upcoming Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

It will be available with a choice of three turbocharged 2-litre engines, with 168 and 208bhp in petrol guise and 175bhp if you choose diesel. Audi has kept the Q3's weight down, so performance is expected to be brisk with 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds for the hot petrol.

An average economy of 54.3mpg will be possible when a front-wheel drive version joins the line-up, fitted with a 2-litre TDI engine producing 138bhp. Both lower powered petrol and diesel engines feature a six-speed manual gearbox, while the higher powered motors get a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.

Inside the SE trim Q3 there's dual-zone climate control, a 6.5-inch retractable screen, Bluetooth, iPod connection plus you get auto lights and wipers. Exterior highlights include 17-inch alloys, chrome window surrounds, aluminium roof rails and rear parking sensors. Sat-nav can be 'activated' by purchasing an SD memory card installed with the relevant maps.

S line models get 18-inch wheels, styling enhancements, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED rear clusters. Options will include adaptive lighting, sat-nav with 3D mapping, blind spot warning and lane assist. In-car WiFi and Google Earth maps will also be added as options at a later date.

The Audi Q3 will make its public debut at the Shanghai motor show next week.

(10)