2012 Audi Q3 spied on the road

2012 Audi Q3 spy photos - 1.27.2011 / SB-Medien

Could debut in Frankfurt

Our spy photographers have managed to catch several new images of the 2012 Audi Q3.

Undergoing testing in Europe, the heavily camouflaged prototype features distinctive headlights, a prominent grille, and a sloping roofline that mimics the Cross Coupe Quattro Concept from the 2007 Shanghai Motor Show. Additional information is scarce, but the crossover is based on the Volkswagen Tiguan and has a specially tuned suspension for a sportier driving experience.

At launch, engine options are expected to include a 2.0-liter TFSI with 170 PS (125 kW / 168 hp) and 211 PS (155 kW / 208 hp) as well as a 2.0-liter TDI that cranks out 170 PS (125 kW / 168 hp). They will be mated to the usual transmission choices and C02 emissions are expected to range from 158 g/km to 184 g/km.

The Q3 will likely be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, before going into production at the Seat factory in Martorell, Spain later this year.

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ClintonM3

If Audi wants to compete and be recognize more as a premium brand, they've got to stop doing more of this cross platform, parts bin make over stuff. This Q3 seems like a quick fix to fill the product line, rather than a genuine addition. The 2.0t is got to be the most widely used engine in the business. Is not even that good. Is just an OK engine.

January 27, 2011 9:22 am

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3 replies

Paulds

Totally agreed

January 27, 2011 9:41 am

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sub39h

Audi hardly platform shares anymore. only the A3 and TT share a VW platform, all other platforms are bespoke to Audi. (now that the Touareg has been changed this includes the Q7.) also have you ever driven a car with the 2.0T engine? i own a car with the older 197 bhp version, and i've driven two cars with the new 211bhp version (Golf GTI and Audi A5). it's one of the best engines on the market. the 197bhp version won countless awards for how good an engine it was and the 211bhp version is significantly better. you're calling it an "OK" engine, one that when put in a Golf GTI V can keep up with a Porsche 911 GT3 on challenging backroads (please refer to the supercar group test Car Magazine UK ran a couple of yeasr ago, taking along an "everyman" GTI as a comparison point), is quiet and refined, can be tuned to 500bhp and gave me 37 UK mpg on a recent 130 mile journey. i'd like to know what it would take for you to consider an engine "good". (probably exactly the same engine, just in a BMW would be my guess.)

January 27, 2011 10:21 am

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6SPEEDV8

clearly a bmw fanboy. don't bother.

January 27, 2011 10:50 am

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bavar

Well, a VW Tiguan based car manufactured at a cheapo Seat plant. With Audi badge and Audi price tag. What's next? A VW Beetle rebadged as Audi TT?

January 27, 2011 9:57 am

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4 replies

catchmyshadow

it`s just the platform, so what? The Cayenne is based on the new Touareg and its performance and driving dynamics are still better than anything BMW and Benz has to offer.

January 27, 2011 10:55 am

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vanquert

Yo ucan feel the difference. Try driving a golf and an A3. Even though they share platforms, two so different cars..

January 27, 2011 11:43 am

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catchmyshadow

exactly, platform sharing is inevitable to make a model profitable in today?s world. A Cayenne will always be a Porsche and the Q3 will clearly be an Audi.

January 27, 2011 2:44 pm

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bievranger

The SEAT plant is no cheapo at all! In fact it is one of the best plants of the VW group as it was built in 1993, a plant which some years ago was honoured as the best plant of the whole group! The comment above made by the user bavar who thinks it is a cheapo plant just proves his ignorance!

January 30, 2011 2:42 am

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Microice

This is an Audi SUV/ Crossover i'd buy. Q5 and 7 are a bit too big for me and there's that 2.0T; love it! Can't wait for the real thing.

January 27, 2011 10:46 am

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ClintonM3

What is a fanboy? I guess I could be a BMW fan. I do have some connection to BMW Group. And yes, I have driven a car with the 2.0t, in just about every vairations. And not joyrides at a dealership, because I work closely with all the manufacturers. Don't get me wrong, Audi is a fantastic company. They have been doing a lot of things right the last few years. But keep in mind, up and down the company, Audi kept on saying how they want to take over as the dominant premium car maker. This is hardly the way to do it. Audi already has more than enough connection to VW. Remember when MB align themselves with Chrysler, not only the quality dropped, but more importantly, their brand image or being premium, had also dropped. Audi should cross platform upwards, not downwards.

January 27, 2011 12:40 pm

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ClintonM3

And belive me, the 2.0T is nice, but just OK. If people are still complaining about Porsche's and BMW's turbo offerings. Then 2.0t's turbo lag should be highlighted. As an engine builder, I don't think Audi/VW is as strong as the other players. In both performance and efficiency, their engines tend to be just better than average. Just an observation, since engine of the year award started 12 yrs ago, BMW has gathered 50 awards, MB won 9 awards, Porsche - 3, Audi also won 3. Truth in engineering, right.

January 27, 2011 12:48 pm

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1 reply

Microice

So what's your point? That BMW has won the most awards or it makes the best engines? Too bad that there is more to a car than its engine.

January 27, 2011 1:19 pm

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ClintonM3

yes, that is my point. And others (ETI) agree. The 2.0t, though is nice, I just don't think it is a end all be all motor. Putting that motor in everything just seems a compromise. And if Audi wants to be big time, they have to spend a little more effort in up holding their slogan.

January 27, 2011 1:31 pm

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Microice

Mmm...so what engine do you suggest should be in the Q3? Bearing in mind these are engine options at launch. X1, the Q3 competitor, where i am has 2.0L in different states of tune;1.8i, 20i and same for diesel 2.0t; 20d and 23d. So i gather BMW should also give us more engine options. Oh and the same engines are also in 1 series, 3 series, 5 series and X3!

January 27, 2011 1:54 pm

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wmgtxi

Looks quite nice to me, honestly I don't care what engine is in it, nor do I care if its based on another VW Group model. A car is a car.

January 27, 2011 2:17 pm

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wmgtxi

And I can't stand the new stuff BMW is turning out ugh yuck

January 27, 2011 2:18 pm

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