Audi Q3 starts production in Spain

Audi Q3 production start in Martorell, Spain 08.06.2011

Audi is betting big on the Q3 compact SUV and plans an annual production output of 100,000 units

Audi has begun production of the Q3 compact SUV at a SEAT plant in Martorell, Spain.

VW Group, through both Audi and SEAT, has invested around €330 million in upgrading the facility for production of the Q3.

And Audi is betting big on the VW Tiguan-based compact SUV and plans on an annual production of 100,000 units. It hopes the Q3 will reclaim the title of Europe's top-selling premium SUV after the BMW X1 took over the mantle from the Audi Q5 last year.

The Q3 goes on sale this month in Germany and will be offered initially with three engine options. The 2.0 liter TSFI unit with an output of 125 kW / 170 PS (168 bhp) or 155 kW / 211 PS (208 bhp), as well as the 2.0 liter TDI with 130 kW / 177 PS (174 bhp). A 2.0 TDI that develops 103 kW / 140 PS (138 bhp) is slated to come later.

Prices for the Q3 in Germany start at €29,900.

Source: Audi

ABT Sportsline previews its Audi Q3
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Vroom-vroom

If anyone showed me this same picture without the headline, I'd think it was some Suzuki assembly plant. What utility/crossover capabilities can this tiny thing offer? Furthermore, aren't there far more spacious and better equipped alternatives in this price range?

June 8, 2011 10:11 am

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SebXX

Not everyone want to drive a utility every day, so it's just a compact car with a tad higher ride (for just better visibility, and tolerance for some badly maintained roads...), not for off road stuff. People could be simply looking for : - sub 4m50 size, 5 doors - great quality - great engines/gearboxes - high tech equipments - awd Only direct competitor is BMW X1, but how ugly.... Else it would be an alternate choice for : VW tiguan, Audi A3/A4, Skoda Octavia Scout... (but these are bigger or lack high tech/high quality)

June 8, 2011 12:06 pm

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Vroom-vroom

You mentioned something that was in the back of my mind, in a way it competes with the Audi A3/A4. I guess the sales numbers will have the final say, but the A4's cabin is already very tight, so I can only imagine how little space the A3 / Q3 will have.

June 8, 2011 12:27 pm

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Ciprian_r

you are forgetting one of their biggest competitors : The Evoque!

June 8, 2011 10:42 pm

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RODHA

Taking the workers body size into consideration, it seems Q3 will be an awfuly small vehicle almost close to Corsa and Polo segment... I don't think it would work.

June 8, 2011 11:01 pm

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Vroom-vroom

Audi is confusing global domination with market saturation. One would think they learned their lesson with the A5 sportback which they don't sell in the US because it makes no sense. The A5 is the A4 coupe, so how can you turn around and make it 4 doors again and try to charge more. In the end, sales have the last word.

June 9, 2011 9:50 am

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Uptohere

The A5 sportback was never planned for the US. American buyers traditionally prefer SUV and crossover vehicles to hatchbacks. I think you'll see the S5 Sportback disappear with the introduction of the A7.

June 9, 2011 12:18 pm

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Uptohere

Sales of the X1 would suggest otherwise.

June 9, 2011 12:19 pm

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June 8, 2011 9:10 am By Alex Ricciuti

Filed Under: Audi, German, Production

Tags: Audi Q3 , Q3 , 2011 Audi Q3 , 2012 Audi Q3 , Q3 production , Martorell , SEAT/Audi production Martorell , 2012 Audi Q3 , VW Tiguan , Volkswagen Tiguan