subject: Audis Baby Suv [print this page] Audi introduced its first SUV - the Q7 in 2006, it was based on the VW Groups SUV platform shared with the VW Touran and Porsche Cayenne. The Success of the large SUV prompted Audi to introduce the Q5 which is based on the same platform as the VW Tiguan. Audi are now testing final versions of a mini crossover, the Audi Q3.
The Audi Q3 is in testing at the moment and many spy shots of it have been released on the internet, even though the test mule is heavily camouflaged you can still see the basic size and shape of the vehicle.
One of the noticeable design elements that are noticeable even in the heavy disguise is the steeply raked tailgate, suggesting the Audi Q3 will be more of a coupe crossover rather than a pure Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
The latest model in Audis line up is due to be at an Audi dealer by the end of 2011; it will sit below the Q5 in the SUV segment. The Q3 is 20cm shorter and 7cm narrower than the Q5, the Q3 is said to be around 4.4m long, 1.8m wide and 1.6m high.
The Q3 will feature three petrol engines a 140bhp 1.4 litre, a 180bhp 1.8 litre and a 210bhp 2.0 litre plus two diesels, with 140bhp and 170bhp. A 204bhp twin-turbo diesel is also in the pipeline.
SEAT which is also part of the VW Group has had to shelf its own plans for a similar model based on the VW Tiguan platform, ironically the new Q3 will be built at one of the Spanish plants where SEAT had planned to build its mini SUV.
