The Audi Q3 Arrives in Japan | Audi

Audi Q3 | Audi Q3

Audi Q3 Arrives in Japan!

The "Q3" is a compact SUV that marks Audi's entry into a new segment.Announced at the Shanghai Auto Show, a derivative model appeared at the Beijing Motor Showis still fresh in our memory. This "Q3" has finally landed in Japan. With the BMW "X1" leading the charge, Audi is now an additional option in the compact SUV market, which is gaining popularity in Japan.

Text & Photographs by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

An SUV for the City

At the launch event held at Audi Forum Tokyo on May 8th, Audi Japan President Hiroshi Okita himself declared the company's entry into the import premium compact SUV market, which is expected to grow rapidly, with the "Q3." He expressed his ambition to capture the top market share in this class, similar to the company's "Q5", which has been the best-selling mid-size premium SUV for the past three years.

Audi envisions the "Urban Explorer" as the target demographic for the "Q3." To meet the diverse needs of these individuals who live in the city, engage in a variety of activities, and express their values, the "Q3" combines the multi-functionality of an SUV in a compact form with a coupe-like roofline for urban sophistication.

As a representative "Urban Explorer," Audi Japan has chosen Naoyuki Honda, who operates his venture capital and corporate consulting businesses based in Japan and Hawaii. Mr. Honda, who enjoys surfing and triathlons, highly praised the "Q3" for its design that suits formal occasions, its surprisingly spacious interior despite its compact exterior, and its cargo space, which can accommodate a triathlon bike without removing the wheels by folding down the rear seats. He also noted the thoughtful consideration for owners, such as the audio system that links with their iPhone and the "stepless door opening" mechanism that allows doors to stop at any angle.

Two Models Available, Differing in Engine Output

The heart of the "Q3" is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder direct-injection turbo engine. Two versions are available, differing in programming: one with a maximum output of 211 ps and another with 170 ps, resulting in two distinct models. Additionally, there are optional packages: the "High Gloss Design Package," which features aluminum molding around the windows, and the "S line" package, which includes dedicated 18-inch wheels, sports suspension that lowers the vehicle by 20mm, a dedicated front apron, a diffuser under the rear bumper, and gloss chrome tailpipe finishers. When the "S line" package is selected, the interior is also modified with a three-spoke steering wheel and paddle shifters, seats combining cross and leather with "S line" embossed logos, and a shift knob with a dedicated design.

As Mr. Okita stated, "Music is absolutely essential for urban life," the 211 ps model of the "Q3" comes standard with the "MMI 3G+" infotainment system and provides an interface for connecting external players such as iPhones and iPods. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, it is possible to rip CDs and store them on the hard disk. In addition to the standard 10-speaker, 6-channel sound system, a 14-speaker Bose surround sound system is available as an option.

There are eight body colors available. The bumpers can be chosen in black (standard), body color, or a contrasting color.

The headlights, sharing the design of other Audi models, are bi-xenon with LED elements. The front features two positioning lights composed of two LEDs with a power consumption of only 10 watts, while the rear incorporates two guide lights with an LED consumption of just 2 watts. This combination expresses the character of the latest Audi models while emphasizing high efficiency.

The design, which minimizes air resistance even down to the mirrors, achieves a drag coefficient of 0.32. Combined with Audi's signature lightweight construction, the fuel efficiency is 12.6 km/ℓ (JC08 mode) for the 211 ps model.

The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with a lightweight magnesium skeleton structure, similar to the A8, and features the four-spoke design characteristic of the Q series. The two-part dashboard is also a new approach for Audi.

The 211 ps model, released on May 8th, is priced at 4.79 million yen, and the 170 ps model, to be released between September and October, will be 4.09 million yen. The sales target for this year is 1,500 units.

Read the test drive report from China by Fumihiko Ogawa here

Read the domestic test drive report by Tatsuya Otani here

spec

Audi Q3 | Audi Q3
Body Dimensions | Length 4,385 x Width 1,830 x Height 1,615mm
Wheelbase | 2,605mm
Weight | 1,610kg
Maximum Output | 155kW (211ps) / 5,000-6,200rpm
125kW (170ps) / 4,300-6,200rpm
Maximum Torque | 300Nm / 1,800-4,900rpm
280Nm / 1,700-4,200rpm
Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (quattro)
Tires | 235/50 18 inch (211ps)
235/55 17 inch (170ps)
Transmission | 7-speed S tronic
0-100km/h Acceleration | 6.9 seconds (211ps)
Luggage Capacity | 460 liters (1,365 liters with rear seats folded, depth 1,632mm)
Price | 4.79 million yen (211ps)
4.09 million yen (170ps)