Three years after its market launch in Europe and coinciding with its US market launch, the Audi Q3 has received its first makeover, which brings subtle styling changes and improved fuel economy.
The most obvious design update is the Singleframe grille which now “touches” the headlights. The headlamps have been slightly revised as well and feature Xenon Plus technology as standard and LED daytime running lights. Audi also offers LED headlights with dynamic turn signals as optional extras.
The model continues to be offered with three TFSI and three TDI clean diesel four-cylinder engines, which CO2 emissions as much as 17 percent lower. Ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 liters and from 120PS (118hp) to 220PS (217hp), all engines are turbocharged, direct-injection units and comply with the Euro 6 emission standard. Fuel consumption and CO2 reductions are in part due to the Audi cylinder on demand technology, which has earned the 1.4 TFSI COD and 2.0 TDI the “Audi Ultra” badge. The latter version is the most efficient of the Q3 lineup, with 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg).
The range-topping Audi RS Q3 has received the new grille as well, but the big news is that its 2.5-liter five-cylinder TFSI engine now produces 340PS (335hp) and 450Nm (332lb-ft) of torque, up 30PS (29hp) and 30Nm (22lb-ft) compared to the previous version. This translates into an improved 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint of 4.8 seconds (down from 5.5 seconds). Audi also says the 7‑speed S tronic has also been refined for faster gear changes.
European sales of the facelifted Audi Q3 begin in February 2015, with prices starting from €29,600 ($36,995) in Germany for the entry-level Q3 and from €56,600 ($70,855) for the RS Q3.
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