Audi Q3 facelift unveiled, RS Q3 boosted to 340 hp

Just as buyers in Malaysia get to buy the cut-price Q3 1.4 TFSI, Audi AG unveiled an updated version of the compact SUV. There’s little that we didn’t yet know, of course, especially as we revealed spyshots of the lil’ un’ just yesterday. So, the Audi Q3 facelift – what’s new?

It doesn’t look all that different, for a start. The biggest change comes from an enlarged grille with horizontal elements, which is now joined to the new (optional) LED headlights. We last saw this be-winged grille on the Audi Crosslane Coupe concept from the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Back then, it was said to preview the future of Audi’s Q range. Well, the future is now, we suppose.

More horizontal lines are added to the back too, along with redesigned LED taillights. With fancy new graphics, the front and rear lights also feature turn signals that illuminate sequentially in the direction of the turn, much like that on the latest A8 flagship’s Matrix LED headlamps.

Two distinct trim lines – design and sport – will be offered while various packages such as S line and exclusive are available as add-ons. These will come with matching wheel designs and interior trim, the latter of which has seen little to no changes compared to before (only a new tonneau cover is mentioned).

Minimal changes have been introduced to the mechanical packages as well. There are six engines available in international markets, and all are turbocharged, direct-injection units that meet Euro 6 emission standard. Audi claims to have reduced CO2 emissions by as much as 17%.

The Q3 2.0 TDI clean diesel ultra (150 hp) is the most efficient of all, averaging 22.7 km/l (4.4 litre per 100 km). On the petrol side of things, the base variants gain Audi’s cylinder on demand technology, and the Q3 1.4 TFSI COD ultra (150 hp) now returns 18.2 km/l (5.5 litres per 100 km). Two 2.0 TFSI tunes are available – 180 hp and 220 hp.

Introduced simultaneously is the updated Audi RS Q3. It gets the new light and grille package to go along with the aggressive RS look. The long-standing satin silver-finished wing mirror caps and roof rails – standard fare on Audi’s top-flight high-performance models – are here too.

Hotter and more dynamic than before, the super SUV gets its 2.5 litre turbocharged inline-five motor boosted to 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Up 30 hp and 30 Nm, the new RS Q3 gets to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, down from 5.5 seconds. Faster-shifting seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox (now with a new hydraulic multi-plate clutch) helps with this too.

Behind the massive 19- or 20-inch wheels sit equally large brakes. The front rotors – flanked by eight-piston calipers – are now a full kilogramme lighter than before (yes, 1 kg), thanks to its new wave design.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS5vohLdF6c
Audi Q3 facelift

Audi RS Q3 facelift

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