For the European market, the Audi Q3 was unveiled in 2011 after being previewed by the Cross Coupe quattro concept at the 2007 Shanghai Motor Show. Now it's our turn, as Audi decided to release it for the 2015 model year.

With the incredible success the Q5 ->ke1666 and the Q7 ->ke1083 are already enjoying and the increased demand for compact SUVs in the U.S., it is really no surprise to see the Q3 on American soil. The Q3->ke2666 is expected to be an even more successful model, thanks to its combination of a coupe-like look with the utility of a SUV and the usual features offered by an Audi->ke14 SUV -- "utility, technology, craftsmanship and performance."

The 2015 Audi Q3 will be unveiled at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show and will be put on sale in the fall of 2014. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Updated 07/29/2014: Audi finally released prices for the 2015 Q3. It starts at $33,425 and climbs from there. There are additional pricing details after the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Audi Q3.

2015 Audi Q3

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Audi Q3
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 200
  • Torque: 207
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Most of the design cues seen in the 2015 Q3 are taken from the Cross Coupe quattro Concept, including the low roof line, flat D-pillars and the wraparound tailgate. Just like its European brother, the 2015 Q3 is offered with a Singleframe grille with vertical elements and large air inlets that ensure proper cooling for the four-cylinder engine.

As standard, the Q3 comes with signature, wedge-shaped headlights housing xenon-plus lighting and LED daytime running lights. The Q3 will also come standard with LED taillights, of course.

Interior

Just like every other Audi model, the interior of the 2015 Q3 will be both elegant and ergonomic. Despite it being a "compact" SUV, the Q3's cabin is spacious and comfortable, offering enough room for five passengers and up to 48.2 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded -- 16.2 cubic feet with the seat up.

The Q3 is equipped with white LEDs illuminating the doors, foot wells, vanity mirrors, storage compartments and the air vent thumb wheels, giving the cabin a nice glow. Also included are heated, 12-way power front seats, leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Drivetrain

Unlike the European market, where customers can choose between four different engines, We get just one engine for now: a 2.0iliter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. No performance figures were announced for it, but we expect them to be nearly identical to the European model: 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds and a top speed of about 145 mph. Fuel economy will likely land around 33 mpg.

The engine mates to a standard six-speed Tiptronic transmission and will send its power to the front wheels. Buyers can opt for Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system. There is also an optional Audi drive select system that allows drivers to adjust handling and response at the touch of a button. It features three driving modes: Comfort, Dynamic, and Auto.

2015 Audi Q3 - Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

2.0-Liter TSFI Four-Cylinder

Output (Horsepower @ RPM)

200 @ TBA

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

207 @ TBA

Standard Transmission

Six-Speed Tiptronic

Acceleration (0-60 MPH)

TBA

Top Speed

TBA


Suspension and Brakes

The 2015 Q3 will be offered with standard 18-inch wheels, while 19-inch alloy wheels are offered as an alternative. Doing the stopping is a high-performance brake system with vented front discs and solid rear discs.

The Q3 comes standard with an advanced suspension system that features MacPherson struts up front with forged aluminum lower wishbones. Around back, it has a four-link rear axle with a separate spring and shock absorber arrangement.

Prices

The 2015 Audi Q3 will be put on sale in the fall of 2014. Prices are as follow:

Model

Price

Audi Q3 Premium Plus FWD

$33,425

Audi Q3 Premium Plus AWD

$35,525

Audi Q3 Prestige

$37,325

Audi Q3 Prestige, quattro

$39,425


Competitors

Mercedes GLA

The new Mercedes GLA is a very new model on the market, but if it will turn up to be as successful as the CLA sedan then both the X1 and the Q3 will have lots of reasons to fear.

The 2015 GLA is offered with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter engine that delivers a total of 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which puts it right in line with the Q3. Just like with the Q3, the GLA has optional all-wheel drive and it delivers pretty impressive performance figures: 0 to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph.

BMW X1

Its true the BMW X1 is now enjoying having the market nearly to itself, but things will change once the Q3 and the GLA roll out. For 2015, we expect to see the X1 to receive mild updates, but the engine lineup will likely carry over, which will give it a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter as standard and an optional 300-horsepower 3.0-liter engine. In terms of raw power, the X1 crushes the Q3 and GLA, but it is missing something in the looks department.

Conclusion

In our crowded cities, compact cars are a must and it looks like Audi finally took notice of that. The Q3 is the perfect solution for those wanting to combine all the comfort features of an SUV with a compact footprint required for overcrowded parking lots.