Audi Q3 spied; Coming in 2011 to take on BMW X1

We are all aware of the shifting trend towards smaller, lighter and efficient crossovers. As a matter of fact, crossovers are getting smaller is recent launches are anything to go by – The segment under the Q5/X3 sees the BMW X1/Mercedes GLK/ Nissan Qashqai Toyota Rav 4 and a lot more. The smallest entrant has been the Nissan Juke. With such rapid transitions, the hot compact crossover segment is not to be overlooked which is why Audi announced the Q3, the spy shots of which we have here. The Q3 will go head on against the BMW X1 and Land Rover’s upcoming Evoque.

2011 Audi Q3 Compact SUV Jul 2010

Evoque : Land Rovers new baby revealed Jul 2010

F10 BMW 5-Series in July; X1 in October Mar 2010

Hit the jump for spy pictures.

Audi will build 80,000 Q3s annually at one of Volkswagen’s group plants in Martorel, Spain. The Q5, unlike the BMW X1 is a coupe crossover, much like a scaled down version of the BMW X6 with Audi styling. The Q3 is expected to be based on the Cross Coupe concept car shown in 2007. The spy pictures reveal an early life crossover which retains the show car’s roofline and styling.

For the first time, a three door version of the crossover is expected from Audi apart from a five door configuration. The Q3 is expected to share the platform and internals with the Audi A3. Expect a range of TFSI and turbodiesel engines ranging in power from 170 to 330bhp. The Q3 is expected at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March 2011. When it comes to India in end 2011, expect it to cost around Rs 25-30 lakhs if Audi decides to assemble it in India.

[Motor Authority]