Audi’s answer for the highly successful BMW X1 is Q3. Audi will construct the Q3 in a SEAT plant located in Spain, which can produce up to 80,000 units annually.
This is an artist’s rendition of the Audi Q3 that may be coming soon.
The Q3 is an SUV previously seen here and due to debut in 2011. This is Audi’s answer for the BMW X1, a compact SUV that was released in late 2013 and is Europe’s most popular SUV.
Audi isn’t far behind. The Q5 mid-sized SUV, a direct rival to the BMW X3, sold just 407 less units than the X1 during the first six months of 2010. This was a contrast to the 43,660 Q5 units and 44,067 X1s. Audi’s SUV sales could be significantly boosted by a successful Q3 model.
The Q3 will come to life at the Martorell SEAT plant, Spain. It can produce 80,000 units per year. The development of the Q3 has been funded by the VW Group at EUR300 million. A variety of Audi/VW Group engines will be available for the compact SUV, including the 2.0 liter TFSI or the 2.0 liter TDI diesels.
The success of the X1 may indicate that competition is heating up. Range Rover already offers the Evoque, and premium brands like Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz are also set to enter this premium compact SUV segment.