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Audi’s beefy Q3 headed for SA

   • New 1.4 TFSI unit now available to order in the UK
   • Available exclusively in conjunction with front-wheel-drive and with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic transmissions

Audi has refreshed its Q3 and it will arrive in South Africa later in 2014 as the latest model to have an engine capacity cut down without compromising performance.

The German automaker says the compact SUV has adopted a new, more compact and even more sparing 1.4 TFSI petrol engine which joins the range alongside a new S line Plus specification option. Audi SA says the upgraded Q3 will arrive mid-2014 but only in S specification with S tronic transmissions.

SUBTLE UPGRADES

The 1.4 TFSI will be a base model as an alternative to the 103kW two-litre TDI and shares its exclusively front-wheel drive configuration, says Audi. The Q3 will be available in SE and S line in the UK with an equivalent price of R440 400. It pushes out 103kW delivered from 5000-6000rpm and 250Nm from 1750-3 000rpm while mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.

The 1.4 TFSI will reach 100km/h in 9.2sec (8.9 for cars equipped with S tronic), and can carry on to a top speed of 200km/h. It has a combined fuel consumption of 5.9 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 137g/km (145g/km for S tronic).

Upgrades include 19” rims which replaces the 18” of previous models and privacy glass extending from the B-pillar backwards. It has seven metallic paint choices.

Audi says the S line cloth and leather combination upholstery has been replaced by a perforated leather and Alcantara mix in S line Plus models. There’s also cruise control, Audi parking system plus and SD card-based satellite navigation via the colour display screen.

 S line equipment includes xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, exclusive body kit, light and rain sensors, front sports seats with lumbar support, Audi Music Interface, Bluetooth interface and voice control system.

Audi also says both versions will be equipped by default with comfort-orientated "dynamic suspension" but both also offer the no-cost option of S line sports suspension with a 20mm lower setting.
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