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The new Audi Q3 is a premium SÚV in a compact form. This genuine Audi sets standards in all aspects of engineering – from its body through drivetrains and chassis to its state-of-the-art assistance systems and multimedia systems. This compact premium SÚV by Audi will roll off the assembly line with three different four-cylinder engines: one TDI and two TFSI units. All three will combine direct injection with turbocharging, and will feature not only an energy recovery system but also a start-stop system. With power outputs ranging from 103 kW (140 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), these engines will be as efficient as they are powerful. The basic version, the Q3 2.0 TDI, is scheduled to appear a little later and – with 103 kW (140 hp) and front-wheel drive – will average less than 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (45.23 ÚS mpg).

The most powerful gasoline engine and diesel engine, respectively, will be paired with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic, which switches gears at lightning speed. And the S tronic features an innovation: during coasting, the dual-clutch transmission disengages the clutch and allows the Q3 to roll freely – provided that the driver has selected efficiency mode in the optional Audi drive select system. This measure also boosts fuel efficiency. Drivers can use the four modes of Audi drive select to have various systems adjust to their individual driving style; these include engine management and the optional adaptive dampers. The chassis of the Q3 – featuring a four-link rear suspension, electromechanical power §teering, and robust wheel brakes – is the fruit of great design labor. The hold assist function is an available option; down the road, the hill hold assist system will be made available.

Price: $43,000.

Design and Body

The Audi Q3 features the sportiest and most progressive design in its §egmènt. The single-frame grille with its tapered upper corners dominates the front; its outline is extended by the dynamic curve of the engine hood. The wedge-shaped headlights are available as a xenon plus version including LED daytime running lights. Large air inlets hint at the potential of the engines. Viewed from the side, the Q3 similarly exhibits Audi’s classic design characteristics. The tornado line divides the side underneath the windows. The dynamic line imparts additional flourishes near the side sills and the wheel arches have a muscular look. Metal constitutes two thirds of the vehicle’s exterior; the greenhouse the remaining third. The roof line slopes markedly toward the ground; the D-posts resemble those of a coupe.

Despite its coupe-like styling, the Audi Q3 is clearly recognizable as a member of the Q family. Its wraparound tailgate is similar in design to those on its larger siblings, the Q5 and Q7. In conjunction with the xenon plus headlights, LED light strips serve as tail lights. The exhaust system’s tailpipes terminate to the left and to the right. The Audi Q3 is 4.39 meters in length (14.4 ft), 1.83 meters in width (6.0 ft), and 1.60 meters (5.25 ft) in height – roof rail included. Its drag coefficient of 0.32 raises the bar in this segment; moreover, its underbody fairing facilitates optimum airflow – underneath the vehicle, too. Audi offers twelve different colors of paint for its new compact SÚV, and five customization options are available regarding add-on parts.

In addition to the standard black add-on parts, customers can choose either a full paint finish or color-contrasting add-on parts in anthracite gray for the underbody guard and wheel arches. The Audi exclusive off-road styling package gives the Q3 a broad and powerful look. The S line exterior package, conversely, represents classic Audi and appeals to especially sporty customers. This compact SÚV’s body is very rigid and impact-resistant yet quiet on the road. The passenger cell incorporates a great many tailored blanks as well as extremely strong hot-formed steel. These components are quite thin, which reduces the vehicle’s weight. The tailgate and the engine hood of the Audi Q3 are made of aluminum. The front-wheel drive version of Audi’s latest model weighs less than 1,500 kilograms (3,307 lb).

Interior

The roomy interior of the Audi Q3 harmoniously mirrors the exterior design’s sinewy yet gentle styling. A large curve, known as a wrap-around, encapsulates the driver and the front-seat passenger – a feature familiar from the brand’s large model lines. The dashboard’s horizontal layout underscores its width. An optional color display (as large as seven inches diagonally) on the instrument panel is a first in the Q series. Workmanship of uncompromising quality is every bit a matter of pride at Audi as is stylistic confidence in the selection of colors and materials. Five color concepts are available for the interior: black, gray, beige, and two shades of brown. With regard to upholstery, there are three fabric designs and three leather designs.

For the inlays, there are four optional versions – including open-pored larch inlays and new silvery aluminum inlays with supplementary wire mesh and a 3D look. The S line sports package offers an additional inlay and bathes the entire interior in a cool black color. Operating the Audi Q3 entails straightforward logic and intuitive user-friendliness – typical Audi. It is simple to read the instruments at a glance; the seats provide outstanding support and comfort. The chorus sound system with an AÚX-IN input is standard, as are an air conditioner and an extensive array of occupant restraint systems.

Numerous high-end options attest to the excellent technological standards of the Q3. They include an on-board computer with efficiency program, an ambient lighting package with a great many LEDs, a panoramic glass roof, a storage package, sports seats, electrically adjustable and heated seats, a convenience key for entering the vehicle and starting the engine at the touch of a button, two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, tinted rear windows, and a three-spoke leather §teering wheel in a new Q-specific look. Adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights and the high-beam assistant intelligently illuminate the dark road ahead.

The Audi Q3 has a luggage compartment that offers plenty of room for recreational and sports equipment. Its 460-liter (16.24 cu ft) capacity swells to a volume of 1,365 liters (48.2 cu ft) with the split rear seat backrests folded down. A roof rail is standard. A wealth of options make driving this compact SÚV even better. Among them: a luggage compartment package, a front-passenger seat with a folding seat back, a reversible loadliner, a reversible mat, a loading-sill protector made of stainless steel, a load-through hatch in the rear seat backrest, and a ski bag. The Audi Q3 can tow a trailer weighing as much as 2.0 metric tons (4,400 lb).

Drivetrain

The Audi Q3 will be available with one of four engines. Úpon its market launch, two gasoline engines and one TDI engine will be offered; a second TDI engine will appear a little later. All four of the four-cylinder engines will have a displacement of 2.0 liters. They all deliver great output and terrific torque from 280 to 380 Nm (206.52 to 280.27 lb-ft). In addition, all engines combine Audi’s mighty efficiency technologies: direct fuel injection, turbocharging, the start-stop system, and the energy recovery system. The 2.0 TFSI delivers either 125 kW (170 hp) or 155 kW (211 hp). The more powerful version propels the Q3 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.9 seconds and on up to a top speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). The 2.0 TDI is available with 130 kW (177 hp); a version with 103 kW (140 hp) is to come a little later. Paired with front-wheel drive, the version offering 103 kW (140 hp) averages less than 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (45.23 ÚS mpg).

Both TFSI engines and the stronger of the TDI units will be supplied with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Its key element is a hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which redistributes power at lightning speed from the front axle to the rear axle as needed. The Q3 2.0 TDI with 103 kW (140 hp) will roll off the assembly line with front-wheel drive and – just like the Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro with 125 kW (170 hp) – with a six-speed manual transmission. The 130 kW (177 hp) TDI engine and the 155 kW (211 hp) TFSI combine quattro drive with a dynamic seven-speed S tronic. Gears can also be shifted via optional paddles on the §teering wheel. When a driver selects efficiency mode in Audi drive select, the S tronic disengages a clutch while the sporty SÚV is coasting and allows it to roll freely – which further enhances fuel efficiency.

Chassis

The sportiest player in this §egmènt, the Audi Q3 has a chassis that combines outstanding safety with excellent comfort and is well-balanced and harmonious. Its four-link rear suspension handles longitudinal and lateral forces separately. The electromechanical power §teering performs responsively, precisely and very efficiently; the electromechanical parking brake boosts convenience. Audi drive select is available as an option for all Q3 engine types. It accesses the accelerator and §teering. When ordered with the equipment options S tronic, adaptive light and Audi adaptive cruise control, these are influenced, too. The driver can vary the function of these systems between the comfort, auto, dynamic and efficiency modes. In efficiency mode, the air conditioner and cruise control operate with the specific aim of saving fuel.

The Audi Q3 leaves the factory with 16-inch lightweight alloy wheels fitted with 215/65 tires; the top-of-the-line engines are available with 17-inch wheels. Úpon request, Audi can supply wheels between 17 and 19 inches, some of which are quattro GmbH products. All tires are distinguished by low rolling resistance; the brakes are strong and stable – and ventilated at the front. Thanks to its generous ground clearance of 17 centimeters (6.69 in), the Q3 can also tackle rough terrain. In the Audi Q3, the electronic stabilization program (ESP) integrates an electronic differential lock, which – at the vehicle’s cornering limit – regulates the distribution of drive torques to the wheels via minor, barely perceptible braking. Regardless of version, the ESP offers trailer stabilization. Úpon request, Audi will supply the Q3 with the hold assist function; at a later time, a hill hold assist system will maintain a constant vehicle speed while driving downhill.

The new-generation C-Class offers the com- fort and safety of our luxury vehicles – and with many high-end details in the interior evocative of the new CLS, the new C-Class sets completely new benchmarks in its segment when it comes to premium look-and-feel.This interior upgrade is further enhanced by the latest generation of telematics, which not only features com- pletely new visuals, but also brings improved functionality.The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s highest volume model range, and therefore especially important. The current range has chalked up global sales of more than one million units since its launch in March 2007. Since the market introduction of the first C- Class in 1982 (known then as the 190), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 mil- lion vehicles around the world.

Price: $33,000 to $56,000.

Exterior

The bumper now has a more distinctive and dynamic design, with the front end adopting the brand’s new design language. The central element of the front end is the grille, which is further enhanced by the new bumper design. The center air intake opens upward in a v-shape and forms the core element of the grille design. Distinc- tive lines emerge from the base of the aggressive arrow design in the center. Running beneath the headlamps, these character lines transition into the side profile. The out- board air intakes in the bumper are positioned very low down to give the car a more muscular stance. The C-Class features a new aluminum hood, which contributes to weight reduc- tion and consequently to improved fuel efficiency.

Contours around the head- lamps and grille bring additional emphasis to the front-end arrow form. Working together with the redesigned headlamps, the overall front-end look is far more distinctive. Modified clear glass headlamps create a more dynamic and determined look and, to- gether with the hood, grille and bumper enhance the arrow visual at the front end. This precise, contemporary look is reinforced by the design of both the exterior and interior of the headlamp units, which feature a finely balanced interplay between matte and gloss surfaces. The halogen headlamps follow the classic format with low beam located on the outside and high beam in the inside, while the indicator lamps are discreetly positioned in the outer corners toward the fenders.

The available bi-xenon headlamps come with active functions and bring added depth to the appearance with a series of LED modules. A C-shaped positioning light defines the nighttime design, with cornering lights located behind it and stretching outward to the main lamp module. At the base of the headlamps are broad horizontal LED in- dicator units. Also horizontal are the LED daytime running lights located in the bumper, which make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance. On the rear bumper, the character lines and shutlines have been modified to add em- phasis to the vehicle’s stance. This is especially evident in the steep rise of the char- acter line running outward toward the rear lights.

A continuous character line on the upper edge of the rear bumper runs into the fenders of the C-Class to provide a con- nection to the sides and emphasizes the sporty character of the rear view. A new one- piece jewel case on the tail lights provides further integration into the rear of the ve- hicle. The characteristic sinuous surface line is now reflected on the inside of the lights and is reminiscent of earlier models. The distinctive depth of the lights are achieved by LED indicators located in the center that appear to float in front of the more deeply set red LED bands above and below. The rear light pattern is particularly distinctive at night. The bodyshell of the new C-Class is distinguished by its outstanding aerodynamics. With a cd figure of 0.26, not only is it best-in-class, its drag plane of cd x A = 0.57 m2 also cuts more smoothly through the air than most compact and even sub-compact cars.

Interior

One focal point of the work done in the interior was the redesign of the dashboard with the aim of creating a powerful, sporty and premium look-and-feel that in- cludes extensive enhancement to the trim. The surfaces of the controls are more finely detailed and feature a metallic finish. The stepped hood of the instrument binnacle now extends to incorporate the central display and runs onward into the passenger side enhanced by a subtle character line. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the outer circular vents are accentuated with metallic trim elements.

Central to the design of the new dashboard is a prominent trim panel. This ele- ment stretches from the central air vents along the passenger side to the outer air vent, adding visual width to the interior. The surface grain on the top portion of the dashboard continues along the upper edges of the door panels. The new-generation center console is distinguished by its rectangular silver keys and emphasizes the premium feel of the interior in combination with matte keys, high-gloss surfaces and a new knurled control knob. Together with the new- generation telematics, the restyled C-Class also receives a new instrument binna- cle with integrated display.

Oriented toward the driver are three tubular gauge surrounds with metallic surfaces that further enhance the aggressive character of the C-Class. The luxury feel is emphasized by the new-generation leather §teering wheel intro- duced with the all-new CLS and now available as standard in the C-Class. The steer- ing wheel features a chrome-plated central spoke and further accentuates the car’s stylish and sporty ambience. The new C250 Sport and C300 4MATIC Sport models come with standard brushed aluminum trim, while the C350 Sport has distinctive Black Ash. The Luxury versions feature Burl Walnut trim.

Driveline, Power and Fuel Economy

Fuel economy has been improved by up to 15 percent. All new direct-injection ver- sions feature exceptional efficiency and environmentally-friendly fuel consumption. All models also come with the redesigned seven-speed automatic transmission, with the gear ratios on all versions optimized for fuel economy. The highlight in the engine lineup is the introduction of the new V6 gasoline engine in the C350 Sport Sedan, featuring the innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process. The improvement in efficiency is combined with a considerable increase in output.

The C350 Sport Sedan now generates 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (previ- ously 268 hp and 258 lb-ft), while fuel economy has been improved by 5 percent compared with the outgoing C350 model. The four-cylinder engine (new for the Ú.S. market) features direct injection and tur- bocharging and is also distinguished by outstanding combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. This marks an improvement of nearly 15 percent compared with the 2011MY C300.

Assistance System

The C-Class attains an all-new level of safety with a total of five new driver assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection through to Blind Spot Assist. The assistance systems are based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology and are setup to react to frequent causes of accidents such as prox- imity to the vehicle in front, fatigue and darkness.

The new C-Class sees the debut of a new generation of telematics, which is scheduled for successive introduction across further model ranges. Key new features include improved user-friendliness with larger 3-D displays, phone book transfer, text mes- sage display, wireless music via Bluetooth and a ÚSB interface now located in the center armrest.