Audi Expands Q3 SUV's UK Range with New Base 1.4-liter TFSI

Whereas in North America, Audi will launch theQ3 this fall exclusively with a 200hp 2.0-liter TFSI, in Europe, the Ingolstadt brand offers a lot more powerplant options, with the UK market now gaining a new 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline unit that slots in at the entry price point under the 138bhp (140PS) 2.0-liter TDI model.

The Q3 with the 1.4 TFSI is available to order in conjunction with SE and S line trims priced from £23,870 OTR to £28,115 OTR.

Producing a maximum output of 148bhp (150PS) and peak torque of 250Nm (184 lb-ft), the 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine is available exclusively with front-wheel-drive and a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic transmissions.

The manual-gearbox model goes from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 9.2 seconds (S tronic: 8.9 seconds), has a top speed of 124mph or 200km/h (S tronic: 126mph or 203km/h) and returns a combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 136g/km (S tronic 45.6mpg UK and 145g/km).

According to Audi, the Q3 1.4 TFSI has a 19 per cent BIK figure equating to a tax liability for a 40 per cent taxpayer amounting to £1,800 per annum (for the first year).

Along with the introduction of the 1.4-liter petrol version, the German brand is expanding the range of available trims with the S line Plus specification for all quattro models in the UK.

Carrying a £2,350 premium over S line trim, the Plus replaces the 18-inch wheels with 19-inch rims, while adding privacy glass from the B-pillar rearwards, perforated leather and Alcantara mix for the seats, cruise control, the Audi parking system plus and SD card-based satellite navigation via the 6.5-inch colour display.