https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/171805 ... w-x2-rival
Sporty-looking SUV is set to undercut the Jaguar E-Pace and Range Rover Evoque in price.
Isn’t it supposed to be called the Q4?
These are the first pictures of Audi’s all-new Q3 Sportback, essentially a sportier version of the regular Q3 compact SUV, similarly to how the Q8 is to the Q7.
And yes, the Q3 Sportback should have been called Q4 to comply with Ingolstadt’s current badge strategy.
However, Audi sources told us that Q4 is a registered trademark of Alfa Romeo, so they couldn’t use it for commercial purpose (a concept car bearing the Q4 e-tron was once shown in the past by Audi).
The Q3 Sportback rivals the BMW X2, itself being a racier model of the family-oriented X1, as well as the Jaguar E-Pace and Range Rover Evoque.
How different are the Q3s?
They share the same 2.68m wheelbase and only have small discrepancies elsewhere. The formula is basically the same in the game of sporty SUVs: lowered and raked roofline, some sacrificed boot space and slightly beefier driving characteristics.
For the sake of differentiation, the Q3 Sportback gets more aggressively-styled bumpers and a black front grille. Their interiors, though, are basically the same.
Two engines are available for the Q3 Sportback initially including 150hp 2.0-litre diesel (35 TDI) and 230hp 2.0-litre petrol (45 TFSI), both available with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive. Audi has confirmed a 48V mild-hybrid model coming later.
Which one is being planned for the Thai market?
It’s mostly likely that both will be offered to Thai luxury car buyers when sales start later in the year, according to sources.
The regular Q3, which has just been renewed this year in Germany, has yet to arrive on Thai shores and would be the first to do so.
Although both Q3s are relatives and can easily share the same engine in Thai showrooms, they could be getting different ones.
As the Q3 Sportback naturally holds a higher market position, it could get the 45 TFSI for the three million baht bracket. That’s potentially cheaper than what the E-Pace and pending all-new Evoque ask for with basic engines.
The X2 is in this price range but comes with 192hp 2.0-litre petrol motor badged sDrive 20i and front-drive-wheel-only. Audi’s theoretical answer would be 190hp 40 TFSI, the expected choice for the regular Q3 on the 2.5 million baht front.
Or if Audi wants aggressive pricing (but probably with lower kit), there’s 150hp 1.5-litre petrol known as 35 TFSI. This is the engine that’s most likely to get the mild hybrid.
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