First look: Audi stuns with Q3 sneak-peak

A SMALLER sibling for Audi’s new Q7 luxury off-roader, the A5 coupe-based Q5 SUV, is yet to officially break cover in any guise, but that hasn’t stopped the German maker revealing an even more compact future SUV model in the shape of the Audi Cross Coupe quattro.

Revealed at today’s Shanghai motor show opening, the compact SUV concept is an unexpected sneak-peek at the Q3, which is expected to follow next year’s Q5 to market by 2010.

As the name suggests, the all-new Q3 will be similar in size to the same brand’s five-door A3 Sportback and parent company Volkswagen Group’s Golf.

Next-generation versions of both mainstream models are likely to share the same underpinnings, which are also shared with Volkswagen's forthcoming Tiguan compact SUV.

For now, however, the Audi Cross Coupe quattro is claimed to combine "the design and dynamism of a compact premium sports car with the spaciousness and versatility of a four-seat sport utility vehicle".

In doing so, Audi says its newest concept car "defines a new segment in the field of crossover vehicles" by presenting new technical solutions for "achieving efficiency, driving pleasure and comfort in a manner that is typical of Audi".

Painted in "Liquid Silver", the Cross Coupe rides on 20-inch wheels, features a power-operated folding fabric roof and is claimed to shout its off-road ability from the rooftops.

It's powered by a transverse-mounted four-cylinder inline TDI engine with common-rail fuel-injection and piezo injectors. Also featuring a diesel particulate filter and Bluetec system, it's claimed to be an all-new design.

Official outputs are about 150kW and 400Nm of torque, while returning 5.9L/100km. A Haldex coupling channels power to all four wheels via an S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

Underneath the Cross Coupe lies a MacPherson-strut front axle and a four-link rear axle, plus ceramic brake discs. A three-mode "drive select system" alters engine, gearbox, steering and shock absorber characteristics, while a touch-screen MMI control panel is also claimed to set a new infotainment standard.

The latter employs a "dual-view" monitor that can produce different images for the driver and front-seat passenger, for example by allowing the driver to read data from the on-board computer while the front passenger watches TV.