Audi launches mid-range Q3 40 TFSI twins

AUDI Australia has bolstered its crucial Q3 premium small SUV range with the arrival of mid-series 40 TFSI and 40 TFSI S-line variants, priced from $53,900 and $59,400 plus on-road costs respectively.

Positioned upstream of the entry-level 35 TFSI set at $46,400 plus on-roads, the 40 TFSI brings a number of extra inducements including a bigger engine, Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system and a variety of additional standard equipment. 

Whereas the front-drive 35 TFSI relies on a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine, the 40 has a stronger presence with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 132kW of power and 320Nm of torque.

Drive is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission, enabling the Q3 40 TFSI to reach 100km/h from standstill in 7.8 seconds. 

It can also return a combined-cycle fuel economy of 8.3 litres per 100km while emitting 188 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The 40 TFSI is distinguished from the 35 TFSI by its unique 19-inch alloy wheels and full body-coloured paint finish.

The more expensive 40 TFSI S-line takes things a step further with its 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, rear window privacy glass and S-line exterior package.

The high standard cabin specification of the 35 TFSI is mirrored in the 40, including leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, cloth headlining, a 10.1-inch touchscreen MMI navigation and infotainment system, DAB+ digital radio, six-speaker audio system, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, four USB ports and Qi wireless phone charging.

The new mid-range model also adds keyless entry/start, an electric tailgate with gesture control, wireless Apple CarPlay, electric front seat adjustment, auto-dimming rearview mirror, multifunction leather-clad steering wheel with shift paddles, and Audi drive select.

As well as the exterior enhancements, the extra $5500 for the S-line is seen with S-embossed leather sports seats, stainless-steel sports pedals, brushed aluminium inlays, bigger Virtual Cockpit display (12.3-inch), contrast stitched floor mats, illuminated door sills, leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and premium 10-speaker sound system.

Safety features on the 40 TFSI include autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-change warning, rear cross-traffic assist, tyre pressure monitoring, hill-descent control, parking sensors all-round and a reversing camera.

The S-line adds a 360-degree camera, high-beam assist and park assist, auto-dimming exterior mirrors and adaptive cruise assist.

The high-performance RS Q3 – with a 294kW/480Nm 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine – sits at the top of the Q3 range with a sticker price of $89,900 plus on-roads, more than $30,000 above the 40 TFSI S-line.

Through the first four months of 2020, Audi has shifted 997 examples of the Q3, just nine units behind the category leader, the BMW X1 (1006).

2020 Audi Q3 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs