Audi's Q3 will go on sale in Ireland in October, priced at €33,850.
There will be two specifications available - SE and S line versions. Four engines will initially be available, all combining direct fuel injection with turbocharging and employing stop-start and energy recuperation systems - the 2.0-litre TDI with 140hp and 177hp and the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit in 170hp and 211hp forms.
The 2.0-litre TDI 140hp unit will power the front-wheel drive model only at launch, with a quattro version joining the offer early in 2012.
With emissions of just 133g/km, the 2.0 TDI 140 variant resides in tax band B, so road tax will be just €156.
SE versions include 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, a 'concert' audio system with 6.5-inch retractable colour display screen, Bluetooth interface, Audi Music Interface (iPod connection) and multifunction leather steering wheel. The Q3 will also come equipped with navigation preparation, enabling customers to ‘activate’ navigation retrospectively by purchasing an SD card if required.
For a premium of €3,300 above SE versions, the new Audi Q3 can be upgraded to the S line specification, which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements, and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights.