The Q3 is Audi’s third SUV model after the larger Q5 and Q7 and will compete against the BMW X1. Those familiar with the VW Group’s strategy won’t be surprised to find out that the Q3 is based on the platform architecture of the Volkswagen Tiguan. Audi’s interpretation of a compact SUV model measures 4.39 meters in length (14.4 ft), 1.83 meters in width (6.0 ft), and 1.60 meters (5.25 ft) in height with the roof rails, meaning its 240mm shorter, 50mm narrower and 53mm lower than the Q5.
The exterior styling is pure Audi with the design loosely inspired by the Ingolstadt firm’s Cross Coupe Quattro Concept from the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. Compared to the Q5, Audi’s smaller SUV model introduces a sharper front design with wedge-shaped headlamps and a roofline that slopes gently towards the back for a more dynamic profile.
The insider also told us that the Q3 will be offered at launch with three powertrains, a 170PS 2.0-liter TFSI with a 6-speed manual gearbox and CO2 emissions of 172 gr/km; a 211PS 2.0-liter TFSI with an S Tronic transmission and CO2 emissions of 184 gr/km, and a 170PS 2.0-liter TDI diesel and an with an S Tronic transmission and CO2 emissions of 158 gr/km. More engine options will be added further down the line.
The Q3 will be based on the underpinning of the VW Tiguan, with the styling drawing heavily on the firm's 2007 Shanghai Motor Show Concept (pictured above). The new crossover model will slot beneath the larger Q7 and Q5 SUVs, targeting the BMW X1.
Production of the Q3 will take place at the Seat's Martorell plant in Spain.
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“We will be looking to really grow, particularly in the compact SUV segment”, VW's U.S. chief Jonathan Browning told Bloomberg news. “Over time, I think there's also scope for growth in terms of a larger SUV within the portfolio”.
Volkswagen sold 20,946 Tiguans and 4,713 Touaregs in the U.S. last year, which is insignificant compared to the total of 3.3 million SUVs delivered in the country.
“VW is simply not a player in the American SUV segment”, said Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive Management at the University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany. “Their models aren't being recognized as sufficiently competitive”.
The automaker is exploring other means to increase its sales as well, one of them being the all-new New Mid-Size Sedan (NMS), which is set to debut at this year’s North American International Auto Show.
The yet to be named model will be assembled at the company’s new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with deliveries programmed to start in the third quarter of 2011.
By Csaba Daradics
Source: Bloomberg
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“We will be looking to really grow, particularly in the compact SUV segment”, VW's U.S. chief Jonathan Browning told Bloomberg news. “Over time, I think there's also scope for growth in terms of a larger SUV within the portfolio”.
Volkswagen sold 20,946 Tiguans and 4,713 Touaregs in the U.S. last year, which is insignificant compared to the total of 3.3 million SUVs delivered in the country.
“VW is simply not a player in the American SUV segment”, said Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive Management at the University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany. “Their models aren't being recognized as sufficiently competitive”.
The automaker is exploring other means to increase its sales as well, one of them being the all-new New Mid-Size Sedan (NMS), which is set to debut at this year’s North American International Auto Show.
The yet to be named model will be assembled at the company’s new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with deliveries programmed to start in the third quarter of 2011.
By Csaba Daradics
Source: Bloomberg
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In a statement to the press, the German automaker said it plans to introduce four all-new or refreshed models in 2011 including the NMS mid-size sedan, Beetle, Tiguan and Eos.
Here's what VW said: "In addition to opening the Chattanooga plant in 2011, Volkswagen of America will introduce four all-new or refreshed models – NMS, Beetle, Tiguan and Eos. These vehicles join the 2010 launch of the all-new Jetta and new Touareg. Each of these vehicles is critical to achieving Volkswagen Group's target of selling one million vehicles annually in the US by 2018 (Volkswagen: 800,000; Audi: 200,000)."
No other details were released on the aforementioned models, however, we do know that the NMS mid-size sedan is new and that the Tiguan and Eos will receive a mid-life makeover.
That leaves us with the New Beetle, which has been in the market since 1998 with production of the current model set to cease in 2011. Logic says, VW will present a brand-new version of the retro-styled Beetle, with a teaser concept study possibly making its appearance at an upcoming international motor show such as the LA (November 2010) or Detroit (January 2011) salons.
As always, we'll keep an eye on things and inform you on any new developments.
*2012 New Beetle renderings by David Cardoso - read more here
We can't confirm or deny the authenticity of the picture with the Tiguan SUV on the right-hand corner of the page, but red flags did go up once we discovered that the rest of the photos are from the official brochure of the... recently facelifted VW Touran minivan. Don't believe us? Check out the 2011 Touran's brochure after the jump.
Via: Autoweek & Worldcarfans
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2010 VW Touran Minivan Brochure
The Tiguan Track & Avenue is the latest special edition Volkswagen model to hit the company's European showrooms. It combines subtle exterior upgrades with high-end materials inside with the German firm claiming a price advantage of over €2,000 when all of its features are considered.The special Tiguan is available in two unique exterior colors, "Oryx White Pearl Effect" and "Island Grey Pearl Effect", with the exterior package including 19-inch alloy wheels, a 25 degree off-road front end, modest wheel flares and a silver-colored rear diffuser.
The real focus of attention, however, concerns the interior that gains a high-grade leather upholstery called "Heavy Waxy" in Amaranth with colored seams.
Additionally, the compact SUV gets sport seats, an RCD 510 radio with Dynaudio sound system, "Climatronic" climate control and a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with coloured seams while the package is rounded off front fog lights and Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic curve lighting.
Volkswagen said that the Tiguan Track & Avenue is available in four engine / transmission combinations including the 200HP 2.0-liter TSI petrol with manual or automatic transmission, a 140HP diesel coupled to an automatic and a 170HP diesel linked to a manual gearbox.
Prices for the special edition Tiguan start from €38,225 (US$56,500 at today's exchange rates) for the 2.0 TSI with the six-speed manual gearbox.
At the 7th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Show, which opened on Monday, Volkswagen and its Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) revealed the 2010MY domestic market version of the Tiguan SUV. In comparison to the current Tiguan sold in Europe, North America and other international markets, the Chinese models features a new grille that extends to the headlights and a re-profiled front bumper.Inside, from what we can tell by looking at these first official photos, changes are limited to a new three-spoke steering wheel and the redesigned instrument panel that features two central gauges incorporating two smaller dials.
VW Shanghai's press release does not clarify if these styling changes are exclusive for the Chinese-spec model or if they will pass on to the Tiguan sold in other markets as well.
Via: Worldcarfans , Source: VW Shanghai
In an effort to satisfy those customers who want a more individual look for their Tiguan, Volkswagen's Accessories arm has released a new line of products for its compact-sized SUV. The range includes front and rear protective guards, and rocker panels with integrated steps. All parts are available in brushed aluminum look or in matte silver finish and can be combined with a new all-around aerodynamics package.The aero pack includes a front and rear apron, a roof spoiler and protective fender expansions while buyers can also choose from a variety of alloy wheel designs in sizes up to 19-inches.
