Audi’s Q3 compact crossover has just been updated, even though it only hit showrooms last year. And with the update comes a slight price rise. Audi has confirmed that the latest 2016 Q3 in base Premium Plus trim will start at $34,625, which includes a $925 destination charge and is exactly $1,200 more than you had to pay last year. The Q3 in Prestige trim will set you back $39,525, also with the $925 destination charge.
The price rise for the Q3 is justified somewhat. The 2016 model gets a few extras as standard like front and rear parking sensors, a backup camera, and five-spoke, 18-inch wheels. There’s also the revised styling—inside and out.
Other standard goodies include a panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade, dual-zone climate control, 12-way power adjustable front seats with heating function, and leather trim. Standard safety includes two front airbags, thorax-pelvis side airbags in the backs of the front seats, and side curtain head airbags. Also included are safety belt pretensioners up front, belt force limiters, and a head restraint system.
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Available extras include a sport package with better seats and the Audi Drive Select vehicle dynamics system, as well as a tech package with an improved MMI interface.
Anyone opting for the Q3 in Prestige trim get the improved MMI interface as well as a power tailgate, electronic driver aids, Audi Connect internet connectivity, a 14-speaker Bose stereo, S line body enhancements, and full LED headlights all included. Note, many of these items can be individually added to the base model so you don’t necessarily have to opt for the Prestige trim to add them.
All Q3s in the U.S. continue with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is a six-speed Tiptronic automatic. Front-wheel drive is also standard, with quattro all-wheel drive available for an extra $2,100. Sadly, the high-performance RS Q3 model isn’t being offered here.
Key rivals include the all-new BMW X1 as well as the Lincoln MKC and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
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