Audi Q3 & RS Q3 get updated for 2015

The Audi Q3 and RS Q3 are being updated for 2015 with minor cosmetic tweaks, a new engine option, more powerful engines and more equipment.

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The updates for the Audi Q3 and RS Q3 go on sale this month, with of the Q3 from £25,340 to £30,820, a power boost for the RS Q3, minor cosmetic changes and a new or updated range of engines.

The cosmetic changes for the 2015 W3 are minor and subtle (just enough to mark it out as a new model) and include a new 3D effect Singleframe grill, revised bumpers, new alloys and full body-colour paint finish for SE models.

The SE also gets xenon bulbs and LED running lights and tail lights with S and S Line models getting all-weather LED headlights and dynamic scrolling rear indicators.

Under the bonnet, the Q3 gets the option of the 1.4 TFSI petrol with Cylinder-on-Demand tech which is already available on the A1 and A3.

The new 1.4 litre – only available in FWD – gets 148bhp and a manual or S tronic auto ‘box, enough for a 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds and official economy of 50.4mpg.

With the arrival of the 1.4 litre petrol option in the Q3 range, Audi has upgraded the 2.0 litre TFSI to 177bhp (which can be had with FWD or quattro 4WD).

On the diesel front, Audi has upgraded the 2.0 litre TDI to 148bhp or 181bhp, with the 148bhp version now offering economy that’s 7mpg better than before either with FWd or 4WD. The 181bhp version is only available with 4WD.

Audi has also tweaked the suspension of the Q3 for more comfort and the Adaptive Dynamics System – previously an option – is now standard, theres a power tailgate for S Line and above, electric sports seats for the SE and all versions get Climate, 6.5″ colour display, Bluetooth, Auto lights and wipers, Nav preparation (Nav on S Line Plus), leather and cloth upholstery on the S Line and the option for S Line sports suspension.

S Line Plus also gets 19″ alloys, Privacy, metallic paint, leather and Alcantara, Cruise and Parking System Plus.

2015 Audi RS Q3

The RS Q3 also gets cosmetic updates and the 2.5 litre engine is updated to deliver 335bhp and 332lb/ft of torque – enough for 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds – with a new hydraulic clutch plate for faster gear changes, RS sports suspension with the option of adjustable electrically controlled damping, 20″ alloys, RS bumpers, roof spoiler and special door sill plates.

The sports seats in the RS are upholstered in Nappa leather with contrast stitching, there are red needles on grey dials and a special RS menu.

The 2015 Audi Q3 is now on sale – with first deliveries in January 2015 at prices from £25,340 to £30,820 and the RS Q3 goes on sale in January at prices yet to be announced.