Audi takes covers off Q3, 4 other models “refreshed”

MANILA, Philippines - “Please enjoy the program as we show you vorsprung durch technik,” invited Audi Philippines head Benedicto Coyiuto at the close of his speech to begin the night’s festivities at the Audi Global City showroom in Taguig City.

While the Audi mantra, which loosely translates to “advancement through technology” might ring true, there was no shortage of eye candy at the event to launch not one but five new products in the four-ringed stable.

Aside from PGA Cars/Audi Philippines executives led by chairman and CEO Robert Coyiuto Jr., the nighttime celebration was attended by Miss Universe first runner-up Janine Tugonon, plus a bevy of towering beauties from the 2013 edition of Miss Ceska, or Miss Czech Republic.

But the unmistakable highlight of the night was the unveiling of the newest member of the local Audi stable, the compact SUV Q3. PGA Cars corporate affairs director Amado del Rosario told the STAR in an interview that the Q3 is a “full-fledged SUV”—shunning the “crossover” tag being bandied about in a segment that melds utility and sedan qualities.

Audi Phils. Sales Director Lito Jose

The Q3, says Audi in a release, comfortably seats five and “sets standards for ergonomics… The wraparound, an elegant arc extending from one front door to the other, is a design feature borrowed from the large Audi model series.”

From a distance, posited Del Rosario, you could mistake the Q3 for full-size Q5. That’s actually well and good—a unified design ethos in the family. This also means you can confidently expect the standard bells and whistles and, well, technik.

As previously mentioned, Audi likes to stress that this is “the real urban SUV,” not a retooled sedan. Thus, we expect commensurate performance courtesy of all-wheel drive, a capable engine, and increased ride height.

The power plant for the Q3’s Philippine appearance is a robust two-liter TDI Quattro, good for 177 horses. As with other Q3 hearts, it features direct injection with turbocharging, and a start-stop system. Mating this diesel-fed engine with a seven-speed, S-Tronic, dual-clutch transmission should make for enhanced efficiency.

We’ll give you the skinny on performance once we get behind the wheel, but Audi-supplied numbers are as follows: zero to 100 kph in 8.2 seconds, top speed of 212 kph. These tell you that the Q3 is no pushover.

In addition to the Q3, satin covers flew off the new A1 Sportback five door, the A4, the A6 executive sedan, and the Q5 SUV.

There is good reason for Audi to be bullish about the Q3 in particular, owing to the heartening sales of the A1. Even as the hatch has proven to be the perfect entry point to the the A line, the Q3 is expected to reach a wider swath of buyers—who may or may not be familiar to the SUV portfolio.

Speaking of new, Audi Philippines also introduced at the affair its newly assigned sales director, Lito Jose, who will be overseeing all Audi sales activities in all dealerships.

For more information visit, any of the Audi showrooms in Greenhills, Alabang, or Global City. Call 727-0381 to 85. Photos by Joey Mendoza