Audi rolls out new Q3 to get bigger piece of SUV market

Audi's latest compact Q3 SUV [AUDI KOREA]

Audi has introduced a fully revamped Q3 compact SUV on Wednesday in Korea in a bid to get a bigger piece of the country's luxury compact SUV market, which has been booming lately. It is the second-generation of the Audi compact SUV since its global launch in 2011.

The newest Q3 SUV will come in two models, the Audi Q3 35 TDI and the Audi Q3 35 TDI Premium, both of which will be equipped with 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engines and seven-speed automatic transmissions. Both trim will have an output of 150 horsepower and maximum torque of 34.7 kilogram-meters (251 pound-feet).

By utilizing the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, the new Q3's interior is more specious than predecessor models. It is 4.485 meters (14.7 feet) in length, 1.850 meters in width and 1.615 meters in height.

The car's design has been overhauled. It has a larger octagonal single-frame grill and air intake frame, giving it a stronger frontal look, according to the carmaker.

The German automaker added the new Q3 has been equipped with various safety and convenience specifications, including the MMI Navigation Plus, which measures distance from surrounding objects through ultrasonic waves.

The vehicle's fuel efficiency is 14.7 kilometers per liter.

The Audi Q3 35 TDI is priced at 45.52 million won ($37,000) and the Audi Q3 35 TDI premium at 48.02 million won.

BY KIM YEON-AH [kim.yeonah@joongang.co.kr]