Audi has today unveiled its dazzling BMW X3-competitor in front of a global audience at the Shanghai motor show.
Dubbed ‘Cross Coupe quattro’, Audi, which scooped Manufacturer of the Year in the BusinessCar Awards, is officially calling the forthcoming A5-based concept a design study, but commentators are already saying its daring lines share more than a close resemblance to the production 4×4 Q5 due summer 2008.
But it’s not a Q5, instead the German firm is hinting that its new 4×4 crossover could in fact be dubbed ‘Q3’ if the nod for production is given the go-ahead.
Based on the forthcoming VW Tiguan platform the Q3 would be a more sporting alternative to current vehicles like the X3 and Land Rover Freelander.
The concept also gains a forthcoming 204PS 2.0 TDi engine with Bluetec diesel technology that reduces both particulates and nitric oxide emissions.
The Cross Coupe boasts electronically controlled dampers that not only affects suspension rates but also engine mapping, and automatic gearbox response to ensure the highest levels of performance or efficiency are attained depending on mode selected.
When it eventually goes into production expect pricing to aggressively mimic the Bavarian competition.
