Abt Audi Q3

Too good for the city

It is not yet certain whether the new Q3 is going to be the ultra-trendy set of wheels for the urban scene or whether it will be the favoured shopping car of suburban Mums, but never mind. The tuners at Abt Sportsline have come up with a motto to justify what they have done to the mini-Q, although the end result of their efforts is almost too good just for downtown show-off cruising. Both the pair of two-litre petrol-powered engines and the two TDI motors of the same capacity have been considerably enhanced in their power outputs. The 170 horsepower petrol engine now gives 210 horsepower while the version with a standard 211 horses now boasts 250. A buyer opting for the 140 horsepower diesel can now see this pushed to 170, and the ‘big’ TDI drives into the Abt workshop with 117 horsepower will leave the yard with 195 horsepower under the hood.

Too good for off-road

The Audi specialist tuner do not ignore the visuals of the Q3 by any means. As well as a front fascia marked by large air intakes and a new radiator grill there is additional width the sides of the vehicle. To improve on the rear aspect of the Q3 there is a new skirt with quad exhaust tubes and a roof spoiler. As far as the suspension is concerned Abt have installed sports springing and their own make of CR and DR alloys in 18 to 20 inch format. In this configuration the car will not be much use off-road which brings us back to the city streets after all… and to the fulfilment of the promise of “maximum urban sporting character”.