News Source: autoblog.com

The Audi Q3 only arrived in the US for the 2015 model year, and for 2016 the compact luxury crossover is already getting a new front end, plus a bump in price to go with the facelift. The cost for the base Premium Plus trim with front-wheel drive is now $34,625, which includes the $925-destination charge on all models. That's $1,200 more than last year.

For the extra money, customers get a resculpted front end that features harder angles in the chrome shield that outlines the grille. The piece now extends to connect to the reshaped headlights, and the air intakes in the bumper get a larger, more aggressive look. At the rear, the taillights also have a tweaked design. Buyers get to choose from new exterior colors, as well, including Hainan Blue, Utopia Blue, Misano Red, and Cuvee Silver. In addition to the revised styling, fore and aft parking sensors and a rearview camera are now among the standard features.

The higher-spec Prestige trim now rings up for $39,525 in front-wheel drive form. It adds features like a standard 7-inch MMI navigation system, power tailgate, blind-spot monitoring, a 14-speaker Bose stereo, and full LED headlights.

New powertrains are not among the list of changes for the Q3. All models still come with a 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's hooked up to a six-speed automatic. Front- wheel drive is standard, but Quattro all-wheel drive is a $2,100-option on both trims. Audi announces pricing for the updated 2016 Q3 crossover

June 03, 2015 | HERNDON, Virginia

Compact crossover receives redesign of front lights, grille, and exterior fascia along with Alu-optic interior MMI controls and interior upgrades

Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera join wide array of standard equipment

Full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals on Prestige trim

Audi today announced pricing for the 2016 Q3. The redesigned compact crossover now boasts a wider array of standard features, including front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, as well as an updated dynamic exterior styling for a balance of luxury and functionality.

2016 Audi Q3

The 2016 Q3 boasts a refreshed exterior aesthetic, with redesigned front lights, grille, bumper, side sills and rear lights. The crossover is now offered with standard 18'' 5-arm turbine design wheels. Also available are 19" 5-double-spoke Offroad design wheels. Inside, the Q3 now features Alu-optic MMI controls, a new cargo cover and other elements for an enhanced interior design. Both the exterior and interior are offered in new colors, including Hainan Blue, Utopia Blue, Misano Red and Cuvee Silver. Adding to the wide array of standard features offered by Q3 are front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera. The Prestige trim now features full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals along with the S line exterior package and 19" wheels.

Standard Features

The Audi Q3 comes generously appointed with a long list of standard equipment, including:

200 hp 2.0-liter TFSI® engine with six-speed Tiptronic® transmission

Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera

Panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade

Audi xenon plus front lighting with LED DRLs and taillights

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Heated, 12-way power front seats

Leather seating surfaces

Audi advanced key

Design and Body

The Audi Q3 model's coupe-like lines are an expression of its sporty character. This is demonstrated by:

Low roof line, flat D-pillars, and a wraparound tailgate

Audi advanced key

Distinctive exterior lighting (full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals now available on Prestige models)

Sharply drawn lines on the flanks frame athletically arched sheet metal surfaces - the defining shadow contour is the Tornado line

The housings of the side mirrors sport LED turn signals

Both the hood and tailgate are made of aluminum

The signature, wedge-shaped headlights house xenon plus lighting and LED daytime running lights, which are combined with LED taillights, all standard

The available power tailgate opens and closes electrically, including via the remote key fob, and swings up to accommodate the spacious cargo area

Interior

The interior of the Audi Q3 is spacious and comfortable for all five passengers. Its elegant, ergonomic design boasts superior build quality. Evidence of the premium character of the Audi Q3 can be seen in every last detail in the interior craftsmanship, in the selection of the materials, in their processing and in the tight, consistent interior gaps.

The cargo area offers a base luggage capacity of 16.2 cu ft. Folding down the split rear seatbacks increases this capacity to 48.2 cu ft.

Alu-optic MMI controls

Standard LED interior lighting – efficient white light-emitting diodes illuminate the doors, foot wells, vanity mirrors, storage compartments and the air vent thumb wheels. LED light guides even accentuate the cup holders

When equipped with the BOSE Surround Sound system, the frames of the woofer/mid-range speakers in the front doors form elegant rings of white light.

The Q3 comes standard with two front airbags, thorax-pelvis side airbags in the backs of the front seats and side curtain head airbags. Also included are safety belt pretensioners up front, belt force limiters and the integral Audi head restraint system.