2012 Audi Q3 Compact SUV Spied

We knew Audi was hard at work developing a compact SUV called the Q3, and now we have (hastily nabbed) spy photos of the thing out in the wild. The camouflaged beast seen here is based on the Volkswagen Tiguan, and will be the smallest Audi SUV, slotting under the Q5 in the brand’s lineup.

While the Tiguan-esque proportions are evident, the Q3 diverges from its VW sibling with Audi’s signature big-mouthed grille and squinty lighting elements, as well as a steeply sloped rear hatch that recalls the back of the small A1 subcompact. Like the Tiguan, expect the Q3 to employ VW Group’s 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-four, and to offer buyers a choice between front- and all-wheel drive.

The Q3 will be tuned for sportier dynamics than the VW, and should offer considerably more equipment and luxury. Base prices for the 2011 Tiguan range from $24,305 for the entry-level front-wheel-drive model to $37,870 for a loaded SEL with 4Motion all-wheel drive. Based on those numbers and the Q5’s $36,075 point of entry, we’d expect the Q3 to start between $30,000 and $32,000 and stretch into the mid-$40K range.

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