One can easily see a new trend setting in the world of cars. All the car makers, big and small, are launching cars meant for all the classes and tastes. As the time is going by, the consumer expectations are shooting through the roof. All the industries are going through a phase where they have to keep evolving their strategies for meeting up to the expectations of the consumer. Keeping with the trend, all major car makers have made a point that they have something for everyone. This is where the product placement comes into picture. For example if you look at the German brands such as BMW, you would see the launch of the X6 is filling a gap by marrying two different car forms SUV and coupe. The newly launched Mercedes CLS is also a marriage between sedan and coupe.

2012 Audi Q32012 Audi Q5

The German car maker Audi is no exception to this trend. Audi has launched a smaller Q5 in the form of Q3. Both the cars are practically the same cars packed in two different forms. Audi Q3, along with the two other Audi’s Q5 and Q7 completes a whole range which offers the benefits of a lifestyle crossover, an ideal family car, and a perfect off roadie respectively.
When it comes to the performance, definitely there is a difference. Audi Q3 is available in petrol as well as diesel variants. The 2.0L TFSI petrol engine generates 170ps(with Quattro) of power and 211ps(with Quattro) of power with turbocharger. The 170ps engine is mated to a 6 speed manual transmission gearbox whereas the 211ps powered engine is mated to a S tronic twin clutch 7 speed automated gear box. The fuel efficiency varies around 36.7mpg and 38.7mpg. The diesel engine is again available in two flavors where one generates 140ps(without Quattro) and another 177ps(with Quattro). Here also the smaller powered engine is connected to 6 speed manual gearbox and the enhanced power engine is connected to 7 speed S tronic transmission. The fuel economy is amazing here and varies from 47.9mpg to 54.3mpg.
On the other side, Audi Q5 comes with more engine options in petrol formats as well as in diesel formats. The petrol engines are available in 2.0L TFSI(180ps), 2.0L TFSI(211ps) and 3.2L FSI(270ps) where first is mated to 6 speed manual, second to 6 speed manual as well as Tiptronic(optional) and the third to S Tronic transmissions. The fuel efficiency is 34.9mpg, 32.8 mpg and 30.4mpg respectively. The diesel engines are 2.0 TDI(143ps), 2.0TDI(170ps) and 3.0 TDI(240ps). The formers are connected to 6 speed manuals whereas the second and third engines are connected to S Tronic. The fuel economies lack behind when compared to the Audi Q3, they are 45.6mpg, 40.4mpg and 37.6mpg.  Quattro all wheel drive mechanism is present in all the variants.
Talking about the exteriors, one would find Q3 a 10 inch smaller than Q5. It comes with 16 inch wheels as a standard. One can opt for various options such as adaptive headlamps, rear dampers etc. The sharper front looks and precised corners of the cars make it somewhat look like a wolf. The crossover Q5 is available in 5 trims. It comes with standard 18 inch wheels, auto headlights etc. It has somewhat the bold looks. Broader headlamps and masculine body defines a big body character.

2012 Audi Q3 Interior2012 Audi Q5 Interiors

Audi Q3 is reasonably spacious on the inside. The interiors are one of the best in its class whereas the interiors of Audi Q5 exceed the expectations every bit. Q5 is roomier on the inside as well. You can also fold the rear seats for more room on the inside. Q5 loads more instruments than the Q3 as that is why it is placed above it.
Both the cars are quite good when it comes to drive terrain and driving experience. Q3 has a limitation though that as the car comes with a rough ride quality in dynamic modes. Q5’s steering is also a little artificial like.

2012 Audi Q3 Rear2012 Audi Q5 Rear
Audi Q3 is prices have  not been announced yet in USA but in Europe it is £24,560 whereas the Q5 could be bought for about $35000 to $43000 in USA and in Europe it is priced at £30,350.