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For 2016, the Audi Q3 gets a sharper look and a slightly higher price tag

Audi has published pricing information for the Q3, which benefits from a series of small updates inside and out for the 2016 model year.

The entry-level Q3 Premium Plus costs $33,700 when it’s ordered with front-wheel drive, a figure that makes it roughly $1,200 more expensive than the 2015 model. It comes generously equipped with parking sensors on both ends, a rear-view camera, a panoramic sunroof with a retractable sunshade, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and heated 12-way power-adjustable front seats.

The all-wheel drive Q3 Premium Plus retails for $35,800. Moving up, the front-wheel drive Q3 Prestige is priced at $38,600, an increase of $2,200 over the 2015 model. Selecting the Prestige trim brings niceties such as a navigation system, a power tailgate and a Bose surround-sound system with 14 speakers. Finally, the range-topping Q3 Prestige quattro carries a base price of $40,700, a figure that puts it into Q5 territory.

Visually, the 2016 Q3 immediately stands out from the outgoing model thanks to a sharper-looking front fascia with a bolder rendition of Audi’s trademarked singleframe grille and a redesigned bumper. The back end gets a sportier bumper, while a host of new alloy wheel designs and paint colors round out the list of exterior updates.

Audi has not made any mechanical modifications, meaning the Q3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower and 207 foot-pounds of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, though, as mentioned above, Audi’s time-tested quattro all-wheel drive system can be ordered at an extra cost.

Gas mileage checks in at 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, while selecting all-wheel drive lowers the highway rating to 28. In its fastest configuration, Audi’s entry-level crossover can reach 60 mph from a stop in 7.8 seconds.

The 2016 Audi Q3 will land on dealer lots in the coming weeks.

Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
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