#2 - fkclo :

I think the 170ps version comes with the new 1.8T engine.

#4 - anon99 :

No thx for Haldex system...
Q3 is all about the looks that's all

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWjYBJMBE9Q

#6 - anon99 :

@schumy
Should be another two-part thing
Early bird preview launch for press first, then night show for guests
(These days, press and guests launches are all seperated so that the former can do reportage easier within their sessions while the latter can enjoy the party w/o tabloids involvement)

Worth going? Not sure, depends on individual needs
Usually just some partying and networking, that's it

Even guest party was not easy to go to in the past
Years ago invites were actually mailed out to certain individuals only so that you could then RSVP; no invite, no nothing

Have been to previous A4 and Q5 parties before, just another show so to speak

But honestly, IMHO every party like this that has been advertised in advance, is just another show to attract crowds only
Me? Would prefer real media events instead if I had the opportunity

#8 - anon99 :

Totally agree with fkclo
Press sessions are essentially no-thrills information sessions that cover all important facts and strategies on a new vehicle
Not to mention the passing of useful press materials incl. electronic materials (eg. hi-res images for prepress, press releases) which are again beyond public's reach (unless you are lucky)

Those sales, marketing personnel and PR from auto sectors are not that ignorant but instead 大細超
They probably know (and have studied) a lot of stuff and strategic moves regarding the products concerned, only that they are instructed not to disclose most of that to the pubic but only the media crowd
So, critical questions from the media are generally addressed decently but the sam thing from the public are denied to maximum extent

They simply regard any public people as potential buyers and that if no sales are generated, these public will be regarded as "enemies" and should be treated with disgust etc.

A true auto enthusiast may not just be another mindless fan. He/she may be just as inquisitive as the auto press and is capable of addressing important and critical questions (from the auto press perspective) during a press Q&A, and can probably do a better job than an average tabloids press crew who only care about their targets (ie. celeb guests)

fkclo is right. Save $$ on public parties but spend a bit more on public test drive events and public interaction; also be more open and lenient to drop-in public Joes during media events

#10 - fkclo :

Simcity ching:

"Fkclo c hing, the Q3 170ps version is actually using a detuned 2.0T engine :)"

If this is true, it is really disappointing ! While Audi don't put the new 1.8T engine in ? They already done that on the face lift A4 and A5, but choose to offer 2 power rating for the same 2.0T engine ? What kind of marketing tactics has Audi in mind ?

The only reason that I can come up is the A3 is made in Spain so the new 1.8T engine (should be in strong demand these days) will not be allocated to the A3 line ? Or they want to wait until the next facelift ?

#12 - fkclo :

360HP RS Q3 is on the horizon !!

I want this one :) Forget the "Concept". Make it happen !

http://www.audiworld.com/news/12/rs-q3/

#14 - hct :

Is Q3 designed to compete with BMW X3?
when will the new Q5 be launched?

#16 - fkclo :

I attended the launch party at HKCEC. Nothing really special, but a lot of people. Well, it is a party. Almost nothing said about the technicalities of Q3. It is an event for the mass.

The Q3 looks pretty good in person, especially on the outside. The proportions is right. But externally there appears to be too many joints in the body work - that can disturb clean body line. Internal decor of the show car is a bit dull.

From the product catalogue, many of the hi-tech features from A6 are offered in the line up but as expected not for Hong Kong models.

There are two versions available at this moment :
1) 170HP version of the detuned 2.0TFSI engine that sells at HK$432,000

2) 211HP version that sells at HK$476,000

Both versions come with quattro, 7 speed DSG, panoramic glass roof, automatic start-stop, standard powered front seats.

But base trim is bare minimum for both models. No options are available for the 170HP version. For the 211HP version, the following costs extra:

a. Luxury Package - including Bose Surround sound, Auto Hold, automatic anti-dazzle function and light/rain sensor - HK$14,000 + tax

b. Sports Package - 18" rims with 235/50R18 tires and sport seats in the front - HK$13,000 + tax [ Stock car comes with 17" rims and tires ]

c. Technology package - Audi Drive Select, suspension damper control and tire pressure monitoring display - another HK$13,000 + tax.

Personally, I would say all the above package should be part of the base car so if I am to buy a Q3, the price will be around HK$560,000

#18 - anon99 :

@fkclo
So when did you register for the event?
Did they actually send you an invite, or did you go register online manually?

I wasn't that lucky, registered online 4-27 and thought that was still early, but eventually got no follow-up from them...
Perhaps I should send them a complaint becuz I suspect they actually reserved admissions to a lot of "insider" people between 4-23 to 4-27

You're right. Nothing special for the night bash, but you'd probably appreciate the noon press bash and would've benifited from that instead

So you do know if the Q3's 4WD transfer case is a Haldex 4th gen or better? Or if it comes with additional offroad programs to handle traction?

IMHO those option packages is a must if one goes for the 211hp Q3...
Detuned version? So barebones, much better to be fleet vehicle instead

#20 - fkclo :

@anon99
I received the invitation from Audi marketing. Perhaps I am one of the loyal customers so Audi took the initiative to invite.

No idea about the Haldex quattro, but I guess this has to be the latest generation these days. But apparently torque vectoring is not possible with Haldex.