Senok Automobiles introduce Audi Q3

Senok Automobiles Private Ltd, a fully-owned subsidiary of Senok Trade Combine Ltd., introduced the New Audi Q3 to local motor enthusiasts at the Nelum Pokuna Rajapaksa Theatre recently. Acknowledged as the premium SUV in the format of the Compact Class, it is sporty, efficient and versatile, an urban vehicle that is equally at home or off the road. Every aspect of the Q3 showcases Audi technology, be it the body, the drivetrain, the chassis and the assistance and multimedia systems; with many of these solutions coming directly from the luxury class.

Established in 1979, Senok has grown to be one of Sri Lanka's top business groups with nearly a 1000 employees. A pioneer in the construction industry, Senok has over the years diversified and are now involved in key sectors including automobiles, energy, travel, windpower, mining and more.

Senok is associated with some of the world's leading companies, contractors and specialized manufacturers, enabling them to meet their customer's high expectations. "The flagship brand of Senok Automobiles being Audi, which is manufactured to rigorous standards in Germany, has proven highly popular in Sri Lanka. Owned and manufactured by the German Automobile giant Volkswagen, it is a market leader amongst European cars. It's plush interior, sleek design and absolute comfort and safety make the Audi a very special driving experience", said Director of Audi Sri Lanka, Rajieve Fernando.

The Audi Q3 is a compact SUV that first appeared worldwide in June 2011. It is the smallest SUV by Audi and is hoped to be followed by a sibling Audi Q2 in the coming years. Audi is producing the Q3 in Martorell (near Barcelona, Spain), at a plant founded in 1993 and owned by SEAT, Volkswagen Group's Spanish subsidiary which in 1998 was awarded the "Best Factory of the VW Group in the first quarter". The first cars rolled out of the production lines in June 2011 while the decision to produce the Q3 at this plant has given Audi the ability to produce around 100,000 units per year, with the cost of moving there for production rising to approximately €300 million.

According to Fernando, by choosing the Martorell factory, Audi has created 700 new jobs there. Wolfram Thomas, a SEAT Board Member for Production, said "the Q3 represents the SEAT employees' excellent preparation and premium car making skills", while Frank Derves of Audi said "the Martorell factory is an extremely productive facility with a highly skilled workforce; one that meets the exacting quality standards of our brand".

The Q3 is immediately recognizable as the youngest member of the Audi family. The coupé-like lines are an expression of its sporty character. Sharp edges frame elegantly arched sheet metal surfaces, and distinctive lights accentuate the front and rear. The wedge-shaped headlights are available as a xenon plus version including LED daytime running lights.

The low roof line, which begins dropping rather early, and the very flat D-pillars underscore the dynamics of the Audi Q3. Add-on parts are available in a number of variants - customers can choose between black, anthracite or the body color. There is also a choice of two exterior packages.

The base version of the Audi Q3 weighs just 1,445 kilograms (3,185.68 lb). It's rigid, safe and quiet occupant cell integrates a number of ultra high-strength steels. Both the engine hood and the tailgate are made of aluminum. As is typical of the Q models from Audi, the undivided tail lights are integrated into the tailgate, which wraps around the pillars, while the coefficient of drag is a low 0.32.

Describing the features of the Audi Q3, Fernando said it offered ample room for all five passengers and set new standards for ergonomics and workmanship. "A wide variety of materials and colors for the interior offer customers countless possibilities for expressing their own personal style. The wrap-around, a large arc extending from one front door to the other, is a design feature borrowed from the large Audi model series".

The luggage compartment of this compact SUV has a capacity of 460 liters (16.24 cu ft), which can be increased to 1,365 liters (48.20 cu ft) by folding down the split rear seat backs. A roof rail is standard. Many useful options, including a luggage compartment package and a load-through hatch, make the Q3 even more enjoyable for everyday use.

The engine lineup for the Audi Q3 offers the choice of two TDI and two TFSI engines. The four-cylinder engines combine direct injection with turbo charging and a start-stop system. With power outputs ranging from 103 kW (140 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), these engines are as efficient as they are powerful. The Q3 2.0 TDI with 103 kW (140 hp) and front-wheel drive averages 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (45.23 US mpg).

"Audi pairs all engines with an output from 125 kW (170 hp) with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which uses a hydraulic multi-plate clutch. The seven-speed S tronic comes standard with the most powerful TDI and TFSI engines. The dual-clutch transmission showcases an innovation that enhances efficiency even further. When coasting, it allows the Q3 to free-wheel when the 'efficiency' mode of Audi drive select is active", said Fernando.

The chassis of the Q3 featuring a four-link rear suspension, electromechanical power steering and wheels measuring between 16 and 19 inches in diameter, is the fruit of great design labor. An electromechanical parking brake and hill hold assist are standard, with hill-descent assist to be available later. Audi drive select enables the driver to adjust various technology modules, including the optional suspension with active damper control, in four stages to suit his or her individual driving style.

Audi also offers options for the Q3 taken directly from the luxury class. These include the adaptive light system for the xenon plus headlights, the panoramic glass roof and an LED interior lighting package. The range of driver assistant system is without peer in this segment.

The park assist system autonomously steers the car into a parking space; Audi side assist uses radar to make changing lanes easier; Audi active lane assist helps to maintain the lane; while the speed limit display recognizes important traffic signs.

In the area of infotainment, Audi offers a whole set of modular components, at the pinnacle of which is the hard drive-based navigation system MMI navigation plus. The Bose surround sound system delivers 465 watts of power to 14 speakers, while the Bluetooth online car phone with WLAN hotspot connects the Q3 to the Internet.