Audi Q3 | new car sales price

The Audi Q3 is the brand's local sales hero, and is positioning itself to attract even more buyers with a new entry level version. Audi has unveiled the new 2.0 TDI quattro, which will be priced from $47,500 -- slipping in under the $49,450 2.0 turbo petrol model.

The newcomer is powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 103kW and 320Nm, mated with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission delivering torque to all four wheels.

The 2.0 TDI quattro is also the new Q3 leader in the economy stakes, using 5.8L/100km on a combined cycle. Its $55,000 diesel sibling carries the same engine, but with 103kW, and coming in at 5.9L/100km.

Standard features are more lavish in the higher-priced variant, but the base model still fares well with leather seats, 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control aircon, rear park assist, light and rain sensors, front foglights and Bluetooth with audio streaming.

Audi Australia is confident the new model will strengthen the Q3's position in the market.  “It is the best-selling SUV in its segment and the addition of this new entry-level model is significant, because it creates a more affordable entry point into quattro, making it unrivalled in this class," managing director Andrew Doyle says. “We believe sales of the Q3 range will continue to grow with this introduction.”

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott