AUDI Q3 SKETCHES OUT AHEAD OF SHANGHAI AUTO

Looks like Audi simply can’t sit back and watch BMW run away with the fruits of the sub-compact SUV market (the X1 that is), without chasing as hard as it can. Therefore development of the Q3 is now at such a super advanced stage that Ingolstadt is confident enough to release these initial sketches of its smallest SUV yet.

The Q3 obviously falls below the Q5, which in turn falls under the massive Q7. It’s a market currently ruled by BMW with the X1 and Audi, which plans on overtaking BMW in sales by 2015, needs a host of new fast-selling products to do so. Included are cars like the A1 hatch and a possible A2. The A3 will expand its range this year to include a sedan. Other markets being explored include that solely occupied by the BMW X6.

Audi will unveil the Q3 at the 2011 Auto Shanghai this month and we’ll also see it at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) this October.

In 2010 Audi sold 1.09 million cars, while BMW pushed 1.22 million. Mercedes-Benz was second at 1.17 million units.