Slated to make its public appearance at Auto Shanghai 2011, the Audi Q3 looks promising.

Audi says that its new Q3 is a premium compact SUV that will set new standards for engineering with state-of-the-art assistance systems and multimedia systems. While it will be presented at Auto Shanghai 2011 on April 19, it is expected to arrive in Singapore in the second half of 2012.

The Q3 gets two 2.0 TFSI petrol engines variants: 170 bhp or 211 bhp. While the 177 bhp Q3 comes with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, the 211 bhp TFSI will have Quattro (all wheel) drive with a seven-speed S tronic gearbox.

With claims to have the sportiest drive among compact SUVs, the Audi Q3 will have a four-link rear suspension, responsive steering and an optional Audi drive select system. The system works by accessing the accelerator and steering positions, it allows the driver to choose between comfort, auto, dynamic and efficiency modes. It also comes with an electronic differential lock, which works with an electronic stabilisation program to regulate the distribution of drive torque to the wheels.

Inside, the Q3 comes fitted with LED ambient lighting, panoramic glass roof, electrically adjustable sport seats and keyless entry. It too can be specified with a connectivity package which adds mobile playback device support and a MMI plus system which adds GPS functionality.

Safety assistance functions include lane change radar, Audi active lane assist and a camera-based speed limit display. The park assist system with 12 ultrasonic sensors, is capable of detecting obstacles in blind spots. More than that, it can memorise the obstacle’s locations after parking, which it will use to alert the driver the next time the car is started up.

“The new Audi Q3 is perfect for urban drivers who want a premium state-of-the-art SUV that is versatile for the urban driver’s everyday use,” said Reinhold Carl, Managing Director of Audi Singapore. “We are looking forward to this exciting model.”