EXCLUSIVE! SPIED: FIRST Audi Q3 SPOTTED In The U.S. — How MUCH Longer Will We Have To Wait?

One of the more exciting segments in the automotive space is the entry-level, premium sport-utility vehicle category. It's a fast growing space and it's clear that everyone is trying to grab a bite of the pie.

Mercedes-Benz is preparing the GLA, BMW acted quickly by getting the X1 on our shores, Audi has said the Q3 is coming stateside, Land Rover graced us with the Range Rover Evoque and MINI brought customers the Countryman/Paceman. If we were betting men — and we are — we'd say it's only a matter of time before Lexus join the ranks. Infiniti already has the EX (QX50) playing the part.

When it comes to Audi we've been told it will go on sale for 2014 but it wasn't clear if that means as a 2014 model year product or actually in the year 2014.

What I do know is this. Our friend, CW, came through again for us and found a rarity indeed. As you'll see in our cover shot, the Audi Q3 has been spied for the FIRST time on U.S. soil. Sporting a set of New Jersey manufacturer plates — note the "DTM" — it was seen in the northern New Jersey area.

ErnestHouse - 4/6/2013 6:33:33 AM

+3 Boost

If you do a little research, the Q3 arriving US has been in the air for years. Tell it like it is. Audi is slow and late to the game. It strikes me they've been lots of hot air and talk of late with little action. A3 limo? Woopee. [insert twirling finger here]. The Q3 has been around a long time yet AudiUSA not permitted it here.

Agent00R - 4/6/2013 10:14:28 AM

-3 Boost

@Ernest you're an idiot.

It's been slotted for 2014 as noted above.

And, yes, they are moving too slowly on this one, IMHO.

ErnestHouse - 4/6/2013 8:34:24 PM

+2 Boost

@Agent00R you are no agent. Lets see, in NA, BMW has what? X1, X3, X5, X6 and now the X4. Now add the 3GT to pickup the people moving out of SUVs but still wanting command seating. Add the BMW 5GT. Audi has ummmm Q5, Q7 and A7. Telling it like it is. BMW: 7 Audi: 3

Agent00R - 4/7/2013 10:13:09 PM

-2 Boost

@Ernest

[sarcasm] If the 3GT has the same success as the 5GT it'll definitely be a winner! [/end sarcasm]

While BMW has volume, Audi has - on a % basis - continued to grow at a rate that continues to maintain steam. This has been ongoing for about two years now.

Audi's the hot brand and momentum is a hard thing to stop.

If you went to the NYIAS this year it was as clear as day. BMW is losing its footing while Audi is picking up MORE speed...

merce63amg - 4/6/2013 11:06:30 AM

+5 Boost

Nice.....an overpriced VW Tiguan.

atc98092 - 4/6/2013 4:43:58 PM

-1 Boost

Except there's a significant difference in the way these two vehicles can be configured. My 2011 Tiguan has at least one option that are no longer available (RNS-510, which includes HD Radio). I don't care for the RNS-310/315 radio at all.

Since we have no idea of a US price for this, how can you say it's overpriced?

If the Q3 has a TDI available, I'd absolutely consider it, although I'm leaning towards the Q5 TDI coming later this year.

CarCrazedinCali - 4/6/2013 5:58:13 PM

+5 Boost

we will pass, this thing is super ugly

GermanNut - 4/6/2013 7:27:06 PM

-5 Boost

What an amazing compact SUV this is. Sure to be a huge hit in the U.S.

BimmersNme - 4/7/2013 10:17:46 PM

+3 Boost

Here in Brazil they are selling in fair numbers. It's a good small SUV, though the design is not for my taste.