I have just got off the phone to Audi Perth having ordered the Type B struts</font> which are the 'shorter' struts. I twisted his arm and got the pair for £50.80.
The very helpful parts man explained to me that Q3s with the spoiler fitted should have the Type B strut fitted. When he checked the database, he found my Q3 is fitted with the spoiler and the longer reach struts, Type A!
The important thing is that the Q3 does not need to be fitted with a spoiler in order to have the shorted struts fitted. Another thread gave the part number as 827 552B and I can confirm that the number is good.
I have looked on the extant strut and can see the part number (827 552) but not the B, mine in fact are Version A according to the Audi car database.
Assuming I get the parts today, I will fit them tomorrow and put a pst out if they are successful.
Update.
Success. I received and fitted the new struts, takes about five minutes with a flat head screwdriver. Physically, the cylinder end of the strut is the same, however the piston does not extend so far on the Type B strut, about 2cms shorter. When fitted the tailgate open height from the ground was lowered by approx 10cms. Thankfully my other half can now shut the tailgate without the use of a step!!
Edited by: milliganthurso