The Q3 is one of the most successful models from Ingolstadt and has been a de facto choice for most people to get into the four rings club. Audi hopes to continue the story with the new, second generation model.
Speaking of which, the new Q3 is built on VW Group’s modular transverse matrix platform, and has grown in virtually all dimensions. It is 4,485 mm long (+97 mm), 1,856 mm wide (+25 mm) and 1,585 mm high (-23 mm). Wheelbase measures 2,680 mm (+77 mm).
As for the design, the new Q3 with its singleframe octagon grille reminds us of the Q8 which was revealed in June. Exterior equipment includes LED headlamps and contrasting wheel arch trims. The top-spec model gets adaptive Matrix LED headlights. Buyers get to customize a contrasting paint finish for the attachments in the lower body section. The S line exterior package includes sportier bumpers and diffuser.
Depending on the trim, the aluminum wheels range from 17 to 20-inch, the latter from Audi Sport are shod with 255/40 tires.
Thankfully, the interiors of the new Q3 doesn’t get the dual display setup like other latest Audis. The air conditioning controls are not in another touchscreen and the driver doesn’t have to take his eyes off the road. Pretty sure it’s not just me who likes at least the air-con controls to be kept that way, always separated from touchscreens.
The central section is tilted 10 degrees towards the driver. Equipment list includes MMI navigation plus with 10.1-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch Audi virtual cockpit (upgradable to 12.3-inch), two USB ports with one type C, 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with virtual 3D sound, and Audi connect with SIM card for European countries.
Audi has done away with the analog instruments for the new Q3. Even with the standard MMI radio, there is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The aforementioned MMI navigation plus also comes with new natural-language voice control.
The S line interior package includes sport seats which can be trimmed optionally with a combination of leather/artificial leather and Alcantara. Other options include ambient lighting package with 30 colors, two-zone air conditioning, auxiliary heating, heated steering wheel and panoramic glass sunroof. Electric adjustability for front seats is also an option.
The rear seats can be moved fore/aft by 150 mm. The seats can be split in 40:20:40 ratio, and can be tilted in seven stages. The luggage capacity goes up to 1,525 liters when the backrests folded down. The electric tailgate can also be opened and closed with a kicking motion.
Powertrains
Audi is delivering the new Q3 with four engine versions, all 4-cylinder turbocharged units – three gasoline and one diesel unit in combination with front-wheel or quattro all-wheel drive. Their power outputs range from 110 kW (150 hp) to 169 kW (230 hp). Transmission continues to be a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed S tronic automatic.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system offers six profiles – from comfortable, highly efficient to out-and-out sporty. Also, buyers can opt for suspension with damper control. Alternatively, there is the sport suspension – standard with the S line exterior package – with tauter spring/damper tuning and progressive steering. Its ratio becomes increasingly direct with increasing steering angle.
Safety and assistance
Safety kit includes Audi pre sense front safety system (as standard), which initiates emergency braking if necessary. Other equipment includes lane departure warning and park assist. Adaptive cruise assist is available optionally in combination with S tronic.
The new Audi Q3 will be manufactured at the Győr plant in Hungary. Vehicles will be delivered in Germany and other European countries in November 2018.
Recommended for you
Leave a Reply
Note: Comments that are unrelated to the post above get automatically filtered into the trash bin.
