“I always say the small dogs bark louder than the big ones. The Q2 is the small dog here. The Q3 is definitely not cute anymore. Where the former Q3 was rounder, this one needed to be more abstract so it can be separate from Q2 and fit nicely beneath the Q5.” Said Matthias Fink to reporters at the launch of the all new Audi Q3.
The all-new Q3 does indeed drop the rounded look of the first generation and adopts sharper edges and creases, typical of the new design language flowing through the latest generation of Audis.
The all new Audi Q3 is based upon the same MQB platform shared with the VW T-Roc, Audi TT, SEAT! Arona, Skoda Kodia to name but a few.
With the new Q2 sitting below it, the Q3 has actually grown in size, slightly wider, slightly longer by a few centimeters which sounds not much but it will give a boost to interior comfort and cargo capacity.
Taking external and internal design cues from the Q8, the all new Audi Q3 displays slimmer LED headlights, a more pronounced front grille, ‘shoulder pads’ on the rear fenders inter-mixed with neat crisp creases flow around the bodywork.
The latest Audi Q3 design language appears subtly aggressive, more mature and sophisticated than the first generation model it replaces.
Of course, there will be a familiar range of petrol and diesel engines, entry-level models will be equipped with the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 148bhp TFSI 35 petrol engine.
The 4-cylinder 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine will be available in two power derivatives, 187bhp and 227bhp.
Next is the diesel, the tried and trus… the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder TDI diesel engines will again be powered by two derivatives, 148bhp and 187bhp.
Technology includes the latest Audi can offer, driver assists will include park assist, lane change monitoring and driver alert functions. You want a better sportier ride? then adaptive damper technology might be the option for you.
The Q3 is seen as a rival for the Volvo XC40, and one area where the Volvo has a distinct advantage is their semi-autonomous driving function, something Audi does not offer… just yet.
As standard entry-level cars will get a 10.25-inch digital infotainment system, a 12.3-inch infotainment is optional much as it is dependent on spec, as is the Audi Virtual Cockpit, a fully digital instrument binnacle.
Indeed the all new Q3 will have a familiar suite of technologies thrown into that very swanky looking interior including smartphone integration with Android and Apple devices, multiple USB ports and the internet, 4G.
And those of you who prefer bumf-bumf-bumf sound systems then Audi will also offer 15-speaker mega-blaster sound from Bang & Olufsen. Although it will command a costly a premium.
The Audi Q3 is due to go on sale in the UK starting at an expected £27k for entry level models. sometime during Q4, 2018. Although pricing has yet to be confirmed.
The Audi Q3 stylish and sophisticated look continues to work even a few years down the line. For buyers who are late in joining the Q3 bandwagon, the Group 1 Automotive Audi has a selection of approved used vehicles that are available with their click & collect service. The urban commute friendly design means that a lot of used models are available with low mileage in a range of 7,000 to below 5,000, for approximately two-thirds of the price of a new car.
If you are reading this in America land then be prepared to wait for the arrival of the all new Q3, a trade war is looming with the EU.
If you are reading this in Norway, then High-Five.
