More striking and aggressive new Audi Q3 officially revealed
If approved for South Africa, expect sales to start in early 2026.
Third generation Q3 derives heavily from the Q5, A5 and A6 aesthetically. Image: Audi
Teased in a one-off image just over a week ago, Audi, towards the end of Monday evening (16 June), officially debuted the long awaited second generation Q3 as the moniker's first completely new model since the current debuted in 2018.
Defined by the 'Four Rings' are 'more dynamic' and 'more muscular' than the original, the noticeably more compact looking new Q3 derives heavily from the A5 and A6 on the styling front, while incorporating a similar philosophy inside.
The latest model to move to the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), a heavily revised version of the Volkswagen Group's already overhauled MQB Evo, the Q3 retains the option of both petrol and diesel engines, but for the first time, with electrification in the form of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid assistance.
Styled to also resemble its step-up sibling, the Q5, the Q3's dimensions surprisingly didn't receive any mentioning, though Audi does confirm boot space of between 4-litres and 1 386-litres and a tow rating of 2 100 kg.
Mounted on no less than 17 alloy wheel designs ranging from 17-inches to a first-time 20-inch, the Q3's exterior sports Ingolstadt's latest Singleframe grille, thin upper LED headlights, expansive air inlets positioned directly underneath, an active air inlet as part of the lower airdam, and an optional illuminated four rings logo.
At the rear, the light cluster adopts a similar split design, with the upper section – resembling the previous generation Q5 and even the original Hyundai Kona – being separated by a thin strip of the bootlid from the full-width light bar connecting the predominately the indicator cluster.
Along with a mesh pattern on the bumper, an imitation diffuser has been integrated below and illumination made available as option for the four rings logo.
In another model first, the Q3 comes fitted, albeit as an option, with Audi's latest digital Matrix LED headlights consisting of 25 600 micro-LEDs in each module capable of projecting warning signs onto the road at speed above 70 km/h when detected.
As before, the S line appearance package can be had as option, joined by a choice of 11 colours; black, Arkona White, Glacier White Metallic, Arrow Grey Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic and Progressive Red Metallic.
New options are Madeira Brown Matte and Sage Green, while Daytona Grey makes a first-time appearance solely on S line models only. The final option, Tambora Grey, is reserved solely for Advanced trim grade variants.
Inside, the completely redesigned interior has been slightly refined from the Q5 as it omits the option of the third display on the passenger's side.
Highlighted by an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch MMI infotainment display seemingly unique to it, the Q3's biggest innovation, aldus Audi, is the complete removal of the retraditional steering column-mounted stalks for two individual levers.
Whereas one serves as the gear selector that moves from the centre console, the second comes equipped with buttons for the lights, indicators and windscreen wipers.
Elsewhere, the pair of wireless smartphone chargers feature cooling vents and most of the interior material options made from recycled cloth, so-called Econyl originating from finishing nets, resistant wood and polyester depending on the selected option.
A new steering wheel and optional Head-Up Display, last-cut fabric for the ambient lighting and a cost-optional 12-speaker, 420-watt Sonos sound system rounds the interior off.
In terms of safety and driver assistance, either standard or optional systems comprise Park Assist, an interior camera monitoring system, City Traffic Assist, around-view camera system, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Attention Alert, Evasive Steering Assist, front and rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Emergency Brake Assist.
Underneath, the Q3's move to the PPC platform has seen the introduction of a new adaptive damper system as option to the standard steel or sport setup, improved steering and removal of the Auto mode within the Drive Select system for the newly named Balanced.
Completing the mechanical revisions, the Q3's engine options spans four options, all but one modelled around its 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI engines.
As before, the range kicks-off with the 1.5 TSI Evo that features 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance and produces 110kW/250Nm.
Next up, the electrically assisted 2.0 TFSI develops 195kW/400Nm and comes standard with quattro four-wheel-drive unlike the front-wheel-drive only 1.5 TFSI.
The sole diesel option meanwhile produces 110kW/360Nm and as with the former TFSI, sends its amount of twist to the front axle only.
Regardless of the engine though, the only available transmission is the seven-speed S tronic.
Completing the range, the Q5 e-Hybrid combines the 2.0 TFSI with a 19.7-kWh battery pack powering an 85kW/330Nm electric motor.
Combined, the setup develops 200kW/400Nm, enough for a 119 km all-electric range. The claimed time from 10-80% is 30 minutes using a DC charger up to 50 kW.
On-sale in Europe from October with pricing in Germany from €44 600 for the entry-level 2.0 TFSI, the Q3 will again be assembled at the Győr Plant in Hungary and while unconfirmed for South Africa at present, should arrive in early 2026 if given approval.
ALSO READ: All-new generation Audi Q3 showing itself this year
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