Latest news with #Q5
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Audi unveils third-gen Q3: New design, tech, and plug-in hybrid power
Audi has officially pulled the wraps off the third-generation Q3 , revealing a sharper, more athletic SUV packed with cutting-edge tech and a broader powertrain 2026 Q3 marks a significant design evolution. Up front, the SUV sports a more aggressive single-frame honeycomb grille finished in black, flanked by sleek split LED headlamps with Matrix projector units and pixelated DRLs. Inspired by the new Q5, the refreshed front end lends the Q3 a sportier, more planted stance. Aerodynamic tweaks, including redesigned air intakes, help the SUV achieve a drag coefficient of 0.30. From the side, the Q3 gets a prominent shoulder line that links the front and rear lighting, visually separating the upper and lower halves of the car. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 20 inches. Notably, it's also the first compact Audi to offer acoustic glazing on the front windows, cutting road noise inside the cabin. At the rear, split OLED tail-lamps are connected by a sleek LED light bar. The tailgate features illuminated Audi rings for the first time, while the clean rear bumper integrates a black skid plate that discreetly hides the exhaust pipes. Inside, the new Q3 leans into a sportier, tech-forward cabin with an all-black interior and layered dashboard design. Dominating the dash are: A 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment systemA 11.9-inch digital driver displayA new twin-lever setup behind the steering wheel—one for gear selection, the other for lights and wipers—which frees up space on the center console 'With the Audi Q3 interior, we are transferring the digital stage from the full-size class to the compact segment,' said Geoffrey Bouquot, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG. The SUV is loaded with features that enhance both comfort and connectivity. These include an Android Automotive OS-powered infotainment system with Audi's AI voice assistant, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, three-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Buyers can also opt for a 12-speaker SONOS premium sound system for a more immersive audio experience. Under the hood, Audi is offering a wide range of powertrains: A 1.5L TFSI turbo petrol with mild-hybrid tech (148 bhp / 250 Nm)A 2.0L TFSI turbo petrol with Quattro AWD (261 bhp / 400 Nm)A 2.0L diesel TDI (148 bhp), without AWDA new plug-in hybrid pairing the 1.5L petrol with an electric motor and a 25.7 kWh battery, delivering 268 bhp and 400 Nm, with up to 119 km of pure electric rangeOn the safety and assistance front, the Q3 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, and driver attention monitoring. It also features a 360-degree camera and auto park assist, enhancing both convenience and peace of mind behind the wheel. 'With the third generation of the Audi Q3, we are renewing an important model family as part of our product initiative and strengthening our range with a powerful plug-in hybrid and efficient combustion engines. The new model combines efficiency, driving dynamics, and comfort.', said Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG.
NZ Autocar
3 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
New Audi Q3 rethinks major drive controls
You're looking at one of the most important models for Audi, its all-new third-generation Q3. This key model is a big seller, with over two million retailed since 2011. The latest offering shows off new styling and a premium interior that includes indicator buttons. Following the Edition 1 release, expect a range of different trim levels. A Sportback variant will also join the range soon. As to SQ3 or a RS Q3 variants, Audi is staying mum for the moment. But with the five-cylinder RS Q3 engine retired because of emissions regulations, expect something electrified in its place. What powers Q3? The Q3 utilises VW's MQB platform, as before, giving it a transverse engine layout and front-wheel drive on many models. Despite resembling the Q5, there's little in common between them. Q3 utilises many of the A3's powertrain options, including a PHEV unit. That comprises a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine matched with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine utilises the Miller combustion cycle for improved efficiency and power and torque delivery that's better suited to working alongside an electric motor. Said motor is mounted between the engine and transmission, feeding power through the gearbox. It is juiced by a 25.7kWh battery, so expect around 120km of EV-only running. System output is an even 200kW with 400Nm. Read our review of Audi S5 Avant here. Expect also base mild hybrid variant, and a 2.0 turbodiesel. A pair of 2.0-litre petrols will feature quattro AWD as standard. The others are front-wheel drive and use a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Design and interior For design, think shrunken Q5. There's a new single frame grille while slimline lights incorporate DRLs and indicators. The main lights are hidden below and have optional matrix beams. The rear takes cues from the new A6 Avant, with complex upper elements and a slim light bar. There's an illuminated four-ringed badge. Wheel sizes range from 17- to 20-inches, with aero-optimised options available. There are Sport and S-Line body styles too. Cabin a marked change It's an all-new arrangement inside. A dual-screen display reminds of the Q5's only here it's smaller, featuring an 11.9-inch display for the driver, and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the centre. There's a new and simplified menu structure, the shortcut panel no longer offered. There's a collection of menus, and a set of climate functions at the base of the screen. Below the screen are key switches for the drive modes and the volume knob. Gone is the old gear selector, replaced by a stalk behind the wheel on the right. In the place of the gear lever is a pair of cupholders and a Qi charge pad. Indicators and wipers are on the left, on a wraparound panel that sits behind the steering wheel. Indicators now operate on a rocker panel, while the wipers are activated by a scroll wheel. Audi calls the panel the 'steering wheel control unit'. The stereo option is a Sonus system rather than Bang & Olufsen. Boot space is a generous 575L, expanding to 1386L with the second row compacted. The rear bench is also on sliders.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
India-bound New-gen Audi Q3 makes global debut with Matrix LED tech, hybrid engines
The 2026 Audi Q3 gets a sporty appearance identical to the new Q5, while also going big on tech and a futuristic cabin Check Offers Audi AG has taken the wraps off the third-generation Q3 globally, bringing all-new styling, tech, and new hybrid engines to the mix. The Audi Q3 is one of the most successful SUVs on sale from the Ingolstadt automaker, with over two million units sold since the first-generation model arrived. The latest Audi Q3 borrows cues from the bigger Q5 with the sporty design language and gets the Matrix LED and OLED technology for its lighting systems, previously restricted to the bigger models. Moreover, the compact luxury SUV is now available in mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine options. New-gen Audi Q3: Design The latest-gen Audi Q3 looks like a shrunken Q5 with the larger single-frame honeycomb mesh grille at the front, flanked by the split headlamps with the Matrix LED technology. The pixel-shaped LED DRLs look futuristic, while the Matrix headlamps positioned below come with 25,600 micro-LEDs that maximise illumination. Also Read : Audi A4 Signature Edition launched in India at ₹ 57.11 lakh. Check details The new Q3 gets the massive single-frame grille and split headlamps with the pixels-shaped LED DRLs, and Matrix LED headlamps The profile remains true to the Q3 and is proportionate with several sharp cuts along the side. The window line extends around the D-pillar and blends well into the rear windscreen, while the roofline has a sloping effect at the rear, albeit without eating into the rear headroom. The side skirts are now finished in body colour, while the window trim is finished in black for a sporty look. Audi offers a range of wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The rear sports an equally sporty appearance as the front, with the split-light setup, followed by the connected bar sitting lower, similar to the new-generation Audi A6. The taillights come with OLED technology (optional) and offer up to six graphics, while the four rings logo is illuminated as well. The bumper looks more aggressive while hiding the exhaust tips on the SUV. The connected taillights on the new Q3 are similar to the new-gen Audi A6 New-gen Audi Q3: Cabin The cabin gets an all-new layout, ditching the vertically stacked screens. The new dashboard features an 11.9-inch digital instrument console, complemented by a new 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, angled towards the driver. The new infotainment unit runs on Android Automotive OS, bringing more seamless connectivity for Android phone users. It does get wireless Apple CarPlay as well. Other upgrades include the new three-spoke steering wheel with capacitive touch buttons. The gear selector has now moved from the centre console to behind the wheel, similar to Mercedes-Benz cars, liberating more storage space between the seats. The cabin gets an all-new dashboard with the three-spoke steering wheel, while the infotainment system runs on the Android Automotive OS New-gen Audi Q3: Tech Apart from the latest Matrix and OLED lighting technology, the third-generation Q3 comes with additional technology, including a more advanced ADAS system with active support at speeds up to 210 kmph. The new ADAS tech will also support lane change assists in excess of 90 kmph. The new assistance systems use cloud-based data to actively maintain a lane even when there are no lane markings. That said, the feature is available as a subscription after the first three years. The new Q3 goes big on tech with advanced ADAS and even an Emergency Assistant that will self-steer the SUV to the side of the road if the driver is unresponsive The new Q3 also features the Emergency Assistant that will be able to self-steer the SUV to the shoulder of the road, in case the driver becomes unresponsive. This system will provide auditory, visual, and haptic warnings, including brake jolts, before pulling the car to the side of the road. Furthermore, the system will inform emergency services if the driver does not respond to any warnings. New-gen Audi Q3: Engines The new Q3 will be available with turbo petrol and diesel mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, depending on the market. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine will come with 148 bhp and 320 Nm with cylinder deactivation tech. There will also be the 2.0-litre turbo petrol churning out 261 bhp and 400 Nm that sends power to all four wheels via the Quattro all-wheel drive system. Diesel power will come from the 2.0-litre oil burner tuned for 148 bhp and 360 Nm, sending power to the front wheels. All three engines will come paired with the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. The new Q3 will be available in 2 turbo petrol, 1 diesel, and PHEV powertrain options, depending on the market Audi will also offer the Q3 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) in select markets with the 1.5-litre TFSI motor producing 114 bhp and 330 Nm, coupled with an electric motor churning out a combined output of 268 bhp and 400 Nm. The PHEV model uses a 25.7 kWh battery pack that delivers an EV-only range of up to 119 km. New-Gen Audi Q3: India Launch & Rivals The next-generation Audi Q3 is slated to go on sale in Europe in the last quarter of 2025 (October - December). The luxury SUV will make its way to the Indian market sometime in 2026 and is likely to be locally assembled. The new-generation Q3 will continue to compete against the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Range Rover Evoque, and Lexus NX. However, the segment also has full-size SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner and Skoda Kodiaq at similar price points. Expect the new Q3 to witness a bump in price when it arrives next year. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 17 Jun 2025, 16:33 PM IST
The Drive
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
The 2026 Audi Q3 Reinvents Windshield Wiper and Turn Signal Stalks
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Sometimes you just look at something and say, 'why?' The Audi Q3 seems to be today's shining example of this situation with its new steering column stalk design. On Monday, the 2026 Audi Q3 made its global debut that brings the small crossover SUV quickly in-line with the rest of the automaker's lineup in terms of design. For now, we don't have U.S. specs, but we can see the automaker's completely over thought the Q3's steering column controls. In an era of over simplification and every single control being shoved into a touchscreen, suppose it's only right to be thankful Audi even retained physical controls for the windshield wipers, turn signals, and gear selector. But what has debuted could be filed under 'because we could.' The control center has been dubbed 'the switch module' and features one piece of plastic that drops down over the steering column with 'stalks' shooting off each side. Those stalks don't actually move. The stationary stalk on the right has a separate piece of plastic that can be toggled up for reverse, down for drive, and gets pushed into put the Q3 in park. Audi said the nub physically moves and provides haptic feedback so drivers know a gear selection has been made. The left stalk-like piece of black plastic integrates the light functions and windshield washer controls. Pushing the plastic nub in engages the windshield wipers while a double press will clean the windshield with fluid. A separate itty bitty silver plastic nub inset from the main lever on the left side prefers the same functions but for the rear window. Toggling the controls up or down engage the turn signals, and pushing the nub back engages the high beams and automatic high beam control. Audi said the new controls were designed and implemented for 'more storage space on the center console.' But almost no cars come to mind that have turn indicators, windshield wiper controls or headlight controls on the center console. The shifter supports the automaker's argument, though. The center console features two cup holders, a storage cubby, and wireless smartphone charger that's actively cooled with up to 15 watts of power. It's augmented by two USB-C ports that can be hidden by a cover. Interior Audi These physical controls are augmented by an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.8-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen runs on Android Automotive OS. The two combined under one curved piece of glass with glossy black borders. Audi said the Q3 will feature a head-up display as well. The interior looks to be a more premium space than today's Q3. The front doors can be optioned with fabric that is cut 300 times by lasers enabling ambient lighting to shine through the fabric at night. The upgraded sound system will be 12-speaker-SONOS branded unit. Audi shrunk the new Q5 and electric Q6 E-Tron's design elements for the Q3's overhaul giving the small SUV a sense of belonging. Bulging fenders provide a more athletic stance than today's Q3. The rear lighting treatment is more youthful and eye catching than its larger siblings thanks to a full-width LED light bar spanning the rear end separate from the taillights. The Q3 shown at the debut, seemingly an S-Line model, features a rear bumper design integrating a diffuser, but exhaust outlets are not visible as the automaker waffles back and forth on exposed exhaust tips. In Europe, the new Q3 will be available with a range of powertrains including a hybrid. Audi hasn't detailed the U.S.-spec Q3, but a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 is expected to be the sole engine available. Today's Q3 has 228 horsepower from its turbo-4 and all-wheel drive is standard. Pricing will be announced closer to market launch in 2026. With more tech and an overly complicated control system it's unlikely the 2026 Q3 costs less than the current model at $41,095 including a $1,295 destination charge. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
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
