Latest news with #carlaunch
Motor 1
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The New Audi Q3 Gets Split Lights and a Column Shifter
Audi's product renewal is in full swing. After launching the next-generation A5 and Q5, as well as the electric A6 and Q6 E-Tron models in recent times, Ingolstadt is now sprucing up a smaller vehicle. The aging Q3 finally transitions to its third iteration, bringing substantial updates inside and out. The BMW X1 rival may be just another compact luxury crossover, but there are some surprises we weren't expecting. Starting on the outside, Audi is giving the new Q3 split headlights and taillights, even though its bigger brother has skipped this trendy design choice. Only the upper daytime running lights are immediately visible, as the main matrix LED headlights 'hide' behind heavily tinted glass surrounded by glossy black trim. A single headlight contains a whopping 25,600 micro-LEDs, each roughly half the thickness of a human hair. That sounds expensive to replace. 2026 Audi Q3 rear Photo by: Audi At the back, Audi has also separated the taillights with a lower LED light bar, combined with an upper OLED setup. Owners can modify the look of the rear lights by choosing from one of six available graphics, achieved by changing how the taillight's 36 different segments are displayed. The rear lights resemble those of the new A6 and can flank an illuminated badge. Audi has pledged to move away from fake exhausts , and we're glad the new Q3 skips the faux tips. While the Q5 has a visible dual-exhaust setup, even on the base model, its smaller sibling adopts a cleaner rear bumper by hiding the exhaust tip underneath. Perhaps Audi is saving the more aggressive setup for the S and RS versions. Either way, this S Line model features a clear diffuser without any cutouts. The profile might make you think we've mixed up the images and accidentally included press shots of the Q5 instead. The resemblance is uncanny, even though Audi claims the wheel arches have design traits derived from the original Quattro. The higher trims come with 20-inch wheels, whereas the base model features a 17-inch set. Tire width has increased from 215 to 235 millimeters, while the drag coefficient has been lowered from 0.32 to 0.30. 2026 Audi Q3 interior Photo by: Audi The interior is a typical new-generation Audi affair, but without an optional passenger screen. That's probably for the better, since the base Q5 has a weird-looking dashboard when the extra display isn't specified. The driver gets a fully digital 11.9-inch instrument cluster, along with a 12.8-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive rather than a proprietary operating system. If you're like us, you probably won't be fond of the touch buttons on the steering wheel or the thick bezels of the dual-screen setup. There is one notable upgrade not found in any other compact Audi: the Q3 is the first in its class to feature acoustic glazing for the front-side windows, offering a quieter ride. Whether the material quality meets expectations remains to be seen, but the company has acknowledged that its interiors have declined and vows to improve the quality of future products. Audi is relocating the gear selector from the center console to behind the steering wheel. The small lever is mounted on the right side, freeing up space between the front seats for two large cupholders, a cooled inductive charging tray, and dual USB ports. To make this possible, engineers designed a multi-purpose left stalk that incorporates controls for the windshield wipers, lighting functions, and turn signals. Left lever for the turn signals, windscreen wipers, and lights Photo by: Audi Right lever for the gear selector Photo by: Audi Let's talk practicality. With the rear bench in its normal position, the 2026 Audi Q3 offers 488 liters (17.2 cubic feet) of cargo space. Slide the rear seats all the way forward and upright, and the volume jumps to 575 liters (20.3 cubic feet). Fold the bench flat and you unlock 1,386 liters (48.9 cubic feet). Need more? The upscale crossover can tow up to 2,100 kilograms (4,630 pounds). As for engines, the base Q3 comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that can shut off two of its four cylinders to reduce fuel consumption when full power isn't needed. This mild-hybrid unit produces 148 hp and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque, sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Next up is a larger 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 261 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm), paired with Quattro all-wheel drive. On the diesel side, Audi offers the familiar 2.0 TDI rated at 148 hp and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm), in a front-wheel-drive configuration. Both engines use the same seven-speed S Tronic gearbox. There is no diesel and AWD combo at launch. 2026 Audi Q3 68 Source: Audi Perhaps the most interesting option is the plug-in hybrid, though it's FWD only. It combines a 1.5-liter gas engine with an electric motor, resulting in a total system output of 268 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). The battery pack has a net capacity of 19.7 kWh, enabling an electric range of 75 miles (120 kilometers) in the WLTP cycle. When depleted, DC charging at up to 50 kW replenishes the battery from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes. Unlike the gas and diesel models, the hybrid uses a six-speed automatic instead. Audi will launch the new Q3 in Europe this September, with German pricing starting at €44,600 for the 1.5-liter gas model. The plug-in hybrid starts at €49,300. US-bound versions could arrive by the end of the year or early 2026. With the not-for-America Q2 being phased out after a single generation, the Q3 will become Audi's entry-level SUV. An SQ3 should follow, and ideally, a new RS Q3, though it's unlikely to retain the beloved inline-five engine. A swoopy Q3 Sportback is also expected soon to take on the BMW X2. A fully electric Q3 is not currently in the pipeline, but Audi plans to introduce a more affordable EV in the A3 segment as early as next year. Whether it will be a hatchback or a crossover remains to be seen, but we know it'll be built in Ingolstadt and priced below the Q4 E-Tron. The Latest From Audi: The New Base Audi E-Tron GT Is Still Plenty Powerful The New Audi A6 Plug-In Hybrid Has a Decent Electric Range Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Audi Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
BreakingNews.ie
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- BreakingNews.ie
Leapmotor joins the Chinese ranks in Ireland in September
Were you sitting there, fingers crossed, hunched in anticipation of yet another Chinese car brand arriving in the Irish car market? Well, then we have some good news — Leapmotor is coming in September. Leapmotor isn't entirely Chinese, however; it's actually the product of a joint venture between Leapmotor itself, and the vast car-making conglomerate that is Stellantis. That being the case, it's only natural that the Irish importer for Leapmotor is going to be Gown Auto, which already represents eight other Stellantis Group brands here, including Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Opel, and Peugeot (and Honda, which is nothing to do with Stellantis at all). Advertisement Michael Dwan, Managing Director at Gowan Group said: 'Leapmotor aims to become Ireland's best value electric vehicle brand by offering high levels of specification and advanced technology as standard.' Leapmotor is big in China, of course, and has been one of the fastest growing new brands there. Its first models will arrive in Ireland in September of this year, and they couldn't be more different. The first is the small and very cheap T03, which looks like a car trying to wear a Fiat Panda Halloween mask, has a 37kWh battery, and has a range of only 265km. It will be a rival to the likes of the Hyundai Inster and the Dacia Spring, but Leapmotor is promising high-end specifications for the dinky EV, including a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a modern 10.1-inch infotainment system. Advertisement At the other end of the scale is the C10 SUV, which is meant to be a premium-level car and a rival to the likes of BMW and Audi. Leapmotor C10 SUV It boasts a 69.9kWh battery and a range of up to 500km, but possibly of more interest to Irish buyers will be a long-range plug-in hybrid which boasts a range of up to 145km on battery power, and then 900km on a combined battery and fuel tank. It will be notably well-equipped, and will come as standard with electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree surround view camera, heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker premium Hi-Fi system, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, and a ten-inch digital instrument cluster. Prices haven't been announced yet, but the T03 will have to start below €20,000 if it's to compete with Dacia and Hyundai. Advertisement The C10's quasi-premium ambitions make for a cloudier picture, but realistically it's going to have to be priced between €40,000 and €50,000 to compete with mainstream opposition, not to mention the more established Chinese brands such as BYD. As is ever the case with these new brands, ambition is not in short supply. Leapmotor says that by 2028 it will have expanded to an eight-car lineup, including a third model for 2025 — the B10 compact crossover. The B10 and the T03 are already being built in Europe (the B10 in Slovakia, the T03 in Poland) which means they will be able to duck around the EU's Chinese EV tariffs. At the same time, the status of the C10 is less clear, although Stellantis is known to be seeking additional factory space in the EU for a third Chinese EV.
Arab News
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Renault Koleos 2026 makes regional debut in Diriyah
Wallan Trading, the exclusive distributor of French automotive brand Renault in Saudi Arabia, officially launched the Renault Koleos 2026 in Diriyah in a grand event attended by notable guests, media persons and auto enthusiasts. The launch marked the model's debut in the Middle East region. The event featured an interactive reveal enriched by dynamic audiovisual effects, culminating in the unveiling of the new Renault Koleos. Guests had the opportunity to explore the vehicle up close and discover its distinctive design and advanced technological features. Fahad Al-Wallan, chairman of Wallan Holding, emphasized the strong partnership between Wallan Trading and Renault, united in their vision to deliver a premium ownership and driving experience through vehicles known for their elegant design, innovative technology, and high performance. 'The Renault Koleos 2026 represents a significant milestone in the automotive world and is the perfect choice for those who value elegance, refinement, quality, and innovation,' Al-Wallan said. 'The decision to debut Koleos 2026 in the Saudi market, as a first in the Middle East, reflects the Kingdom's growing importance amid strong economic growth and ongoing positive developments. This new generation of Koleos offers a truly exceptional option for car lovers, thanks to its innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and advanced features.' The new Koleos is a pivotal launch within Renault's International Game Plan 2027. It belongs to the D-segment of midsize SUVs and reflects the brand's new design language and its guiding philosophy 'voitures à vivre,' meaning 'cars for living.' The model offers a bold, premium driving experience while prioritizing safety for drivers, passengers, and other road users. Measuring 4.78 meters long, 1.88 meters wide, and 1.68 meters tall, Koleos delivers the proportions of a high-end SUV. A generous 2.82-meter wheelbase ensures ample interior space, with boot capacity of up to 589 liters. The cabin features three panoramic 12.3-inch openR screens stretching across the dashboard, premium materials, and high-comfort seats, all contributing to a luxurious onboard experience. The front seats are heated and ventilated, with the front passenger seat adjustable in six directions, controlled via the dedicated passenger display. Koleos is equipped with an intelligent four-wheel drive system that seamlessly adapts to changing road conditions without manual intervention. On smooth roads, it switches to 2WD for enhanced fuel efficiency. The intelligent torque distribution system adapts seamlessly to slippery, muddy, or sandy environments, providing optimal traction. The 8-speed automatic transmission adjusts to the driver's style, improving over time for smoother performance. It is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generating 235 hp and 350 Nm of torque, ensuring a dynamic and refined drive. Koleos includes six drive modes, including off-road mode, and features 29 advanced driver assistance systems, three of which enable Level 2 autonomous driving. The vehicle uses a 180-degree interface to display nearby traffic in real time. Koleos is also fitted with next-generation active driver assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane centering technology. This system maintains the vehicle's lane position using sensors and cameras, while an emergency lane-keeping function anticipates collisions and assists in avoidance maneuvers. To ensure maximum safety, 18 percent of Koleos' body structure uses hot forming technology, enhancing rigidity and crash protection. This also reduces vibrations and road noise for a smoother ride. The Renault Koleos 2026 is now available across Saudi Arabia with prices starting from SR112,900 ($30,100), excluding VAT. It comes with a five-year or 100,000-km warranty and free servicing for two years or 40,000 km (whichever comes first).
