What's New in the New Audi Q3

First introduced to the world in 2011, this is a serious facelift for the second generation Audi Q3, and it’s completely new from top to bottom. So, which bits are worth getting excited about?

Sportier and more imposing

The new Q3’s exterior falls seamlessly into Audi’s current design philosophy, blending the edginess of the Q2 with the sophistication of the practical Q5. There’s no question the Q3 now boasts sharper, more aggressive lines, and it’s bigger too, which helps to ramp up the road presence of the German manufacturer’s baby SUV. It’s going to be taking on the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, the Mercedes GLA and BMW X1, so there’s serious competition when it comes to making sure the Q3 looks the part. 

This is certainly helped by the new model’s lighting configuration, with all trim levels coming with LED headlights, scrolling indicators and distinctive LED taillights. At the front, those lights frame a huge octagonal grille which is more angular than the previous generation, adding to the Q3’s dynamism. If you want your car to look as striking as possible, go for the S Line trim for a reworked front bumper, 19-inch alloy wheels and lower suspension for that sportier, more aggressive stance. 

Conclusion: the exterior may be somewhat predictable, but if you like Audi’s styling then you’ll love the improved design of the new Q3

Ramping up the luxury

Whether you’re familiar with the Q3’s more sizeable sibling or not, the Q8 has had a major influence on Audi’s baby SUV when it comes to interior styling. The new Q3 cabin taps into the design language of the Q8, bring a heightened level of elegance and finesse from the previous model. It’s all about luxury, sportiness and intuitive design, and you can feel that in everything from the safety systems, to the Virtual Cockpit display and the 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen that resides in the heart of the dash. The infotainment system hooks you up to Audi Connect, with a three-year subscription included, while the optional Bang & Olufsen speaker system packs a serious punch. 

Your passengers won’t have to be tapping their feet to your tunes to enjoy their ride in the new Q3, as it’s more spacious than the last generation. This is because the front and rear wheels are now further apart, giving you more room throughout the cabin. There’s plenty of space in the boot too – 500 litres, in fact, with the rear seats up. Pop the seats down for a truly cavernous load space, which just about sums up the practicality offered by the Q3. 

Conclusion: packed with great features and an overflowing feel of premium elegance

Brand new engines

There are going to be four engine options to choose from at launch, three petrol and one diesel. There are also plans to introduce Audi’s e-tron plug-in hybrid engine to the Q3. Currently, Audi offer the green power unit on the A3 and Q7, where it achieves incredible fuel economy compared to petrol and diesel versions. 

The diesel Q3 35 TDI will initially be available as a 2.0-litre engine that produces 150hp, with manual transmission and all-wheel drive. Shortly after launch, you’ll be able to get your hands on a 190hp 2.0-litre diesel, as well as seven-speed S tronic versions and front-wheel drive, bring the diesel options pretty much into line with the current Q3. 
It’s all change with the petrol engines though, as Audi brings its new engine line-up to the 2019 Q3. The manufacturer has ditched its 1.4-litre petrol in favour of a 1.5 TFSI, which will be available as the Q3 35. The automatic version offers 150hp, with a manual option due just after launch. 
The two more powerful petrols are both 2.0-litre units, and available as all-wheel drive automatics at launch. The Q3 40 TFSI delivers 190hp, while the 45 TFSI gives you 230hp underneath your right foot. 

Conclusion: the engines will be similar to the previous model in terms of performance – until the Q3 gets Audi’s e-tron hybrid motor

In numbers…

 

2019 AUDI Q3

2018 AUDI Q3

Min

Max

Min

Max

Power (HP)

150

230

150

184

Fuel (comb MPG)

TBC

TBC

40.4

62.8

Emissions (CO2, g/km)

TBC

TBC

117

161

Top Speed (mph)

TBC

TBC

126

136

0 – 62mph in…. (seconds)

TBC

TBC

7.6

9.6

Price

TBC

TBC

£27,915

£33,615


There’s plenty of worthy competition out there in this class at the moment, and that’s reflected in the upgrades you’ll find on the new Audi Q3. It’s bigger, more imposing, sportier and increasingly aggressive, yet the elegance and sophistication once you step inside is sure to impress. If you want to check out the new Q3, why not head down to your nearest Inchcape Audi and take one for a test drive?