The all-new Audi Q3 is a little bigger, safer and more connected than before. It’ll arrive in Australia in mid-2019 with pricing and final specifications expected closer to the launch.
THE ALL-NEW AUDI Q3 has been revealed in Europe which sees the compact SUV switch from its old platform to the VW Group’s modular MQB platform. The Q3 is Audi’s third best-selling vehicle globally, just behind the Q5 and A4 Sedan and makes up one-tenth of the maker’s global volume.
To further differentiate the Q3 from the smaller Q2, the new Q3 is now bigger, growing 97mm in length to 4485mm, it is 1856mm wide and 1585mm high. Its wheelbase has been stretched by 77mm. Audi claims this has made for a roomier interior with the rear seats able to be moved fore and aft by up to 150mm. Split as 40:20:40 the rear seats can be tilted through seven positions with the boot space, depending on the rear seat configuration, offering between 530-1525 litres of storage. The loading floor can also be adjusted in three levels and the parcel shelf can be stowed underneath the floor if not needed. An electric tailgate– operated with a kicking motion – is also available as a cost-option.
At launch, the Q3 will be available with four engines – three petrol and one diesel unit in combination with front-wheel or quattro (all-wheel) drive; whether Australia will get all four engine offerings isn’t confirmed. The engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or a fast-shifting seven-speed S tronic transmission – it’s likely Australian cars will only be offered with the automatic.
Audi says the infotainment and operating system in the Q3 has been overhauled, completely removing the analogue instruments. As standard, now, is a 10.25-inch digital display which the driver operates using the multifunction steering wheel. There is also a 10.1-inch touch display, and as a cost-option, the driver can choose a larger Audi virtual cockpit plus with three different views.
According to Audi, the top-spec infotainment system offers the same functionality as product in its premium segments. Its data transfer module supports the LTE Advanced standard with integrated Wi-Fi hotspot for the passengers’ mobile devices, while the navigation system recognises the driver’s preferences based on previous journeys, allowing it to generate suitable route suggestions. Other options include Google Earth and the hybrid radio, which automatically switches between FM, DAB and the online stream to ensure optimum reception at all times – whether this will be available in Australia hasn’t been confirmed. The myAudi app allows connectivity to the vehicle allowing the owner to transfer navigation routes and the smartphone calendar to the MMI and locate where the Q3 is parked. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is supported.
In terms of safety, the Q3 is available with adaptive cruise assist which incorporates adaptive speed assist, traffic jam assist and active lane assist, 360-degree cameras and parking assist, blind spot monitoring and much more.
