The bombing of news by Audi continues in 2018. After the new A6 and A6 Avant, the new Q8, the new generation A1, and the TT update, now it's time to meet the second generation of the Audi Q3.
With the role of Audi's smallest SUV now belonging to the Audi Q2, the role of the new Audi Q3 has been redefined. The second generation takes on a more adult and less playful style; it grows physically, taking it away from Q2 and enhancing its role as a family member by offering more space and versatility; and is repositioned a little higher up in the segment, to better face rivals like the Volvo XC40 or BMW X1.
More space, more versatile
Based on the MQB base, the new Audi Q3 has grown in virtually every dimension. It is 97 mm longer than its predecessor, reaching 4.485 m, it is also wider (+25 mm, at 1.856 m) and has a longer wheelbase (+77 mm, at 2.68 m). However, the height was reduced slightly, by 5 mm, to 1.585 m.
The result of external growth is reflected in the internal quotas, which are higher across the board than the predecessor
Also note the increased versatility, with the rear seat that can be adjusted lengthwise in 150 mm, folds down in three (40:20:40), and with the back seat having seven adjustment positions . Versatility that affects luggage capacity — it starts at a generous 530 l and can grow to 675 l, and if you fold down the rear seat, the value goes up to 1525 l. Still in the trunk, the floor can be adjusted in three levels, and the access height is now 748 mm above the ground — the opening and closing of the gate is now electrically operated.
Q8 influence in the interior
The interior appears to have been influenced by Audi's new fad, the Q8, by presenting similar shapes, even though it doesn't have the same solutions, such as the two touchscreens in the center console — the climate controls are physical knobs and buttons. What stands out is the absence of analog instruments — all Q3s come standard with digital instrument panel (10.25″), with steering wheel controls, with the top versions being able to opt for the Audi Virtual Cockpit (12.3″), which can use Google Earth maps and accept voice commands.
The infotainment system comprises an 8.8″ touchscreen, which can grow to 10.1″ when you choose MMI navigation plus. As expected, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as well as four USB ports (two at the front and two at the back). Also noteworthy is the optional Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D virtual sound, with 680 W of power, spread over 15 speakers.
assisted driving
With the car inexorably moving towards autonomous driving, the new Audi Q3 is also equipped with a range of sophisticated driving assistants. The highlight is the optional system adaptive cruise assist — in conjunction with the S Tronic box only. It incorporates adaptive speed assistant, traffic jam assistant and active lane assistant.
We can add the parking assistants , with the Q3 being able to (almost) automatically enter and exit a place — the driver has to accelerate, brake and engage the right gear. The new Audi Q3 is also equipped with four cameras to allow a 360° view around the car.
In addition to driving assistants, it also comes with the security system pre sense front — capable of detecting pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles in critical situations, through radar, warning the driver with visual, audible and haptic alerts, even being able to initiate emergency braking.
35, 40, 45
The new Audi Q3 will have three petrol engines and one diesel, in combination with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, or quattro, in Audi language. The brand did not specify the engines, but it talks about powers between 150 and 230 hp , with all of them being in-line, turbocharged four-cylinder engines. It doesn't take a crystal ball to figure out that the Audi Q3 will use the 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TFSI, and 1.5 TFSI — which will adopt the 35, 40 and 45 denominations, according to their power, respecting the denomination system now current. Two transmissions are available: six-speed manual and S-Tronic, so to speak, dual-clutch seven-speed.
Dynamically, the Audi Q3 uses a McPherson system at the front and a four-arm system at the rear. Suspension can be adaptive, with six modes to choose from in the Audi drive select — Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Off-Road, Efficiency, and Individual. It can also be fitted with a sports suspension — standard on the S Line — in combination with progressive steering — the steering ratio becomes variable. Finally, the wheels can go from 17 to 20″, the latter coming from Audi Sport GmbH, surrounded by generous 255/40 tyres.
Special Edition at Launch
Production of the second generation Audi Q3 will be at the Győr plant in Hungary, with the first units to hit the market in November this year . As already mentioned, the brand's new SUV comes with a digital instrument panel, as well as an MMI radio with Bluetooth, multifunction leather steering wheel, air conditioning and LED headlights.
The launch will also be marked with a special edition , which brings many extras — the S Line package, sports suspension, 20-inch wheels and Matrix LED headlamps are among them. Exclusive details for this special edition can be seen in the black trim on the Audi rings, the Singleframe grille and the model designation on the rear. Two colors will be available — Pulse orange and Chronos grey. Inside we will have sports seats, with contrasting seams, leather steering wheel with flat bottom, the interior lighting package and upholstery with the appearance of aluminum, finishing with parts of the dashboard and door armrests coated in Alcantara.