The total circulation of Audi Q3 crossovers, produced since 2011, recently exceeded two million units: this is one of the most popular models of the Audi company. And now the third generation SUV has been presented. It is an evolution of the previous model and is based on the MQB Evo platform. And many important updates were revealed last year on the related Cupra Terramar crossover .
Previously, Audi promised that the fashionable design with two-tiered optics would be left for electric cars, while fuel models would retain their traditional appearance. However, the new Audi Q3 has successfully refuted this statement: its main headlights are located under the “eyebrows” of the running lights. The DRLs themselves include 23 light segments that allow you to change the pattern (there are four options by default). For an additional fee, matrix headlights are offered for the first time, each of which includes 25,600 micro-LEDs and can “draw” tips directly on the road. Also among the options, there are rear OLED lights, which come with a glowing rear emblem.
The wheelbase has not changed: the same 2680 mm as the previous model. But the crossover has become 47 mm longer (4531 mm), 10 mm wider (1859 mm) and 7 mm higher (1623 mm) than its predecessor. Aerodynamics have been improved: the Cx coefficient has been reduced from 0.32 to 0.30. Wheels with a diameter of 17 to 20 inches are available to choose from, and the width of the base tires has been increased from 215 to 235 mm. The S line package is immediately offered, but now it is limited mainly to silver decor.
Big changes have taken place in the interior. Transmission control is now assigned to the right steering column switch, although the handbrake button and engine start button remain on the central tunnel. There is no longer a separate climate control panel, its control is concentrated in the central display with a diagonal of 12.8 inches (instead of 10.25 in the previous model). The multimedia system itself has the Android Automotive OS operating system and a built-in SIM card, you can install third-party applications without connecting a smartphone.
The standard equipment includes an 11.9-inch instrument screen and a driver fatigue monitoring camera. Options include a projection display, an advanced Sonos audio system (twelve speakers, 420 watts) and advanced contour interior lighting. Also, for the first time, you can order double-layered front door glass, which reduces noise in the cabin. Synthetic materials and recycled materials are used for the finishing.
As before, the Audi Q3 already has an adjustable rear seat in the basic configuration: its parts can be moved longitudinally and the angle of the backrests can be changed. But the trunk has noticeably shrunk: now 488 liters instead of 530 in the previous crossover. With the rear seat moved all the way forward, the compartment holds 575 liters instead of 675. And with the rear seat folded down – 1386 liters instead of 1525 in its predecessor.
The starting range includes four power units to choose from, but there are no more manual gearboxes – only the S tronic “robot” with two clutches. But one turbodiesel has been retained: the 2.0 TDI engine (150 hp, 360 Nm) is combined only with front-wheel drive. The 1.5 TFSI gasoline engine (150 hp, 250 Nm) is supplemented by a 48-volt starter generator, but such crossovers can also only have front-wheel drive. The only all-wheel drive version is with a 2.0 TFSI turbo engine (265 hp, 400 Nm): the quattro transmission has a clutch on the rear axle. All of the versions listed are with seven-speed gearboxes.
At the top of the range is the plug-in Audi Q3 e-Hybrid. Between the 1.5 TFSI turbocharged petrol four (177 hp) and the six-speed “robot” is a traction electric motor (116 hp). The peak output of the system is 272 hp and 400 Nm, but the drive is only to the front wheels. The traction battery with an effective capacity of 19.7 kW h is located under the rear seat, a full charge should be enough for 119 km of travel in electric mode (according to the WLTP cycle). The DC charging power is only 50 kW.
The Audi Q3 has a modified chassis with a wider track: plus 4 mm at the front (1588 mm) and plus 5 mm at the rear (1576 mm). There are three spring suspension options to choose from: standard, sport and adaptive. In the latter case, shock absorbers with separate compression and rebound valves are installed. Adaptive cruise control is offered, operating at speeds up to 210 km/h. The new parking assistant can play the last 50 meters of the road in reverse order (speed no more than 10 km/h).
The production of the third generation Audi Q3 crossovers has already begun, and at two plants at once – in Gyor, Hungary, and Ingolstadt, Germany. Sales are scheduled to start in October. Prices in Germany start at 44,600 euros, and a plug-in hybrid will cost at least 49,300 euros.
