Meet the new Audi Q3.
Audi’s compact family SUV needs little introduction, with over two million sold since 2011.
The new Q3 gains more sophisticated styling, with details such as the high-set daytime running lights and squarer profile from other recent Audi SUV models – the Q5 and electric Q6. The grille is wider than before, while at the back there are new light clusters joined by a slim light bar. You’ll spot an illuminated Audi logo on the bootlid as well, which is available on S Line and Edition 1 trims.
New Audi Q3 prices and specs
When orders open in July, the new Audi Q3 will start from £38,300. It’s a bit more expensive than the outgoing model because the new Q3 is only available with an automatic gearbox – the current Q3 is still offered with a manual gearbox. But this is the only model that scrapes under £40,000 and avoids the luxury car tax.
As with other Audi models, the Sport trim opens the range. Sitting on 18-inch alloy wheels and ‘comfort’ suspension, Sport includes LED headlights with high-beam assist, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, wireless phone charging (cooled to stop your phone overheating), a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control.
That’s alongside numerous driver assistance features that come as standard, including traffic sign recognition, park assist, an intelligent speed limiter that adjusts your speed when the sign changes, and lane-keep assist.
S Line is a £2,800 upgrade over Sport, and that buys you the S Line exterior treatment – tweaked bumpers, tinted rear windows, S Line badges and body-colour trim. You also get 19-inch wheels, selectable light signatures for the headlights, leather seats, additional ambient lighting and stainless steel pedals.
Top-spec Edition 1 sits on 20-inch wheels and sports suspension, and gets black exterior trim. The headlights are further updated with Matrix LED functionality (giving full-beam power without blinding other drivers), the steering wheel is heated and there’s extra safety kit including rear emergency braking. That’s £44,650, or £6,300 more than the Sport trim.
Diesel Q3s start from £40,000 exactly, while the more powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine starts from £42,000. Plug-in hybrid versions kick off at £45,800.
Interior and practicality
An 11.9-inch instrument cluster screen and a 12.8-inch touchscreen make up what Audi calls the ‘digital stage’. The touchscreen is curved towards the driver, and borrows tech from Audi’s larger and more expensive models.
It runs Android Automotive software – meaning always up-to-date sat nav via Google Maps – and apps such as YouTube are available to download from the Audi Application Store. There’s an AI-supplemented voice assistant to control various in-car functions.
Now that the Q3 is auto-only, the gearshifter has been moved to the steering wheel to free up space in the centre console – just like the latest Volkswagen Tiguan. The stalks have been completely redesigned – they’re stubbier and have less movement than traditional stalks, but should be easy to get your head around once you’ve had a play with them.
The rear seat bench can recline through a few degrees to improve comfort, and the rear bench can slide forwards to free up a little extra boot space. With the seats in their normal positions, the Q3 offers 488 litres, growing to 575 litres with the seats forward.
Audi’s new Impressum cloth fabric, plus any microfibre suede used throughout the cabin, are made from recycled polyester, while the ‘velvet velour’ floor mats are made from ‘old fishing nets, carpet remnants and industrial waste’ as Audi focuses on making its interiors more sustainable.
Engines
A 150hp petrol engine is the entry point, and this engine includes cylinder deactivation to shut down two of the four cylinders under light load – when you’re cruising on a flat road, for example.
Above that, a 2.0-litre petrol engine is available with either 204hp or 265hp; both have quattro all-wheel drive as standard.
It’s a little surprising that Audi is still offering a diesel engine, but the familiar 150hp 2.0-litre TDI will be the most economical for high-mileage drivers.
The most overhauled and interesting engine is the new e-hybrid model. As featured in a growing number of VW Group cars, this packs a 19.7kWh (usable) battery for an all-electric range of up to 74 miles. It’ll fast-charge at 50kW, too, giving a 10-80% top-up in half an hour. This engine will be the best choice for company-car drivers, as well as for private buyers who will mainly do short journeys.
As before, the Q3 will go up against the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.
Read our Audi Q3 review to see why the current one’s so good, and shop used Audi Q3 cars for sale at Motorpoint.
