For these reasons, the new Audi Q3 will continue to be, for a long time, the best-selling Audi in Spain.

More than two million units of the two previous generations of the Audi Q3 have been sold worldwide since its market debut in 2012. A model that already made an exponential leap in design, versatility, and safety and comfort equipment with the second generation presented in 2019, and now once again makes a strong statement to remain a benchmark in the premium compact SUV segment.

In fact, the outgoing Audi Q3 is the best-selling model of the four-ring brand on the Spanish market. And the new model has many arguments to keep it that way. Let’s review them.

Design: sportier and with greater customization options

For now, Audi has presented the SUV version, but the Sportback body variant, which is very well received in Spain, will soon join the range. And there is no denying that the new Q3 has presence and substance. It looks muscular from every angle, at least in the versions with the sportier trim, with a more than evident resemblance to its “big brother,” the new Audi Q5, when viewed from the front. However, it offers distinctive features at the rear, with a shape and arrangement of the light clusters, split into two sections, that we had not seen on any Audi until now. Without a doubt, design will remain one of the Q3’s strong points.

As interesting new features, the rear lights can be equipped with digital OLED technology and the logo with the illuminated rings Audi, while the sleek front headlights use micro-LED technology for the first time for the optional digital Matrix LED lights, improving night-time lighting and, according to Audi, especially in adverse weather conditions. These are not the only lighting innovations: functions such as lane guide light or orientation light improve safety by linking more directly with driver assistance systems. Of course, as with every new model from the brand, depending on the version and equipment, the Q3 also offers a choice of digital light signatures from the MMI in the cabin, in this case up to four different ones. And there are up to three designs for the welcome or farewell lights when entering the vehicle or switching off the engine.

The aerodynamics and cabin insulation have also received special attention: the drag coefficient Cx is 0.30, and for the first time in a compact Audi model, acoustic glazing is used in the front windows.

Among the eleven body colors available, there are two new ones, Sage Green and Madeira Brown, the latter being exclusive to the Q3 in a matte finish. Wheels can range from 17 to 20 inches.

Interior: just as practical but more digital

Inside, the new Q3 also gains a great deal, adopting the “digital cockpit” that has been a hallmark of every new Audi presented since the launch of the Q6. This means the “small” SUV receives technology from its bigger siblings, with the panoramic display featuring an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster followed by a 12.9-inch touchscreen. It also brings the Android Automotive OS operating system, the voice assistant with integrated artificial intelligence, and decorative details that add exclusivity, such as the upholstered door panels with ambient lighting already used in the Audi A3.

A new detail in the Q3 is the integration of two stalks or levers on the steering column: on the right side, the gear selector, freeing up the center console, and on the left side, a module for controlling the lights and windshield wipers. The idea is good, but we will have to see whether its operation, at least in the case of this new left-side stalk, offers advantages over a conventional lever.

At 4.53 meters long, 1.86 meters wide, and 1.59 meters high, the new Q3 gains about 5 centimeters in length and a few millimeters in height and width, while maintaining practically the same wheelbase. Interior space should therefore be very similar to that of the outgoing model, with the added versatility of rear seats featuring a sliding bench and an adjustable backrest angle. Boot capacity is 488 liters in the least favorable position, and up to 575 liters with the bench moved forward and the backrests upright, compared with the 530 liters of the current Q3.

Engines: TDI, TFSI with mild hybridization and a plug-in hybrid

This is another key to the Q3’s success: a powertrain range for every need, with diesel, petrol, or an interesting plug-in hybrid option. All come with a seven-speed S tronic gearbox and front-wheel drive.

The two entry-level options are well known. The 2.0 TDI produces 110 kW (150 CV) and remains an unrivalled choice for covering long distances with minimal consumption. The 1.5 TFSI, also with 110 kW of power, does feature MHEV mild hybrid technology and therefore the ECO label from the DGT. It also has selective cylinder deactivation.

From the start, the Q3 e-hybrid is also announced, using the propulsion technology of the A3 PHEV, still named TFSIe. It offers a system output of 200 kW and, with a 25.7 kWh battery (almost double that of the previous Q3 PHEV), promises an electric-only range of up to 120 km. It can also charge with direct current at up to 50 kW.

For now, Audi has disclosed the prices of the entry-level versions, with two surprises: the new Q3 is not only slightly cheaper compared with list prices (other matters are possible offers), but the TDI and TFSI cost the same: 46,950 euros. Later, a 2.0 TFSI with 195 kW (265 CV) and quattro four-wheel drive will join the range.

Other improvements in the new Q3 affect the chassis, with the option of a new suspension featuring dual-valve damper control. In the Audi drive select, the “balanced” mode replaces the “auto” program, and numerous functions have been improved and added to the extensive catalogue of driver assistance systems.

Audi Q3 – Image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

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