The Audi Q3 has long been a standout in the compact SUV segment, and the latest model raises the bar even higher. With significant improvements in design, technology, powertrain options, and driver assistance, the new Audi Q3 offers an exceptional blend of practicality, efficiency, and premium features — all wrapped in a fresh, modern package.
Interior: Functional, Comfortable and Clearly Designed
The interior of the new Audi Q3 has been completely reimagined to maximise space, comfort, and technology. A high-contrast design cleverly separates foreground and background elements to create a welcoming, cosy atmosphere.
One standout feature is the Softwrap — a generously sized, soft-touch panel that stretches across the dashboard and doors, emphasising horizontal lines to enhance the spacious feel. The panoramic digital stage is made up of an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen, both curved towards the driver to create a cockpit-like layout previously only seen in larger Audi models.
Audi has also rethought the centre console by relocating the gear selector to a new steering column lever, freeing up space for two cup holders and a sliding cover that hides a cooled inductive charging tray with 15W power and two USB-C ports. Rear passengers benefit from an additional pair of USB-C charging points.
Ambient lighting plays a big role in setting the mood, with the ambient light plus package highlighting key interior lines through marker lights and indirect lighting. A unique laser-cut illuminated fabric panel on the front doors (standard on S line trims and above) offers a dynamic lighting experience with 30 selectable colours, combining both style and functionality.
Audi’s new SONOS premium sound system (part of the Sound & Vision Pack) features twelve high-performance speakers, including a subwoofer and centre speaker, driven by a powerful 420-watt amplifier for an immersive audio experience. Four sound profiles are available, with options to upgrade through Audi’s Functions on Demand.
The infotainment system runs on Android Automotive OS, allowing access to popular apps like YouTube directly from the MMI without needing a smartphone. The intelligent Audi assistant with AI integration appears as an avatar on the central screen and supports voice commands for many vehicle functions, displaying recognised input on the instrument cluster.
Sustainability is also front and centre. Interior materials such as fast-growing wood, recycled polyester fabrics, and Econyl velvet floor mats (made from recycled nylon sourced from fishing nets and waste) underline Audi’s commitment to efficient resource use.
The boot space offers 488 litres, expandable up to 1,386 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The seat bench can slide and recline for added versatility, and the Q3 can tow up to 2,100kg, with a nose weight of 90kg.
Wide Range of Highly Efficient Engines
Audi offers a diverse engine line-up designed to cater to different driving needs and preferences:
Entry-level TFSI 150PS: A mild-hybrid 1.5-litre petrol with seven-speed S tronic and Cylinder-on-Demand technology that shuts off cylinders during light loads to save fuel.
TFSI quattro 204PS: Launching later, this petrol engine adds quattro all-wheel drive and 320Nm torque.
Top TFSI quattro 265PS: A 2.0-litre four-cylinder delivering 265PS and 400Nm torque to all wheels.
TDI 150PS diesel: Front-wheel drive with seven-speed S tronic, ideal for long-distance cruising with 360Nm torque and excellent fuel efficiency.
Plug-in Hybrid e-hybrid (272PS system output): Combines a 115PS electric motor with a petrol engine for a total of 272PS and 400Nm torque. The 25.7kWh battery (net 19.7kWh usable) nearly doubles the previous capacity, enabling an electric range of up to 74 miles (WLTP). It supports 50kW DC fast charging, reaching 80% charge in under 30 minutes.
New Suspension and Driving Dynamics
Audi has enhanced driving comfort and agility with a revamped suspension system. Drivers can choose from:
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Standard steel-spring suspension
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Sports suspension (standard on Edition 1)
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Suspension with two-valve damper control that continuously adjusts damping per wheel based on road conditions, steering, braking, and acceleration for optimal comfort and handling.
The available progressive steering (part of the optional Driver Assist Pack) improves manoeuvrability by varying the steering ratio toward the end of the steering travel and providing better feedback through reduced friction.
The Audi drive select system includes a new balanced mode which optimally balances comfort and dynamic handling and activates by default on every start. Quattro-equipped models can also preselect the offroad plus mode for improved traction on challenging terrain.
Cutting-Edge Driver Assistance Systems
The new Audi Q3 comes equipped with an extensive array of driver assistance technologies designed to simplify driving and enhance safety:
Standard features: Reversing camera, park assist plus with 360° view, adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, lane departure warning with emergency assist, hill hold assist, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitoring, active front assist with evasion and turning assist, and front cross traffic assist.
Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus: Supports acceleration, braking, lane keeping, and assisted lane changes at speeds above 60 mph, using radar and online data for lane guidance even on roads without lane markings. It offers three years of free online data updates.
Emergency Assist: Can safely bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive, complete with warnings and hazard light activation (available with the Sound & Vision Pack Pro).
Interior camera: Monitors driver alertness, triggers warnings, and can autonomously stop the vehicle and call emergency services if necessary.
Trained parking: Lets you teach the car up to five individual parking manoeuvres up to 50 metres long, which the car can then repeat automatically.
Reverse Assistant: Helps reverse out of tight spots by retracing the last 50 metres at up to 6 mph.
Park Assist Plus: Provides steering support for parking and reversing out, utilising four wide-angle cameras offering multiple views on the MMI screen.
Traffic Sign Recognition: Now detects and displays various warning signs, including pedestrian crossings, animal crossings, construction sites, and more.
Conclusion
With its modernised interior, efficient engine choices, innovative suspension, and comprehensive driver assistance features, the new Audi Q3 firmly establishes itself as a leader in the compact SUV segment. Whether you want a stylish family car, a long-distance cruiser, or a technologically advanced urban companion, the Audi Q3 offers versatility, comfort, and confidence for every journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – New Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 offers a range of efficient engines, including a 150PS four-cylinder petrol with mild-hybrid technology, a 204PS quattro petrol, a powerful 265PS quattro petrol engine, and a 150PS TDI diesel. There’s also a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant delivering 272PS with an electric range of up to 74 miles (WLTP).
The new Q3 comes with a standard seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox across all models.
Yes, the higher-powered petrol variants (204PS and 265PS) come equipped with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system for enhanced traction and control.
The Audi Q3 is the first compact Audi to feature digital Matrix LED headlights with advanced micro-LED technology, improving illumination and driver safety. It also offers customisable dynamic coming/leaving home light functions and digital OLED rear lights.
The Audi Q3 is equipped with a wide range of driver aids including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, parking assist with 360° cameras, traffic sign recognition, and an emergency assistant that can safely stop the vehicle if the driver is unresponsive.
The interior boasts a panoramic digital cockpit with an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen, ambient lighting with 30 colour options, a premium SONOS sound system, and sustainable materials such as recycled fabrics and eco-friendly floor mats.
The boot offers 488 litres of space with the rear seats upright, expandable to 1,386 litres with the seats folded down. The rear bench is adjustable for added flexibility.
Yes, it can tow up to 2,100kg with a nose weight of 90kg.
The Q3 offers multiple suspension options including standard steel springs, a sports suspension, and a twin-valve damper system that adjusts damping individually for better comfort and handling.
Yes, it runs on Android Automotive OS, allowing apps like YouTube to be used directly through the MMI without needing a smartphone connection.
