The third generation of Audi’s entry-level SUV, the Q3, has been launched in India. It replaces the second-gen Q3, which went on sale here back in 2022, and is built on the newer MQB Evo platform. As a result, the new Q3 is much more advanced on the tech front and brings design overhauls, both inside and out. It is priced at Rs 51.99 lakh, ex-showroom. That's an increase of Rs 8.32 lakh over the previous Q3. We compare the new Q3 to its predecessor to find out all that’s changed.
Audi Q3 new vs old: Exterior design
Visually, the differences between the two Q3 generations are immediately apparent. Where the old Q3 featured a clean and understated design, the new one is much more aggressive in look. Stretching the tape at 4,531mm long, 1,859mm wide, and 1,623mm high, with a 2,681mm wheelbase, the third-gen Q3 is also larger than its predecessor in every dimension.
Up front, the old Q3 came with sharp-looking single-piece headlamps, while the new model sports a split-headlamp setup – sleek pixel-style DRLs up top and Matrix LED lights below. The grille of the new Q3 is wider, lacks vertical bars and a chrome surround and bears a 2D Audi emblem instead of the 3D one seen on its predecessor. Lower down, both Q3s have a subtle silver skidplate, but the third-gen model has a larger air dam with a honeycomb-patterned cover.
The side profile of the new Q3 has a fresh set of 18-inch alloy wheels, more sculpted panelling, more prominently flared wheel arches, and some black trim pieces above the D-pillars to create a ‘floating roof’ effect. Like the front, the rear end of the new Q3 ditches its predecessor’s single-piece lights in favour of a split setup that’s connected by an LED strip, and the Audi logo is illuminated too. The rear bumper of the new model is also more sculpted and houses a pair of faux air exits and a beefier silver skidplate.
Audi Q3 new vs old: Interior and features
Inside, the third-gen Q3 marks a tremendous departure from the outgoing model. The dashboard of the new Q3 has a neater and more layered design, with a new four-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel instead of the old rounded three-spoke one. Atop the dash sits a duo of curved displays, specifically an 11.9-inch digital driver’s display and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen – both larger than the ones in the old Q3.
The central air vents have been repositioned to the centre console in the new Q3, and there are much fewer physical controls in the cabin compared to the prior model. Lower down, the gear lever of the old Q3 has been done away with in the new model – the function is now controlled via a stalk behind the steering wheel. As a result, the transmission tunnel is more uncluttered in look in the third-gen Q3, though its gloss-black finish would be a bit more difficult to keep clean.
Coming to creature comforts, the new Q3 bests its predecessor with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a heads-up display, heated front seats, a 12-speaker Sonos sound system, nine airbags, adaptive cruise control and more. Elsewhere, features like dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, a wireless charging pad, among others, are common between the two Q3 generations. Boot space, however, is where the third-gen Q3 is down on the prior model – 488 litres vs 530 litres.
Audi Q3 new vs old: Engine and gearbox
Under the bonnet, the third-gen Q3 retains its predecessor’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine, but with an uprated output of 204hp and 320Nm – up 14hp over the old Q3. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive are also standard fit on both Q3s, but at 7.1 seconds, the third-gen model’s 0-100kph time is quicker by 0.2sec. The new Q3’s 229kph top speed is also 7kph higher than that of the outgoing model.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
