Audi has unveiled its second-generation Q3, which is scheduled to come to India sometime in the future. When it arrives in the country, the new premium SUV will rival the likes of the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA and Volvo’s XC40.
In Audi’s international line-up, the Q3 is no longer the smallest SUV, with the Q2 taking that position. This means that the Q3 is pegged as a more practical and generously equipped version, with more mature styling to match.
In terms of design, the front-end of the new Q3 is clearly inspired by the flagship Q8 SUV, with slimmer LED headlights (top-spec trims are expected to get matrix LEDs with adaptive beams), a larger front grille and more pronounced shoulder lines, creating a significant design contrast to the softer shapes featured on the earlier model, currently on sale in India.
Wheel sizes range from 17-inchers to 20-inchers and Audi now offers the SUV in a dual-tone look, with a more vibrant colour palette. The blacked-out bottom bits create the illusion of greater ride height that serves to accentuate the SUV-like look of the new Q3.
The cabin of the new Q3 is roomier than the previous model, as it is based on a new version of VW’s ubiquitous MQB platform, which has also seen overall length and width increase marginally. The boot now comes with an adjustable floor, holds up to 675 litres of luggage and can be expanded to 1,525 litres thanks to the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats.
There’s more equipment on offer on the new Q3 as well. Adaptive damper tech and a rather long list of driver assistance systems such as cruise and park assist features, a 360 degree camera and pedestrian detection are now available on the Q3. Entry-level models get 10.25-inch instrument cluster as standard while higher variants will get Audi’s Vitual Cockpit (a 12.3-inch screen with Google Earth maps and voice commands compatibility) as an optional extra.
There’s also two USB ports at the front (with a Type C connector as well), two at the rear along with a 12V charging socket for the rear passengers. The Q3 will be available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
In international markets, the entry-level Q3 (35TFSI) will be powered by a 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill will be offered in two states of tune – 190hp (40TFSI) and 230hp (45TFSI). The 2.0-litre diesel engine also gets two states of tune – 150hp in the 35TDI and 190hp in the 40TDI.
The previous-gen model on sale in India is powered by a 150hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel in 150hp and 184hp states of tune.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
