Before you roll your eyes and sigh, “Another Audi that we won’t get for some time”, know that this third-gen Audi Q3 is coming (relatively) soon. It will jump the queue of India-bound models like the A5, the new Q5, the new A6, the Q6 e-tron and the A6 e-tron and should go on sale in our market by mid-2026.
We’ve driven one in sunny, rainy and windy Scotland to tell you what to expect. The news is good.
2026 Audi Q3 exterior design and engineering - 8/10
New Q3 is about the same size as the outgoing model.
The new Q3 is all of 40mm longer than the outgoing model, while the wheelbase remains unchanged. It’s the similar footprint that lends familiarity, because in styling, the new Q3 takes a very different direction from older Q3s. Gone are the subtle angular cues of the Gen 1 and Gen 2 models, and in comes a more flamboyant styling treatment.
A large honeycomb grille with a 2D Audi logo that hides the ADAS radar takes centre stage, but what could split opinion is the now commonplace arrangement of split headlamps. The high-set LED daytime running lights do wow with four configurable light signatures, while the main headlights optioned with Digital Matrix LEDs hide a few tricks too. They can project a carpet of light to illuminate your lane and also project arrows to warn you if you’re veering off your lane or if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot. Really cool.
Q3 for India to get 18-inch rims.
There’s a generally softer treatment at the sides of the new Q3, with the blister-like effect above the rear wheels adding muscle to the stance. As before, buyers will have the choice of the conventional SUV body style (featured here) and the Sportback option that gets a coupe-like roof. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 20 inches, though 18-inchers will be standard for India. Here’s hoping Audi opts for an exciting design for the India-spec model this time around.
There’s a split look for the tail-lamps as well, with the main units available with OLED illumination as an option. A light bar runs the width of the tailgate, and the Audi logo lights up when low beam or high beam is selected. Do note, the model featured here is finished in sporty S Line trim with black detailing that contrasts really well with the body paint. In all, the new Q3 looks stylish and better in the metal than it does in the pics.
New Q3 is based on Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform.
Under the skin, the new Q3 is based on the latest version of the VW Group’s MQB platform. There’s more tech than before, and Audi says a lot of work has gone into enhancing the dynamics, too.
2026 Audi Q3 interior space and comfort - 8/10
New Audi Q3 interior has a youthful vibe.
The new Q3’s cabin is a likeable space. The dashboard ticks the tech checkboxes with its large central touchscreen and digital dials, but it’s done with flair, and there’s a general youthful vibe inside. Our test car’s metal-like dash overlays, Alcantara trim and contrast stitching sure helped to this end. Overall quality is good, with all touchpoints feeling worthy of an Audi, though you will find hard plastics low down on the dash.
As with earlier Q3s, you get a slightly elevated driving position and good all-around visibility, which put you at immediate ease. Front seat comfort is good, the flat-bottomed steering is great to hold, and it’s easy to find a comfy driving position. What does feel like a forced change, at least initially, is the new control panel behind the steering. The right arm of the panel is home to the gear selector, while the left arm bundles wiper and light functions, of which there are many. However, it’s easy to get the hang of this new control layout.
Moving the gear selector to near the steering has freed up more storage in the centre console. The Q3 serves up a wireless charger, two cup holders and a large box between the front seats. Bottle holders at each of the doors and a well-sized glove box are other on-board storage options.
At the back, the new Q3 feels as spacious as the old model. That is to say, there’s enough room for two six-footers to sit in comfort (headroom and kneeroom are good), but a third passenger would be a squeeze. The rear bench is well-padded, gets backrest adjust and can be slid fore-aft, too, though these functions are primarily to maximise luggage room and not passenger comfort.
With the seats in their stock setting, the Q3 offers 488 litres of luggage room. The luggage bay is well-shaped, and there’s also the flexibility of 40:20:40 split-and-fold rear seats for times when you need to maximise space for luggage. It’s safe to assume Audi will make the most of the space under the boot floor to strap in a spare tyre for the India-market Q3.
2026 Audi Q3 features and safety - 8/10
11.9-inch dials and 12.8-inch touchscreen form curved display.
The Q3 takes a big step forward in tech. The 11.9-inch digital dials and 12.8-inch touchscreen (angled slightly towards the driver) are vibrant and very slick to use. The touchscreen is packed with features, gives the option to download additional apps, and yes, offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, too. The thing is, at a time when others are bringing buttons back, Audi has gone all in on its touchscreen. The lovely click-clack physical climate control dials of the old model have, sadly, been dropped, meaning you have to use the screen for air-con settings, too, which isn’t ideal on the go.
Aside from the screens and exterior lighting covered earlier, the Q3 also packs configurable ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera (the resolution could be better) and 3-zone climate control. A sunroof will undoubtedly be part of the package for the India-spec model.
In terms of safety kit, the Q3 gets the essentials like 7 airbags, ABS and ESC. Audi has been behind the curve in rolling out ADAS functions in India, but things should change by the time the new Q3 makes its way here. The Q3’s ADAS suite includes features like emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. An emergency assist feature can also steer the car and bring it to a halt on a shoulder if the vehicle detects an unresponsive driver.
2026 Audi Q3 performance and refinement - 9/10
India to get Q3 with 204hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
The Q3 is offered in Europe with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains. India, however, will get the Q3 only with a 204hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard-fit Quattro all-wheel drive. Audi claims a 0-100kph time of 7.1 seconds for this version of the Q3, so zippy performance is almost a given.
Featured here is the Q3 with the 2-litre engine but in a higher 265hp state of tune. The claimed 0-100kph time drops down to 5.7 seconds, making this a properly brisk car. It’s very responsive to throttle inputs and feels almost too eager in town. You have the option to dial things down with drive modes. On open stretches, the engine came into its element, delivering strong, smile-inducing performance. Maybe Audi should consider the 265hp version as an enthusiast’s special for India?
2026 Audi Q3 fuel efficiency - 7/10
Expected to deliver a mileage comparable to the current Q3.
2026 Audi Q3 ride comfort and handling - 9/10
Q3’s small size makes it easy to drive in town and on hilly roads.
What the Q3 also continues to get right is ride comfort. Our test car, on its 20-inch rims, wasn’t ruffled by potholes and uneven patches, and straight-line stability was as good as you’d expect of a German car. Holding the key to the Q3’s plush ride is a new optional damper with individual controls for compression and rebound, essentially allowing more precise response to different kinds of road imperfections.
Scotland’s weather can change from bright and sunny to grey and wet in minutes. Over unfamiliar wet roads, there was a confidence in knowing all-wheel drive was working in the background.
2026 Audi Q3 price and verdict - 8/10
Power and performance could give Q3 an edge over GLA and X1.
You could argue that the new Q3 isn’t revolutionary, but at a time when cars are being reduced to gadgets on wheels, the Audi does stand out by being a mechanically sound and enjoyable-to-drive package. In fact, the combination of a 204hp petrol engine and all-wheel drive immediately gives the Q3 bragging rights over the petrol Mercedes GLA and BMW X1 that it will rival. In its latest avatar, the Audi also matches rivals on tech and goodies.
We estimate ex-showroom pricing to be in the region of Rs 50 lakh, and for many, it will be money very well spent.
Lenny D'sa
Sergius Barretto
Saumil Shah
Gavin D'Souza
