Ingolstadt, Germany – Audi revealed the new Q3 yesterday in an event held on the piazza at the Audi Forum Ingolstadt. Given the usual groundswell of content covering such reveals, we’re going to try something a little different with this latest launch by spotlighting the most important elements and linking the full information and photo galleries now housed in the ooooIKYK Audi Archives should you wish to go on a deeper dive. We’ve also added all associated launch video to the ooooIYKYK YouTube Channel.
New Q3: The Basics
With the new Q3, Audi revealed a four-drivetrain lineup with its new Q3. These include a frugal 1.5 TFSI (148 hp) with cylinder deactivation and mild hybrid system, a 2.0 TFSI quattro (262 hp) that’s the most likely to see duty in the U.S.A., a TDI (148 hp) and e-hybrid (268 hp total system hp) boasting 74.6 mph of pure electric range.
Based on the latest version of the Volkswagen Group’s MQB modular platform matrix for transverse engine cars, this Q3 marks an all-new design with particularly significant changes centered around user interface hardware including large panoramic infotainment screen mimicking the latest and more luxurious MLB and PPE-based Audi models, plus unique new steering column mounted controls.
Other hardware upgrades also carry into the Q3 from Audi’s larger offerings. For starters, there’s a trick suspension with dynamic damper control. Beyond that, driving assistance hardware has also gotten a heavy-up with the addition of parking system plus with distance display, cruise control with preparation for adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with emergency assist, traffic sign recognition, attention and fatigue warning with driver monitoring and active front assist with evasion and turning assist, front cross traffic assist and front emergency brake assist.
New Design Skips Facelift Generation of Outgoing Model
Audi’s pace of launch for the Q3 is an interesting one for two reasons. First, the current second-generation Q3 also underpinned by the MQB matrix never got a mid-lifecycle refresh (a.k.a. Product Improvement, a.k.a. PI). That’s atypical of standard operating procedure for product lifecycle.
We’re not exactly sure why Audi went straight to the all-new model but have a few theories. For starters, other models within the Volkswagen Group were ready for a full new generation, and likely any and all of these were fast-tracked for the all-important-nowadays infotainment hardware update.
And though the Q3 sells well around the globe, it hasn’t been as obviously successful in the U.S. market as has the Q5. This new version clearly looks more upmarket than the Q3 it replaces.
Introduces New SUV Language in Smallest Offering
Another interesting move while on the subject of launch cadence is the introduction of an all-new Audi SUV design language with the Q3. Based on what we can see in spy photos of the upcoming all-new Q7 and Q9 SUV models, the Q3 appears to be a scaled down version.
On one hand, the Audi SUV lineup needs updating with the current Q7 (type 4M) now in its second facelift since it was first introduced – an extension likely pushed due to Audi’s adjustment to market demand of internal combustion models.
On the other hand, introducing the smallest model as the launch of a new design paradigm can be risky. Often letting the more luxurious models lead and then disseminating downward into more affordable offerings tends to be the more common practice.
Look Inside. Pay Attention to the Stalks
While the inside of the outgoing Q3 is conventional, it appears the focus on this new model appears to be a more engaging and less traditional experience for occupants. Traditionalists will grouse, but Audi’s betting the panoramic screen, apps, repositioned gear select, lighting functionality and more will appeal to a new generation of drivers seeking a new and different experience.
One key element to take notice of are the steering column mounted levers on the left and right. On the right side are transmission/drive controls that have been relocated from the traditional position on the center console. On the left are other controls including light and windshield wiper controls.
It’s a handsome if non-traditional design, one that follows many other automakers attempting to rethink the position of drive controls in a post-manual-transmission or even post gear-select world. If it proves to be loved by Q3 customers, expect to see it in other Audi models going forward. No doubt it will be polarizing for other drivers who prefer the long-held tradition of placing drive select on the center console.
What of SQ3, RS Q3 or Sportback?
Okay, so the Q3 is more of stylish Audi take on the small crossover A-to-B appliance genre, which means it’ll likely be a market success even if driving purists grouse. In the past with the RS Q3 or other models like the SQ2 and SQ5, Audi has offered more sporting versions with hotter motor setups. Thy’ve also offered Sportback body variants of their Q models. Can we expect that from the Q3?
Sportback seems likely. Audi’s pushing a new “SUV” naming convention in their configuration tools and press releases, as in a Q5 SUV is a traditional wagon-like crossover body style while a Q5 Sportback has the more sloped coupe-like rear. Audi calls this Q3 the Q3 SUV, a giant hint that the Sportback is likely a foregone conclusion.
Sport models are maybe a bit more of an X-factor. Right now, the hottest version is the 2.0 TFSI, but we know that MQB has hotter components such as the high output 2.0 TFSI and optional rear torque vectoring differential of the S3 and also the 2.5 TFSI 5-cylinder of the RS 3 and the outgoing Europe-only RS Q3. Rumors suggest the 2.5 TFSI may be challenged to meet emissions regulations, so its days could be numbered. However, these remain rumors for now.
Whatever the case, offering a sporting image leading model of the Q3 makes sense wherever Audi wants to grow the Q3 business. Whether or not such models would be a hybrid as is expected to be the case on the next-generation RS models, remains to be seen but we’d guess is unlikely. Audi doesn’t currently offer quattro hybrid models in other MQB-based models such as the A3 range.
North American / U.S. Details
Neither Audi of America nor Audi Canada have put out plans or details for the new Q3 as of yet. We reached out to Audi of America directly and a representative said that details will be forthcoming closer to the U.S. market launch.
If the current Q3 is an indicator, then the 2.0 TFSI quattro model seems like a no-brainer given that’s the only drivetrain offered in the current North American Q3. The hybrid would also make sense as an expansion on the Q3 model range.
Why would Audi of America wish to expand the Q3 range in ways they haven’t already? For starters, Chinese volume is down and the U.S. market was seen as one of the key ways to make up for this shift. More recent American tariffs have thrown a wrench in that planning, though the Q3 is one of few models Audi could more readily shift to domestic U.S. production by using the Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, TN where MQB-based VW models are already in production.
Want to Know further Details about the New Q3?
Read the full Q3 press release in the ooooIYKYK Audi Archives reference project HERE.
PHOTO GALLERY
