Audi’s eighth new reveal this year would be the upcoming new-gen Q3. The crossover has been teased officially by the carmaker and is expected to be launched later this month. Here is everything we know so far about the India-bound second-gen Q3.
Design:
We already know how the new Q3 would look like, thanks to our exclusive digital rendering. And thanks to the official teaser, it has been confirmed that the new Q3 will take all its design cues from the recently revealed Q8 flagship. The new characteristic Audi grille now protrudes out of its fascia and is finished in a contrasting silver finish as seen on the Q8. The newly-designed headlights will have multiple LEDs to go with the new look. The overall silhouette of the crossover will be retained. At the rear, the LED tail light gets Q8-inspired lighting signature, in keeping with the new characteristic styling of the modern Audis.
MQB platform:
The Q3 will move to the new versatile MQB platform which currently underpins everything from Audi TT sports car to the Skoda Kodiaq SUV. The platform helps the Q3 lose a significant amount of weight and also helps it to grow in dimension so that the new Q3 can distance itself from the entry-level Q2. Its length and width are expected to be increased by 60mm and 50mm respectively, while the wheelbase is to be stretched by up to 50mm.
New cabin:
The changes are far more radical inside the cabin of the new Q3. The current model’s cluttered dashboard and centre console design will be replaced by a more ergonomic design, inspired by the larger Q5. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display will replace the conventional instrument cluster, while a dashboard will be redesigned vertically to increase the visual width of the cabin. The increase in dimension will help boost practicality as Audi looks to provide more cabin space for passengers in the rear. Boot capacity is expected to increase as well.
Powertrain:
The new MQB platform also opens up a range of new engine possibilities for the Q3. Initially, the hood will house the usual motors including the 1.5-liter TSI and a 2.0 TDI in different states of tune. It will be followed suit by the more potent SQ3 and RS Q3, both of which will be revealed at a later date. Moreover, there is a plug-in hybrid on the cards as well.
India debut:
Audi has already revealed seven cars this year, of which at least four will make their way to India. The new Q3 will join the four cars – which includes the A4, A6, A8 and the Q8 – when they arrive sometime next year. When launched in India in 2019, the Q3 will continue to rival the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA apart from the new Volvo XC40 and even the forthcoming Jaguar E-Pace.
