New Audi Q3 coming to South Africa soon – What to expect

Audi will introduce the all-new third-generation Q3 in South Africa before the end of June.

This is according to the German automaker’s own local website, which indicates that the SUV will arrive at Audi dealerships nationwide on 27 June.

While pricing and exact local specifications are not yet known, the auto giant has confirmed that the new Q3 will be offered in its entry-level and Sportback guise at launch.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner noted that more than two million Q3 models have been sold worldwide since the launch of the first generation, making it one of the brand’s best-selling models.

“With the third generation of the Audi Q3, we are renewing an important model family as part of our product initiative and strengthening our range with a powerful plug-in hybrid and efficient combustion engines,” he confirmed.

While it remains to be seen whether the plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) make their way to South Africa, images on Audi’s local site strongly suggest they will.

Performance

The entry-level third-generation Q3 will be offered with a turbocharged four-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol motor producing 110kW and 250Nm, which is sent to the front wheels.

This derivative can sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds, and reach a top speed of 209km/h. It maintains a relatively frugal average petrol consumption of 6.0 to 6.6l/100km.

While not yet confirmed for the local market, models fitted with the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine also produce 110kW, with a higher torque spec of 360Nm.

These have nearly identical acceleration and top speed figures, but eclipse the petrol version in terms of average fuel consumption, which is claimed to be between 5.3 and 5.8l/100km.

If images are to be believed, Audi will offer the Q3 PHEV models in both SUV and Sportback guises, with both versions delivering 200kW and 400Nm combined torque.

These will be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 215km/h.

As PHEVs, they boast a claimed 1.7 to 2.2l/100km combined fuel consumption, and a 13.9 to 15.0kWh/100km energy usage.

Audi noted that the PHEV models will be fitted with high-voltage batteries with a gross capacity of 25.7kWh and the ability to recharge with up to 50kW DC under ideal conditions.

This enables the Q3 SUV e-hybrid to achieve an electric range of up to 119 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle, while the Q3 Sportback e-hybrid can drive up to 118 kilometres purely on electric power.

All models will benefit from a further-developed suspension that delivers an improved driving experience, while the optional sports suspension and two-valve damper control will also be available.

Features

Geoffrey Bouquot, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi, noted that the Q3 interior is adopting the digital stage from the full-size class SUVs, including the Q5, Q7 and Q8.

“An innovative operating concept and numerous assistance systems increase safety and comfort and make the Audi Q3 the ideal digital companion for everyday life,” he said.

The SUV is 4,531mm long and 1,859mm wide, and stands on a 2,681mm wheelbase, allowing for expansive cabin space.

Audi noted that, compared to its predecessor, the new Q3 features a more emotional design language, with its wide frame and sleek tapered headlights that integrate into its aerodynamic body.

The Sportback improves on this with more coupé-like aesthetics, including a sloping roofline 29mm lower than the SUV.

At the front, the Q3 sports digital Matrix LED headlights with a micro-LED module used for the first time in this model.

The digital daytime running lights consist of 23 segments per side, creating distinctive light signatures that make the vehicle easily recognisable on the road.

At the back, the SUV can be fitted with optional digital OLED rear lights, which are complemented by a continuous LED light strip and the illuminated iconic Audi rings.

Inside, Audi fitted the Q3 with a new steering wheel control unit, which allows for more storage space in the centre console.

This control unit integrates two new steering column levers for the first time, with the one on the right serving as the gear selector, and the other as a control element for the light functions and windshield wipers.

Another new feature in Audi’s compact segment is the optional acoustic glazing for the front side windows, which promises to improve interior acoustics, particularly at high speeds.

The SUV boasts 488-litre storage, expanded to 1,386 litres with the back bench folded down. The Sportback has marginally less storage at up to 1,289 litres.

Audi Q3