Audi Q3, more efficient than ever

The brand with the intertwined rings continues to renew its range with the third generation of the Q3. Coming to dealership showrooms in a few weeks, this compact SUV promises to be a formidable rival to the BMW X1. This is good news for consumers who haven't yet decided to make the leap to electric, as the new Q3 will offer a wide range of combustion engine options.

From the first contact, what strikes you is its design, even more refined than before. The headlights are thinner, the shoulder line is still as muscular, the hollowed sides offer a play of light, and the front end is nothing more than a wide gaping space between the enlarged grille and the vast side air intakes. The designers have particularly paid attention to the lighting signature at the rear, which is based on a horizontal band and arrow-shaped blocks that extend onto the fenders. The lighting also uses new technology. At the rear, the Q3 adopts OLED digital lights. The dimensions of the SUV based on the MQB Evo platform have not been communicated, but they should be close to the current model. The designers' work is rewarded by the reduction in air resistance. The aerodynamic Cx is lowered to 0.30.

Inside, the Q3 also undergoes a revolution with new ergonomics based on the relocation of the automatic transmission to a control unit located to the right of the steering wheel. The space freed up on the center console is used for storage. This new layout contributes to the feeling of space. The panoramic panel includes a customizable 11.9-inch instrument screen and a 12.8-inch screen facing the driver for the multimedia system. As on the previous model, the rear seat slides. The trunk volume varies from 488 liters to 1,386 liters with the seat folded down.

Under the hood, the Q3 range is based on three models at launch: a 150 hp 48V 4-cylinder mild hybrid petrol engine with cylinder deactivation, a 150 hp 4-cylinder TDI turbo diesel and a 272 hp 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid. Its battery with a usable capacity of 19.7 kWh allows an electric range of 120 km. Like the group's latest models, the battery can be recharged at a 50 kW DC terminal. Finally, Audi announces that it has improved the comfort/dynamism ratio of the suspension, which can be fitted with an optional electronically controlled version. Prices for the new Q3 range from 43,850 euros for the TFSI version to 55,000 euros for the plug-in hybrid model.