New higher-spec Audi Q3 to cost nearly £3000 more than predecessor

This shift is most obvious in the car’s exterior design, which has been influenced by the German car maker’s new premium SUV, the Audi Q8. The new Q3 has slimmer LED headlights (models at the top of the range get matrix LEDs with adaptive beams), a larger grille and more pronounced shoulder lines, creating a significant design contrast to the softer shapes featured on the first Q3.

Buyers can specify wheels of up to 20in (sizes start at 17in) and have their cars finished in more vibrant colours than before. Audi offers a contrasting paint finish for the lower section of the Q3 to create the illusion of a higher ride height, something Audi’s designers say further adds to the SUV look.

Audi will eventually supply a choice of five engines for the Q3, although which of those will be offered to UK customers has yet to be determined. The entry-level Q3 will be powered by a 148bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, badged 35 TFSI. Then there will be two 2.0-litre petrols, the 187bhp TFSI 40 and 227bhp TFSI 45, and two 2.0-litre diesels, the 148bhp 35 TDI and 187bhp 40 TDI.

Interior space has improved compared with the outgoing Q3 because the new version is based upon longer and wider elements of the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. The boot features an adjustable floor and holds up to 675 litres when the rear bench is slid all the way forward. It can move back and forth by 150mm and is split 40/20/40. Fold it down entirely and there is 1525 litres of space. An electric tailgate with hands-free operation is an option.

Like its larger siblings, the new Q3 is available with adaptive damper technology, as well as a long list of driver assistance systems. These include familiar cruise and park assistance features, a 360deg camera view and pedestrian detection. Inside, there’s the familiar suite of Audi technology but, as in the recently launched All-new Audi A1 hatchback, the Q3 inherits its systems from the class above. Entry-level cars get a 10.3in instrument cluster. Top-spec models feature either the 10.3in cluster or, when Audi’s Virtual Cockpit is specified, an optional 12.3in screen that uses Google Earth maps and accepts voice commands.

To enhance the new Q3’s family appeal, in the front of the cabin it has two USB ports, one of which accepts the smaller Type C connector that is likely to become the new standard. There are two more USB ports in the rear, as well as a 12V socket. The new Q3 is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is also offered.

An Audi spokesperson suggested that the 35 TFSI S line S tronic, which is available from £31,680, will likely be the most popular trim level. 

Audi hasn't released an official sales figures prediction for the new Q3, but it is hoping that it will match or exceed the success of the previous generation, which sold roughly 17,000 units in the UK.

Q&A: Matthias Fink, Audi Designer 

Why did the Audi Q3 have to grow up?

“I always say the small dogs bark louder than the big ones. The Q2 is the small dog here. The Q3 is definitely not cute any more. Where the former Q3 was rounder, this one needed to be more abstract so it can be separate from Q2 and fit nicely beneath the Q5.”

Is there a sporting influence in the design?