2019 Audi Q3: Tested This Week
The Car Guide is on its way to Bolzano, Italy for the first drive of the new second-generation Audi Q3 SUV. Completely redesigned, and looking very much like a smaller version of the stylish new Q8, the new Q3 is larger than the outgoing model and comes loaded with new tech features.
Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB transverse-engine architecture, the new Q3 is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, and it also looks much more athletic with A5-styled svelte haunches over the wheel wells. The Singleframe grille is larger and sports eight vertical slats, while the headlights have also grown in size. The Q3’s profile is very reminiscent of the Q8 and it rides on a wheelbase that is some 7.8 centimetres longer, making the cabin roomier and allowing for a 15-centimetre fore-and-aft adjustment of the second-row 40/20/40 seats that also recline.
Turbo power and All-wheel Drive
As the Q3 will be sold worldwide, five different engines will be offered including three turbocharged gasoline engines and two turbo-diesels. For North America, the likely choices will be the Q3 40 TFSI, which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine developing 188 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and quattro all-wheel drive, as well as the Q3 45 TFSI, with power and torque uprated to 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet.
The new Q3 will also feature a six-mode dynamic handling system with Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency, Off-Road and Individual settings. Available safety tech includes forward emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The Q3 rides on wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches as well as a strut front suspension and a multilink setup at the rear with adaptive dampers being optional.
Connected and Stylish Interior
The new dashboard design features the Audi virtual cockpit digital instrument panel and a new infotainment screen that is positioned in the lower part of the dashboard, angled towards the driver with conventional HVAC controls sitting right below. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard as do four USB ports, two in front and two at the rear where a 12-volt outlet is also found.
Circle back here soon for full details and driving impressions on the new second-generation Audi Q3 SUV, which should arrive at Canadian dealerships in 2019.