Audi has recently revealed the third generation of its bestselling SUV, the Q3. The car comes in three variants – two being mild-hybrid system and the other being an e-hybrid.
Before we indulge in what’s under the hood of the Q3, lets take a look at its design. Since the SUV is built on the MQB Evo architecture, it has taken an inspiration from the Q5 in terms of design starting with the trademarked single-frame grille, which is now wider and slimmer. Additionally, the headlights are integrated in the side air intakes, while the sharp looking daytime running lights are the eyes of the car. At the rear, the dual-tier lights that we see on the A6 is also present here and there is also the full-width light strips and diffuser that is integrated into the raised bumper.
The Q3, just like the other Audi models comes with the option of the Matrix LED headlights which now features the automaker’s first use of micro-LED technology. With this technology, each each headlamp contains 25,600 individual micro-LEDs, enabling ultra-high-resolution adaptive high beams. Beyond illumination, these lights can project visual cues such as lane markings and blind spot alerts, . At the rear, customizable OLED taillights are also available.
In term interior, it features a curved display which is a combination of 11.9-inch instrument cluster and 12.8-inch MMI infotainment system, based on the Android Automotive OS and a head display. Other features include the large area illumination in the doors, created by laser-cutting the fabric panel 300 times and a 15-watt cooled Qi wireless charger.
New to the interior of the Q3 is the steering wheel with two new steering column levers in which the right lever acts as the gear selector while the left lever is to control the wipers and the lightings in the car. This means the central gear selector is eliminated and this according to the company is done to enhance the space of the interior.
As for the powertrain, the mild hybrid comes with a 1.5 and 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine that is controlled by the standard seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch transmission. The 1.5 litre delivers delivers 150PS and is equipped with cylinder deactivation while the latter delivers 265PS and 400Nm of torque and has the iconic quattro drive system.
An e-Hybrid powertrain is also available. While full specifications have yet to be officially revealed, early figures indicate an output of 272 PS and 400 Nm of torque. Compared to the previous PHEV model (Q3 TFSI e) , the new SUV comes 25.7 kWh battery—nearly double the capacity—resulting in a pure WLTP electric range of up to 119 km, (50 km range more), and supports DC fast charging at up to 50 kW, allowing a charge from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes.
On the safety and assistance front, the Q3 comes with standard driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, evasive steering assist and lane keeping assist. For those seeking more advanced support, the optional adaptive driving assistant plus enables Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, including automated lane changes.
A first for the Q3 is the enhanced Emergency Assist system, which can now steer the vehicle safely into the emergency lane and bring it to a stop if it detects the driver is unresponsive. Additionally, the trained parking feature allows the Q3 to automatically execute parking maneuvers after learning them once.
The car is set to be launched in the German and European markets this October, with the mild hybrid variants starting from EUR44,600 (~RM218,683) while the PHEV at EUR49,300 (~RM241,728). There’s no plans for a wider international release at this time.
(Source: Audi Press Release / Paultan.org)
