2024 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:13
The new Audi Q3 looks a bit chubby. Car designers don't like to hear that. Of course not Marc Lichte either.
But the head stylist at Audi is honest enough to admit that there is definitely room for improvement in the look of the first Q3 - designed by its predecessor. Lichte took advantage of exactly this and gave the second generation of the Q3 a significantly more attractive sheet metal design and more clever proportions.
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The compact SUV grew significantly, now measures 4.49 meters in length (+ 9.7 centimeters), which means that the new Audi Q3 fits into the gap between Q2 and Q5. And in order to give the SUV a sportier look on the road, Lichte and his team lowered the height by five millimeters, raised the front and left the rear roof to fall off later. "This enabled us to improve the headroom compared to the previous model," says Lichte.
Audi Q3 is becoming more variable
The focus is clear: the new Q3 should appeal to the family man more aggressively than before, which is particularly reflected in the package. Because when it comes to variability, you no longer want to be demonstrated by the competition. The height of the loading floor is adjustable, the parcel shelf - otherwise always a troublemaker when the seat backs are folded down - now fits under the loading floor.
The edge has been lowered by 3.5 centimeters to make loading easier. The tailgate is programmable in its swivel height. The flexible rear bench seat is also extremely practical. It can be moved lengthways by 15 centimeters, depending on whether you want more legroom for passengers or more space for luggage. In addition, the angle of the backrests can be adjusted. All this results in a trunk volume of 530 to 675 liters, which exceeds the predecessor by 215 liters. If the backrests are flat - unfortunately there is no completely horizontal surface - it is 1,525 liters, 160 liters more than before. Remote unlocking of the backrests from the cargo area would have been desirable. But it fell victim to the red pencil.
Cockpit like other models
In the cockpit, the Q3 adapts to the latest models from A6 to A8 and even takes over their displays. The series is 10.1 inches; a 12.3-inch screen with touch function and tile display is available for an additional charge. Analog instruments have had their day, as has the rotary push button on the center console. Of course, everything in terms of connectivity that is state-of-the-art today is on board. The cell phone can be charged wirelessly. For a surcharge, the Bang & Olufsen sound system with 15 loudspeakers in 3D quality provides wellness for the ears. And 30 selectable ambient colors in the interior flatter the eyes in the dark.
On the drive side, it will remain conventional for the time being. Anyone who expected a plug-in hybrid at the market launch in autumn will be disappointed. This electrified variant would be expected at the end of 2019 at the earliest. Mild hybridization using 48 volts, already available from Hyundai and Kia, is a long time coming. The petrol side is introduced with the familiar 1.5-liter four-cylinder and 110 kW / 150 PS. The model is then called 35 TFSI. A 40 TFSI is at the rear of the two-liter turbo with 140 kW / 190 PS. With the same engine and 169 kW / 230 PS, the whole thing is called 45 TFSI.
Small engine is enough
Even the smallest engine is completely sufficient for everyday use, even with some overtaking maneuvers it may be more spontaneous. If you need a sporty kick, the 230 hp version is of course recommended, and frequent drivers still use the two-liter diesel. Here Audi offers the 35 TDI with 110 kW / 150 PS and the 40 TDI with 140 kW / 190 PS. What all engines have in common is a high level of comfort, be it in terms of noise levels or chassis tuning. The Q3 is very pleasant and relaxed to drive and reflects the high level of professionalism of its developers.
With the new generation, the production location also changes. If the Q3 previously came from the Seat plant in Martorell, Spain - here Audi needs space for the A1 because the e-tron is being built in its former factory in Brussels - the new Q3 is now rolling off the assembly line at the Györ plant in Hungary. This has no influence on prices. On the contrary, the Q3 will be more expensive, now starting at 33,500 euros. Audi emphasizes, however, that the model has now been equipped with significantly more amenities as standard. Nevertheless, after a few clicks on the configurator, the Q3 quickly approaches the 50,000 euro mark - perhaps a little too much for the family man Audi has in its sights. (SP-X)
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