The all-new third-generation Audi Q3 SUV is finally here, and as you’d expect in any Audi, it’ll come with a whole boatload of lighting features. This time though, the German carmaker has truly gone above and beyond with the compact SUV’s lights…
For one, the Matrix LED headlights on the all-new Q3 are now powered by micro-LEDs (a whole 25,600 of them), which Audi says offer enhanced illumination despite measuring just 40 micrometres thick—about half the width of a human hair.
In addition to their usual ability to dim certain areas to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, they are now also capable of projecting information onto the road, such as arrows and signals, with information fed from the extensive driver assistance functions.
Then there’s the daytime-running lights, which comprise 23 separate components in front, and 36 at the rear if you opt for the digital OLED rear lighting system. They offer multiple selectable light signatures, along with customiseable coming- and leaving-home lighting displays.
And of course, there’s also the Four Rings emblems, which light up at night, telling people exactly what you’re driving around.
The new lighting design complement the car’s new looks, which now takes on an angrier and more muscular look compared to the outgoing model. With a combination of smooth curves and sleek bold lines, the all-new Audi Q3 boasts an improved drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd. Buyers can also choose from five wheel designs, ranging from 17 to 20 inches in diameter.
The all-new Audi Q3 can also be optionally configured with the S line package that further enhances its looks with sportier front and rear bumpers finished in Selenite Silver, along with black exterior accents.
Inside, the all-new Audi Q3 gets a curved panoramic display with a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, paired with an 11.9-inch digital cluster and a head-up display. The gear lever is now mounted on the steering column as a stalk, freeing up space in the centre console – but unlike your traditional push stalks, the ones here utilise buttons instead.
A 12-speaker Sonos sound system is available, while the infotainment runs on Android Automotive OS, supporting third-party apps like YouTube via the Audi Application Store. For added refinement, it’s also the first Audi in the compact segment to feature acoustic glazing on the front windows.
Nine interior trims are available with the all-new Audi Q3. Sustainable materials such as recycled polyester and fast-growing wood materials are used across all trim levels in places such as floor mats and seats. The boot measures at 488 litres, and is expandable to 575 litres with the second-row seats moved all the way forward in the most upright position. With the second row seats folded down, interior space is increased to 1,386 litres.
The all-new Audi Q3 will be offered with four powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants. Petrol choices include a 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI engine with mild-hybrid tech, producing 150 hp/250 Nm and 265 hp/400 Nm respectively.
Both variants are paired with a seven-speed S Tronic automatic, with the 1.5-litre driving the front wheels and the 2.0-litre featuring quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). Notably, the 1.5-litre engine also includes Cylinder on Demand (COD) technology, which can shut off two cylinders under light loads to improve efficiency.
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The PHEV variant uses the same 1.5-litre engine as the entry-level model, paired with a front-mounted electric motor producing 115 hp and 330 Nm. Combined, the system delivers 272 hp and 400 Nm to the front wheels only.
It’s powered by a battery with a 25.7 kWh gross capacity (19.7 kWh usable), offering up to 119 km of electric-only range (WLTP). The Q3 PHEV also supports 50 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10–80% charge in under 30 minutes. When working with the petrol engine, Audi claims the car is capable of a fuel consumption figure as low as 2.2-1.7L/100 km.
Alongside standard steel springs and sport suspension, the all-new Audi Q3 can be equipped with adaptive suspension featuring two valve damper controls. These continuously respond to road conditions and driving inputs, making real-time adjustments in fractions of a second. The system also controls rebound and compression independently, optimising ride comfort and handling.
Along with the optional progressive steering system, Audi says the steering response, feel, and road feedback has been improved. A new “Balanced” mode replaces the Auto mode of the outgoing generation for a good balance between driving dynamics and comfort. Variants with Quattro AWD will come with an additional “Offroad plus” mode.
The all-new Audi Q3 will come standard with a slew of driver assistance systems, including Parking System Plus, lane departure warning with emergency assist, active front assist with evasion and turning assist, and attention and fatigue warning with driver monitoring, just to name a few. Adaptive cruise control is currently undergoing preparation and will be made available in the future.
In European markets, the entry level Q3 TFSI starts at a price of EUR44,600 (approx. RM219k), while the Q3 e-hybrid starts at EUR49,300 (approx. RM242k). In Malaysia, the current Q3 Sportback is available in a sole 2.0 TFSI quattro variant, priced from RM360,223 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the Audi Assurance Package.
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