Development of the second-generation Audi Q3 is well
underway, with a prototype being sighted undergoing testing by Paultan photographers. The Q3 will join Audi’s other second-generation SUVs like the Q5
and Q7, as well as the Q2 and upcoming Q8.
Design wise, the new Q3 appears to follow the
evolutionary route similar to more recent Audi models like the latest Q5. A
wider, eight-corner Singleframe grille, sharper headlights and redesigned
bumper are among the revisions at the front. Moving towards the rear, the side mirror are now
mounted on the doors instead, and there’s a more prominent shoulder line down
the sides of the SUV. The tailgate is also new here, with half of the more
angular, two-piece taillights being placed within its area.
The new Q3 will likely utilise the well-known MQB
platform. With its new underpinnings, the
Q3 should be lighter and stiffer than before, as well as offer better interior
space. Electrification is also another benefit to be gained
from the platform, with reports indicating an all-electric (e-tron) and plug-in
hybrid version of the Q3 could be in the works, with the former’s powertrain
being lifted from the latest e-Golf.
On the internal combustion engine side, the Q3
should be offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, mated to either a
manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission. As with the outgoing model, a
high-performance RS Q3 will come later on, powered by five-cylinder TFSI
engine.
Other enhancements associated with the new Q3 will
be Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display, the latest version of the MMI infotainment
system, inductive smartphone charging and a full suite of connectivity functions.
Cr : Paultan