Audi is currently working on the next-gen Audi Q3
set to be introduced in 2018. A 2018 Audi Q3 in production guise was spied on
test recently, courtesy worldscoop.forumpro.fr.
The next-gen Audi Q3 will have an evolutionary
design, which is typical of new generation Audi models. At the front, the 2018
Audi Q3 will feature Audi A4-like sharper headlights with full-LED lighting,
wider Audi singleframe grille, and redesigned air intakes and bumper. At the
rear, the new tail lamps’ shape looks inspired by that of the all-new Audi Q5.
The second generation Audi Q3 will utilise the MQB
platform, which should translate to considerable weight savings. Its wheelbase
is expected to grow by 50 mm from the current model’s 2,603 mm. The redesigned
model will grow by around 60 mm in length and more than 30 mm in width. The
current model is 4,388 mm long and 1,831 mm wide. Audi will offer a variety of
turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, with displacements ranging from 1.5- to
2.0-litre, along with 6-speed manual and 7-speed S tronic transmissions. The
Quattro permanent AWD is likely to remain optional.
Production of the next-gen Audi Q3 will take place
at the Audi Gyor plant in Hungary. Hungarian reports suggest that series
production will commence in summer next year, hinting at an H2 2018 launch. A
frugal e-tron plug-in hybrid variant and a hotter RS variant should follow
later. Reports speak of a pure electric variant as well for China.
