since 1976
since 1976
Following the introduction of the four new Q models earlier in the year, Audi is now making available the all-new Q3, its contender in the premium compact SUV segment.
The new Audi Q3 is a family SUV with great all-round talents. In the second generation, it appears not only visually more self-confident, but also roomier and more versatile. Just like the Audi top-of-the-line models, it features a digital operating and display concept and extensive infotainment solutions.
Strength and presence: the exterior design
The new Audi Q3 looks much sportier than its predecessor. Thanks to the striking Singleframe in octagon design, which is divided up by vertical bars, along with the large air inlets. They characterize the masculine front-end with its intensive play of light and shadow. The narrow headlights run inwards with their wedge shape. For Malaysia, the headlights are full LED items, accentuating the dynamic design. The LED rear light clusters also feature dynamic indicators.
The side view epitomizes the balance of the exterior design with the symmetrical lighting graphics of the headlights and rear lights. The shoulder line formally connects them and, with strong muscles above the wheel wells, ensures an athletic overall impression. The contours draw their inspiration from Audi’s quattro DNA and make the SUV seem even wider; the color-contrasting wheel arch trims emphasize the offroad look. Supported by a long roof edge spoiler, which also flanks the rear window at the side, the steeply raked D pillars of the body line also create an appearance of forward thrust.
Driver-oriented and sporty: the interior
Taut lines, three-dimensionally styled elements – the interior continues the design of the exterior and echoes in many ways the brand’s full-size models. The architecture harmonizes perfectly with the new operating concept. Its central element is the MMI touch display with its high-gloss black glass-look surround. Together with the air conditioning controls underneath, it is tilted 10 degrees toward the driver. All displays, buttons and controls are located ergonomically. The comfortable seats provide a sporty position; the steering wheel is steeply angled accordingly.
Generous and variable: the space concept
Compared with its predecessor, the new Audi Q3 has grown in virtually all dimensions. It is 4,484mm long, 1,849mm wide and 1,585mm high without a roof antenna (1,616mm with antenna). Its wheelbase, which has been stretched by 7mm, is spacious yet, at the same time, extremely versatile: As standard, the rear seats can be moved fore/aft by 150mm.
Their three-way split backrests in the ratio 40:20:40 can be tilted in seven stages. Depending on the position of the rear seats and backrests, the luggage compartment capacity is between 530 and 1,525 liters. The loading floor can be adjusted in up to three levels and the parcel shelf can be stowed underneath the floor if not needed. An electric tailgate, which can also be opened and closed with a kicking motion, is also standard for Malaysia.
Digital world: Controls and displays
The operating and display concept of the SUV has been overhauled from the ground up – Audi has done away with the analogue instruments and takes reference from the brand’s top-most models like the Audi A8 and Q8.
Fitted as standard in Malaysia is the Audi virtual cockpit plus. The 12.3-inch screen is a further development of the innovative digital display concept that first debut in the latest Audi TT, Audi virtual cockpit plus offers more customization possibilities including two further views that the driver can set in the MMI.
Also standard for the market is the top-of-the-line equipment MMI navigation plus. This features a 10.1-inch touch display in the middle of the dashboard. The intuitive operating concept with its flat menu structure is supplemented by natural-language voice control. It also understands freely structured wording. The ingenious dialog manager asks questions if necessary, allows corrections, offers choices and defers to the speaker when interrupted.
Intelligently connected: infotainment and Audi connect
The infotainment system in the Audi Q3 takes inspiration from the higher segments in Audi. The navigation system recognizes the driver’s preferences based on previous journeys, allowing it to generate suitable route suggestions. The Audi connect portfolio ideally supplements navigation guidance with traffic information online, the point-of-interest search and information on parking spaces and filling stations appearing directly in the navigation map.
The Audi smartphone interface links customers’ iOS and Android cell phones and places their Apple Car Play or Android Auto environment on the MMI display.
Agility on- and offroad: Drive system and suspension
The Audi Q3 is presented with an efficient 1.4 TFSI gasoline engine with 150hp and a fast-shifting six-speed S tronic transmission as standard. The car completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds and has a top speed of 207km/h. Fuel consumption (combined) is 7.2L/100km.
The driver can vary the characteristics of the Audi Q3 depending on the driving situation, road conditions or personal needs using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system with varying profiles – from markedly comfortable through to out-and-out sporty.
Built in Győr, Hungary, the fully imported Audi Q3 has a recommended retail price of RM 269,900.
For more information on the brand and various car models from Audi Malaysia, visit the official website at www.audi.com.my.
