Introducing the All‑New Audi Q3: Compact Tech Meets Premium Flair
From micro‑LED lighting to true electric range, the third‑generation Q3 sets a new standard in the local compact‑luxury SUV segment.
First Impressions: Bold Design, Premium Presence
The third‑generation Q3 breaks away from its predecessor with a more muscular, emotional stance. The wide Singleframe grille echoes the larger Q5, while the split headlamp layout—with sleek upper pixel DRLs and lower Matrix LED clusters—commands attention. The Q3 also offers digital Matrix LED headlights with around 25,600 micro‑LEDs per module, delivering sharp contrast and linking seamlessly to driver‑assist functions like lane and ice‑alert guidance. Up front, the cool‑air intakes are adjustable while the rear features optional OLED tail‑lights and an illuminated ringed badge—luxury lighting previously exclusive to larger models.
Wheel options span 17″ to 20″, and aerodynamic cladding smartly integrates into the body lines, lowering drag to a nifty 0.30 Cd.
Interior Comfort: Elevated & Tech‑Rich
Inside, the Q3 boasts a genuine “digital stage” with an 11.9‑inch instrument cluster and a curved 12.8‑inch MMI touchscreen powered by Android Automotive OS. This replaces the traditional centre‑console gear lever with a steering‑column stalk, freeing up space for a neat console layout and wireless 15 W phone charger.
Ambient lighting, acoustic glazing and a premium SONOS sound system (420 W via twelve speakers) bring real refinement—perfect for cruising on the N1. The door panels even feature laser‑cut illuminated fabric accents, adding a touch of glamour every time you unlock .
Practicality remains strong with a standard 488 ℓ boot expanding to 1,386 ℓ with the rear bench stowed. The bench slides and tilts, and towing capacity hits an impressive 2,100 kg, handy for hauling camping gear or a trailer load of biltong.
Performance & Powertrains: From Mild‑Hybrid to PHEV
Audi offers a suite of efficient and electrified engines:
1.5 ℓ TFSI mild‑hybrid, delivering 110 kW (150 PS), with cylinder‑on‑demand for added efficiency.
2.0 ℓ TFSI quattro, pumping out 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm—expect brisk responses and strong highway acceleration.
2.0 ℓ TDI diesel, offering the same 110 kW but with 360 Nm for long‑distance efficiency.
Q3 e‑hybrid PHEV, combining a 1.4 ℓ petrol engine and 85 kW electric motor for a combined 200 kW (272 PS) and 400 Nm. Equipped with a 25.7 kWh battery (net 19.7 kWh), it offers up to 119 km (WLTP) of electric range and fast‑charging at 50 kW DC for an 80% charge in under 30 minutes.
Expect smooth engagement from the seven‑speed S tronic across the lineup, with mild‑hybrids and diesel shunning quattro, but the 2.0 TFSI quattro delivering sweet AWD traction .
Ride & Handling: Comfort Meets Control
Audi’s revised standard suspension brings a more composed ride. Options include sports suspension or a twin‑valve damper system with individual wheel adjustment, plus progressive steering and a new “Balanced” drive‑select mode. This combo promises confident handling on winding passes and steady cruise on the highways.
Tech & Driver‑Assistance: High‑Level Safety and Ease
The Q3 features a suite of advanced assists: parking system plus, cruise with lane‑departure warning, traffic‑sign recognition, and fatigue monitoring. Top packages include:
Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus, supporting lane‑keep, distance control up to 210 kph, and lane‑change assist on highways.
Emergency Assist, which—if the driver is unresponsive—can steer the car to the shoulder and halt it, with alerts and hazard light activation .
Interior camera, monitoring driver alertness and triggering warnings and safe‑stop if needed.
Trained parking & reverse assist, capable of learning individual parking routines and reversing in tight spots up to 50 metres.
Park Assist Plus, offering senso‑guided parking and 360° camera views—great for Joburg city streets .
What Audi Says (and Why It Matters Locally)
Audi has positioned the new Q3 as an emotional, digital‑led compact SUV that brings full‑size tech into a smaller package. The micro‑LED lighting, digital interfaces, and PHEV option reflect Audi’s push toward electric and premium luxury . Pricing in Germany starts at R950 000 for the entry TFSI and R1.05 million for the PHEV—expect SA pricing to align with premium import pricing, possibly exceeding R1 million fully specced.
Bonus Spotlight: Sustainability & Interior Materials
For the green‑minded, the Q3 emphasises eco credentials: recycled materials, sustainable wood, and Clarino microfiber trimmings. Acoustic glazing and insulation reduce road noise—ideal for longer highway runs. Plus, the SONOS audio treats your favorite SA music with immersive richness.
Verdict: A Compact SUV with Big Ambitions
The new Q3 isn’t just an update—it’s a leap forward in design, tech, and electrification. Locally, it’ll rival the BMW X1 and Merc GLA, but with richer lighting, bold digital displays, and genuine PHEV capability. For South African buyers seeking a premium, tech‑packed compact SUV that feels bigger than its size, the Q3 hits the mark.