Audi recently dropped a teaser of the upcoming second-gen Q3 ahead of its world debut on 25 July 2018. The outgoing first-gen Q3 is the oldest model in Audi’s present lineup as it has been on sale since 2011 onwards (it was launched in the second quarter of 2012 in India). While the new Q3 is expected to go on sale later this year overseas, it is likely to hit the Indian market by early 2019.
Highlights of the 2019 second-gen Audi Q3:
- Will shift to Volkswagen Group’s MQB a.k.a Modular Transverse Matrix platform. The second-gen Q3 will share this platform with cars such as the A3, Skoda Octavia, Superb, Kodiaq, Karoq, VW Tiguan, Passat, Audi TT, among others
- The new Q3 is expected to be bigger than the current model, which has an overall length of 4,388mm
- Despite its expected larger footprints, the Q3 is likely to shed weight thanks to the adoption of the lightweight MQB platform. The current India-spec Q3 has a kerb weight of up to 1,650kg (depending upon the variant)
- Audi previously said that the flagship Q SUV, the Q8, will introduce a brand new design philosophy for its Q range of SUVs. And indeed, as per the spied test mules, the new Q3 will be inspired by the first-ever Q8, which was revealed earlier this year
Pictured: Audi Q8
- Like the Q8, the design highlights here would be the different geometric shapes for the daytime running LEDs and the massive hexagonal single-frame grille
Pictured: 2019 Audi Q3
- The new cabin's approach should be minimalistic like newer Audis and is expected to feature an MMI touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There will also be a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Engine options on the new Q3 are expected to be the VW Group’s latest 1.5-litre TSI EVO along with the staple 2.0-litre TDI diesel. Expect 6-speed or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission on the new Q3
At launch, the second-gen Q3 will compete with compact luxury SUVs in India such as the recently launched Volvo XC40 along with the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Source: cardekho.com
