Audi Q3 revamps looks and style

Audi South Africa has launched the third-generation Q3, adding a new contender to the local luxury compact SUV market. The new model arrives in both SUV and Sportback body styles, bringing with it a suite of digital features previously reserved for the brand's larger vehicles.

The latest Q3 represents a significant step for the model line, which has become one of Audi's top-selling nameplates globally. Local buyers can expect a more assertive exterior design, updated interior appointments and a range of powertrain options tailored to the South African market.

This introduction is also the start of a range of new model launches from the Ingolstadt automaker going through the remainder of the year and into nect year and which will see the local introduction of the Q9 as one of those.

It is also significant the oft-perceived ‘baby’ of the German automaker triumvirate is currently outselling Mercedes-Benz on the local market.

A full spectrum of Audi Q3 models can be found right here - your new car awaits

The exterior treatment marks a departure from its predecessor, with broader proportions and more defined surfacing. A wider Singleframe grille dominates the front aspect, flanked by tapered headlight units that maintain integration with the vehicle's aerodynamic profile.

Along the side, a continuous shoulder line connects the front and rear lighting elements, creating a visual split between the upper and lower body sections. Pronounced wheel arches and sculpted panels reinforce the SUV's road presence.

At the rear, the design has been cleaned up to emphasise width. The Q3 becomes the first vehicle in its segment to offer both digital Matrix LED headlights and digital OLED rear lights, bringing advanced lighting technology to the compact luxury class.

The Matrix LED units employ micro-LED technology for improved illumination and contrast, particularly in low-light conditions. At the rear, the optional OLED lights offer four selectable light signatures, complemented by a continuous LED strip and illuminated Audi rings at the back – a first for the brand.

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Buyers can choose from 11 exterior paint finishes, including Sage Green metallic and Madeira Brown Polar Matte, with additional personalisation available through Audi exclusive.

Three standard wheel designs are offered across the range, spanning 18 to 19 inches in size, with a 19-inch Audi Sport design included as standard on selected derivatives. Six optional designs, ranging from 18 to 20 inches, allow for further customisation.

Inside, the Q3 features a horizontal dashboard layout intended to enhance the sense of space. A curved panoramic display forms the centrepiece of the driver-focused cockpit. For the first time, fabric applications have been incorporated into the dashboard and interior surfaces, contributing to what Audi describes as a warmer atmosphere.

Flush door handles, soft-touch materials and redesigned steering wheel controls free up additional storage space in the centre console. Upholstery fabrics are made from 100% recycled polyester, with selected interior elements incorporating recycled materials.

Practicality remains a key consideration. Acoustic glazing improves cabin refinement, while a sliding second-row seat allows luggage capacity to vary from 488 litres to 575 litres behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded, capacity expands to 1 386 litres in the SUV body style and 1 289 litres in the Sportback.

Ambient lighting with up to 30 colour options is available, while optional S line interior packages add sportier design elements.

The South African range offers two powertrain choices across both body styles:

• Audi Q3 TFSI 110 kW
• Audi Q3 TDI 110 kW

Both engines are available in Advanced, S line and S line Black trim levels, providing customers with a range of specification options.

The 1,4-litre TFSI petrol engine produces 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque, while the 2,0-litre TDI diesel delivers 110 kW and 360 Nm. The diesel unit combines strong pulling power with competitive efficiency figures, making it suitable for longer-distance driving.

Progressive steering and optional suspension with damper control aim to balance comfort and agility across varying road conditions.

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Cape Town is hopelessly oversubscribed and it is almost impossible to drive anywhere within the city and suburbs and environs such as Stellenbosch at any time of the day without traffic – so the brief encounters I had with both powertrains never really gave the chance to extends the legs of the cars.

What it di do was to reinforce the brand’s rightful place as a contender in the premium segment of the market and I look forward to being able to do a full test soon.

Standard specification across the Q3 range includes LED headlights and taillights, an electric tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, lane departure warning, seven crash bags including an interaction bag for the front seats, front and rear parking sensors, automatic air-conditioning and Audi's digital stage comprising an 11,9-inch virtual cockpit plus and 12,8-inch MMI touch display. MMI navigation plus with Audi connect services, the Audi Application Store, ambient lighting and leather/artificial leather upholstery are also included.

The Advanced trim adds LED headlights with digital light signatures, high-beam assist, illuminated rear Audi rings with continuous light strip, a panoramic sunroof, heated front sport seats with four-way lumbar support, three-zone deluxe automatic air-conditioning, convenience key and adaptive cruise control. Intelligent park assist with reverse camera and reverse assistant further enhance convenience.

Building on Advanced, S line introduces exterior styling upgrades, body-coloured lower detailing, 19-inch five-arm Platinum Grey alloy wheels and a flattened multifunction twin-spoke leather sport steering wheel.

Positioned at the top of the range, S line Black adds 19-inch Audi Sport twin-spoke peak Black Metallic alloy wheels and a Black Optics package comprising black mirror housings, roof rails, exterior detailing, window surrounds and Audi rings in Anthracite Grey.

The Q3 introduces a new generation of digital interfaces, with the 11,9-inch virtual cockpit and 12,8-inch MMI touch display forming the core of the cabin experience. An optional head-up display projects key information into the driver's field of view.

Audi South Africa has grouped key comfort, safety and assistance features into three optional technology packages:

Tech package: Park assist plus with 360° display, adaptive cruise control, rear-view camera functionality, high-beam assist, keyless access, electrically folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming interior mirror and front seat lumbar support.

Tech Plus package: Includes Tech package features, adding progressive steering, side assist with exit warning, rear cross-traffic assist and proactive occupant protection systems.

Tech Pro package: Includes Tech and Tech Plus features, adding Trained Parking, adaptive cruise assist plus with emergency assist, surround-view cameras, suspension with two-valve damper control, red brake calipers, electrically adjustable front seats and memory functionality for the driver seat and exterior mirrors.

Trained Parking represents a first for Audi, allowing the system to learn and store up to five parking manoeuvres for locations where drivers regularly park. Once saved, the vehicle can automatically steer, accelerate and brake to guide itself into the defined space.

Customers can also opt for MMI Experience Pro, which combines the head-up display with a SONOS premium sound system featuring 12 speakers.

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Pricing

The all-new Audi Q3 is available at Audi dealerships across South Africa. Recommended Retail Pricing (including VAT and C0₂ emissions tax) is as follows:

All models are sold with a standard 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan.

Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with

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