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All-New Third-Gen Audi Q3 Raises the Bar with Cutting‑Edge Tech and Design

Audi has unveiled the third-generation Q3, a bold evolution of its compact luxury SUV, packed with advanced technology, refreshed styling, and electrified powertrains. Positioned as a digital companion, the new Q3 aims to enhance everyday driving through enhanced comfort, safety, and performance.

The exterior design exudes a confident, emotive aesthetic. A revamped Singleframe grille and narrow, aerodynamically integrated headlights give the vehicle a purposeful front-end appearance. A striking shoulder line slices along the side, sculpting the bodywork into distinct shadow and light elements. At the rear, optional digital OLED tail-lights—complemented by a continuous LED strip and illuminated rings—mark a first for Audi’s compact-class vehicles.

The Q3 leads the way technologically with new digital Matrix LED headlights, now featuring micro‑LED modules that deliver sharper, more precise lighting. Each headlight incorporates 23 individually controllable daytime-running segments, working seamlessly with the vehicle’s driver-assistance systems. This lighting configuration improves visibility and projects a distinctive visual signature on the road.

Inside, the refreshed cabin introduces a redesigned steering wheel featuring twin column-mounted stalks: one for gear selection and the other for lighting and wipers. This redesign frees up additional storage in the centre console, enhancing spatial comfort. For the first time in the segment, Audi offers acoustic-glazed front side windows, which significantly reduce cabin noise at higher speeds.

Practicality remains a highlight. The Q3 offers a generous 488-litre boot, expandable to 1,386 litres with the rear seats folded down. The rear bench is adjustable longitudinally and reclines, while the SUV can tow up to 2,100kg.

Under the bonnet, Audi presents a diverse powertrain lineup. The entry-level Q3 SUV features a 148hp TFSI mild-hybrid petrol engine. An equivalent 148hp TDI diesel variant is tailored for long-distance driving. The powerful Q3 SUV e‑hybrid combines a 268hp system output, a 25.7 kWh gross (19.7 kWh net) battery, and DC fast-charging capability of up to 50 kW, offering an impressive electric range of up to 119km (WLTP).

Driving dynamics have also been refined. The standard suspension has been upgraded, with optional sporty variants and adaptive two-valve damping available. Advanced safety systems include Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus, interior driver-monitoring cameras to detect fatigue, user-training “trick park” features, and Reverse Assist to navigate out of tight spots.

Production is set to begin in October, with European orders opening in summer. The Q3 148hp TFSI starts from €44,600 (around RM225,000), while the e‑hybrid is priced from €49,300 (around RM249,000). Both models will be produced at Audi’s Győr, Hungary, and Ingolstadt, Germany factories.

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