Following the introduction of the four new Q models earlier in the year, Audi has added the all-new Q3 to represent the brand in the hotly-contested compact premium SUV segment. Now in its second generation, the new Q3 offers more roominess and versatility plus a digital operating and display concept and extensive infotainment solutions.

Sportier styling for new generation
The styling has gained sportiness, 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 colour-contrasting wheel arch trims emphasize the off-road 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 interior
The interior mirrors the design cues of the exterior and also echoes, in various ways, the brand’s full-size models. Taut lines, three-dimensionally styled elements in the architecture harmonize 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.

Compared with its predecessor, the new Q3 has grown in virtually all dimensions with adoption of the Volkswagen Group MQB platform. It is 4484 mm long, 1849 mm wide and 1585 mm high (1616 mm with roof antenna). The wheelbase has been stretched by 77 mm, providing additional space for rear occupants who can move their seats fore/aft by 150 mm.

Their three-way split backrests in the ratio 40:20:40 can be tilted in 7 stages. Depending on the position of the rear seats and backrests, the luggage compartment capacity is between 530 and 1,525 litres. The loading floor can be adjusted in up to 3 levels and the parcel shelf can be stowed underneath the floor if not needed. The powered tailgate, which can be opened and closed with a kicking motion below the bumper, is standard for Malaysia.

Instrument panel fully digitalised
The operating and display concept no longer uses analogue instruments and takes reference from the brand’s top-most models like the 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 debuted in the latest Audi TT. It offers more customization possibilities including two further views that the driver can set in the MMI (Multi Media Interface).

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
The infotainment system in the 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 cellphones and places their Apple Car Play or Android Auto environment on the MMI display.

Agility on and off-road
The Q3 sold in Malaysia has one engine choice – a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine (150 bhp/250 Nm) and a fast-shifting 6-speed S tronic transmission as standard. Claimed 0 – 100 km/h time is 8.9 seconds with a top speed of 207 km/h. Even with the spirited performance, the fuel consumption is claimed to be up to 13.9 kms/litre.

As with other models, the driver can vary the characteristics of the Q3 depending on the driving situation, road conditions or personal preference using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Varying profiles adjust the performance from markedly comfortable through to extremely sporty.

Lucky draw for customers in November
The Q3 is priced from RM269,900 (without insurance) and if you buy one (or any other new Audi model from an authorized dealer) November 2 and 10 2019, you will qualify for an exclusive lucky draw with the following prizes – Exclusive Audi Driving Experience in Germany valued at RM40,000 (1st prize); shopping voucher for Audi Genuine Accessories valued at RM5,000 (2ne prize); and a Front Genuine Universal Traffic Recorder valued at RM2,500 (3rd prize).

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