Competition in the compact SUV market is becoming increasingly fierce, and Audi will certainly not miss this big piece of cake. Since its arrival on the European market in 2011, the Audi Q3 has been a popular model in the segment. Following the first-generation model’s 2019 refresh, the all-new third-generation Q3 will be officially unveiled later this year.
Recently, a set of spy photos of the new Audi Q3 were exposed. Although the body is covered with a lot of camouflage, it can still be seen from the details that the new car adopts Audi’s latest design, and the body size is also expected to increase further.
It can be seen that the new Q3 borrows many design elements from the e-tron Q6. Both cars use Audi’s latest slim daytime running lights, which are composed of multiple LED modules that can display different patterns and information. This also means that the new Q3 will adopt a split headlight design, which is already used on many of Audi’s SUV models.
It is noticed that the side design of the body does not have many highlights. The new Q3 doesn’t get electronic exterior mirrors like the RS6 e-tron, and the door handles have a traditional pull-type design instead of the more modern recessed design used on the BMW X1. Unlike the spy photos exposed in September last year, the model exposed this time has rear taillights. Judging from the pictures, Audi does not equip its smallest SUV with through-type taillights like other models.
Spy photos also hint that the wheelbase of the new-generation Q3 will be increased, which will bring more room for seating and storage.
It’s unclear whether there is a charging port on the front fender of the test car. In previously exposed spy photos, the Q3 prototype is equipped with a charging port, indicating that it is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model. The model exposed this time may be equipped with a simpler mild hybrid system. The new Q3 may be one of Audi’s last models to feature an internal combustion engine, with powertrains expected to include gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrids, depending on market demand.
It is worth mentioning that the Audi Q3 shares a platform architecture with the Volkswagen Tiguan (European version only). The European version of the Tayron is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and its engines include 1.5L and 2.0L gasoline engines, 2.0L diesel engines, and two plug-in hybrid systems with a maximum power of 268 horsepower. The Q3’s powertrains are expected to be similar, with a high-performance S3 model also available and what will likely be the last RS Q3 model powered by a 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder engine.
The new Audi Q3 is expected to be released in the third or fourth quarter of 2024, which is still some time before it is officially launched.
