Audi launches the second generation Q3

The right amount of space for a demanding family, the right amount of Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) road presence without feeling overbearing on tighter urban streets and the right combination of enduring quality, practicality and efficiency - the Audi Q3 has struck the right balance throughout its best-selling seven-year lifespan, and its all new successor maintains that same equilibrium while taking on board absolutely contemporary Audi design, technology and connectivity.

Based on the Volkswagen Group's modular transverse matrix, the Audi Q3 has grown in virtually all dimensions and is positioned in the upper compact SUV segment. It is 4,485mm long, making it 97mm longer than its predecessor, and has grown in width by 18mm to 1,849mm, but at 1,585mm it sits 5mm lower than the first generation Q3.

Its wheelbase, which has been stretched 78mm to 2,681mm, facilitates the inclusion of considerably more knee room, headroom and elbow room.

A fully digital cabin incorporating the Audi Virtual Cockpit and a large MMI touch display makes its debut, as do numerous infotainment solutions connecting the compact SUV with its environment and a wide variety of driver aids offering support when parking, in town and on long journeys.

Sharper creases and sleeker lines lend the latest Audi Q3 a significantly more purposeful air than its predecessor. The Singleframe grille with its octagonal design and eight vertical bars, the large side air inlets and the slim head lights with their wedge shape set the scene upfront. They use LED technology in all versions and are paired with LED daytime running lamps.

A highlight in the side view is the symmetrical lighting graphics of the head lights and rear lights.

The shoulder line connects them from a styling perspective and adds to the overall impression of strength with defined accents over the wheel arches, which draw their inspiration from Audi's quattro DNA.

The more sophisticated exterior is complemented by a cabin design, which is clearly inspired by the brand's full-size models. Its focal point is a reductive instrument panel, which references the motif of the Singleframe grille and is surrounded by a wide chrome strip. It is divided into two levels, the top part including the air vents and the bottom section the large octagonal area with its black-panel look.

The high-gloss black trim surrounds the central element of the new operating concept - the MMI touch display. Together with the air-conditioning controls underneath, it is tilted 10 degrees toward the driver. All displays, buttons and controls are located ergonomically.

Supportive sport seats with either full cloth upholstery in Sport models or a combination of cloth and synthetic Twin leather in the S line are standard.

In Sport and S line versions the fully digital MMI touch display with 10.1-inch screen in the centre of the instrument panel is standard, as is MMI navigation plus and the Audi Virtual Cockpit with a 10.25-inch screen within the binnacle.

In typical SUV fashion, the Audi Q3 is easy to get into, with good all-round visibility, and yet offers the high seating position typical of the model category. The three-seater rear bench can be moved fore/aft by 150mm as standard depending on the need for passenger and luggage capacity, and its three-way split backrest in the ratio 40:20:40 can be tilted in seven stages.

The luggage compartment is also easily accessible thanks to the standard electrically powered tailgate. Its capacity totals 530 or 675 litres depending on the position of the rear seats and backrests - with the backrests completely folded down the figure rises to 1,525 litres.

At launch four engines will power the new Audi Q3 - three TFSI and one TDI. Their power outputs range from 148bhp to 227bhp. All four engines are four-cylinder direct-injection units with turbocharging, and all are fitted with a particulate filter.

The entry-level engine is the 1.5-litre TFSI with 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. It uses the cylinder-on-demand efficiency system, which temporarily switches off two cylinders at low load. Using the new Audi naming convention it will be badged 35 TFSI and will be fitted with a fast-shifting seven-speed S tronic and front-wheel drive at launch - a six-speed manual option will follow later.

The 2.0-litre TFSI unit in the Audi Q3 40 TFSI has 187bhp and develops maximum torque of 320Nm. In its uprated form - the Audi Q3 45 TFSI - it has 227bhp and 350Nm of torque. Both engines are coupled as standard with the seven-speed S tronic and use quattro permanent all-wheel drive based around the hydraulic multi-plate clutch.

In the diesel engine lineup, the 2.0-litre unit with 148bhp and 340Nm of torque is the lead-in version. The Q3 35 TDI is initially available with a manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Shortly afterwards, a seven-speed S tronic version will be offered in combination with front-wheel drive. Following the market launch, a 2.0 TDI developing 187bhp will extend the engine range.

The new Audi Q3 will begin arriving at European dealerships in November 2018.