- Three variants, including PHEV with 111km range.
- Fastest 195kW quattro the sole Q3 to offer a Sportback option.
- Audi love of fancy lighting continues: micro-LED modules and illuminated badge.
Audi New Zealand has announced final pricing and specification for the new Q3, due in local showrooms in April.
The company describes the Q3 as a "smart digital companion", with the latest in Audi comfort, convenience and safety technology.
The entry-level $74,990 model is a front-drive version known simply as Q3, powered by a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre engine. It features mild hybrid technology and a cylinder-on-demand (COD) system, which temporarily deactivates cylinders under low-to-medium loads to reduce fuel consumption.
The 2.0-litre model produces 195kW/400Nm and is paired with a quattro all-wheel drive system. It starts from $96,990 for the SUV version and $99,990 for the Sportback (which has a 29m-lower slope on the roofline).
Completing the range is the Q3 SUV e-hybrid, which combines a 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 200kW/400Nm. A 25.7kWh battery, nearly double the size of the previous generation, gives an EV range of up to 111km (WLTP). It's DC-compatible and can charge at up to 50kW.
The Q3 e-hybrid is priced from $88,990. While it's the most powerful Q3 in the range and the most economical by far, the pricing reflects the fact that it's still front-drive. So the 195kW quattro remains the hero of the range.
Sports suspension with two-valve damper control comes as standard across the range. Twin-valve dampers allow separate control of rebound and compression, aiming to enhance both comfort and handling.
Lights, fantastic on new Audi Q3
For the first time, digital Matrix LED headlights with micro-LED modules are standard across the range. This improves illumination and integrates closely with driver assistance functions, as seen in the latest Audi Q5. Drivers can also personalise by selecting from three dynamic coming/leaving home lighting animations via the MMI and deactivate specific lighting functions such as lane lights.
On the 195 kW SUV and Sportback models, digital OLED rear lights are fitted as standard. These are complemented by a continuous LED light strip and Audi’s new illuminated rings.
The interior features a 12.8-inch MMI touch display and 11.9-inch instrument cluster with Audi's now-signature curved, driver-oriented layout. There's also a head-up display.
A cooled inductive phone-charging tray has 15 watts of power, two USB-C ports in the front (concealed by a sliding cover), and two more in the rear.
The new Audi assistant enables intuitive control of numerous vehicle functions. It appears on the central MMI display and, when active, also in the head-up display and virtual cockpit.
In addition to the suite of active safety functions, "trained parking" allows the Q3 to learn and repeat custom parking manoeuvres. Reverse assist also helps navigate out of confined areas.
Customers can choose from 10 exterior colours, including fresh additions like Sage Green and Madeira Brown. The latter is a matte finish exclusive to the new Q3 range.
The Q3 SUV offers up to 488 litres of boot space, expanding to 1386 litres with the rear seats folded. The Q3 Sportback and Q3 e-hybrid offer up to 1289 litres. A sliding and adjustable rear seat bench features across the range.
New Q3 a 'pivotal' model for Audi NZ
Greg Leet, general manager of Audi NZ, says the arrival of the new Q3 comes at a pivotal time: “The launch of the new Q5 has driven a remarkable surge in sales, surpassing all sales records since the model’s NZ debut.
Now, we’re excited to introduce the new Q3, a long-awaited addition to our lineup that customers have been anticipating for over seven years."