10 Big Upgrades Make the New Audi Q3 a Serious Threat
Audi’s third-gen Q3 brings bold design, huge screens, and new powertrains as it battles fierce rivals in the compact SUV market.
Audi has unveiled the third generation of its popular compact SUV, the Audi Q3, delivering a sharper design, major interior tech upgrades, and a wide range of powertrain options as competition intensifies in the compact SUV market.
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Despite being Audi’s fourth-best-selling model in the UK—behind the A3, Q4, and A1—the Q3 remains a crucial pillar for the brand, especially as new Chinese manufacturers and established rivals flood the segment.
Visually, the new Audi Q3 makes a dramatic leap forward. Its bolder single frame grille, split lighting design, and muscular stance give it a more premium presence, echoing larger models like the Q5. At 4.5 meters long, it remains compact but projects far more confidence than its predecessor.
Inside, Audi has leaned heavily into technology. A sweeping curved panoramic display merges an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.8-inch central touchscreen running Android-based software with integrated AI features. Traditional control stalks have been replaced with compact buttons, freeing up cabin space and emphasizing a more futuristic feel.
Audi has also introduced advanced Micro LED headlight technology, using more than 25,000 individual light elements to enhance night-time visibility and driver assistance. While the system shows promise, early impressions suggest it may be more of a visual talking point than a game-changer in poor weather conditions.
Under the bonnet, there’s no fully electric option—leaving that role to the Q4 e-Tron—but buyers can choose from petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants. Entry-level models use a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid petrol engine, while higher-performance 2.0-liter petrol versions with quattro all-wheel drive deliver up to 261 horsepower.
The standout for efficiency-minded drivers may be the plug-in hybrid, offering a claimed electric-only range of up to 73 miles and ultra-low CO2 emissions, making it attractive for company car buyers. A diesel option also remains available, appealing to long-distance drivers.
Audi is launching both standard SUV and Sportback versions simultaneously, with the latter offering sleeker styling at the cost of some boot space. Pricing starts just over £39,000 in the UK.
On the road, the new Q3 delivers exactly what buyers expect: comfort, ease of use, and a polished driving experience rather than outright excitement. Build quality remains strong, though slightly less opulent than Audi’s larger SUVs.
The verdict? The third-generation Q3 may not reinvent the formula, but it refines it expertly—making it a safe, premium choice in a segment undergoing rapid transformation, with rivals including the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Range Rover Evoque, and Volvo XC40.
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