One of the privileges of being a long-time motoring journalist is that you are likely to have access to all generations of a particular model. In this instance, the Audi Q3, which is now in its third generation. Back in 2012, I reviewed the first generation of the model that, to me, seemed more like a slightly raised A3 Sportback than an SUV in its disposition.
Thankfully, the second-generation that followed had a more congruent design that ensured it looked the part among its German cohort. It too, much like the original, came in a variety of petrol and diesel engines and was headlined by the potent RS Q3.
New Q3
Now the third-generation model has entered the fray, and with it comes a new design language for the Q range, first seen with the recently unveiled Q7. Yes, it takes on a more imposing design cue that introduces, particularly in the sporty S Line package, a larger grille, side blades on the front valance and tapered LED driving lights. There are optional OLED taillights, replete with animated signature lighting, while new Matrix LED lights upfront are said to offer significant illumination at night.
Drivetrains
At launch, two body styles are available – SUV and Sportback – and two engine derivatives in the form of a 1.5-litre turbo petrol (110kW and 250Nm) and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel (110kW and 360Nm). Both models are equipped with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. There are 18-, 19-, and 20-inch alloy wheels on offer.
Cabin appointments
The interior remains a tech fest delight with a new cabin architecture reminiscent of the latest A5 Sedan, thanks to an 11.9-inch Audi Virtual cockpit with a curved 12.8-inch MMI infotainment screen. It remains a minimalist yet tastefully executed cabin that elevates the Q3 to even loftier heights of perceived and tactile quality. Customers can further enhance the digital experience through MMI Experience Pro, which is said to combine an optional head-up display with a SONOS premium sound system featuring 12 high-performance speakers.
Those polyester-covered seats are sumptuous for the most part and made of sustainable material, while cabin space is on the generous side, although the Sportback does lose out slightly due to the tapered roofline. Boot space measures 488 litres and can increase up to 575 litres with the sliding second row moved forward. With rear seats folded forward, the boot space can be expanded to 1,386 litres in the SUV and 1,289 litres in the Sportback.
Trims
Three trim levels are on offer: Advance, S Line, and S Line Black, with the latter offering 19-inch Audi Sport twin-spoke peak Black Metallic alloy wheels and a Black Optics package that includes black mirror housings, black roof rails, black exterior detailing, black window surrounds and Audi rings finished in Anthracite Grey.
Tech packs
Three tiers of safety suites are on offer: Tech package, Tech Plus package, and Tech Pro package – each offering a higher level of passive and active features.
Driving impressions
At launch, we drove both engine derivatives, and it must be said that the Sportback, for a change this time, strikes a design chord with me without seeming to be trying too hard. While both engine derivatives felt sufficiently adequate, the diesel was easily the pick of the two, thanks to its relaxed nature underpinned by low-end torque. Out on the road, the Q3 has a drive polish befitting a premium compact SUV, and the double-glazed front windows ensure that the cabin is isolated from engine noise and vibrations alike.
Conclusion
According to Audi SA, there will be a Quattro-equipped, high-powered turbo diesel derivative, said to join the lineup early in 2027. There’s currently no forecast of a flagship RS Q3, although the company did allude to an SQ3 variant joining the fray at a later stage. Overall, the latest Audi Q3 has moved the goalposts considerably in the segment with modern, yet edgy styling, while the cabin and drive polish are top-drawer premium.
Pricing starts from R814,200 for the SUV and R849,200 for the Sportback, rising to R967,300 and R1,002,300. All models are sold with a standard 5-year/100,000 km Audi Freeway Plan.
