• Bigger dimensions, more comfort: compact SUV with outstanding everyday utility
• New operating concept: digital displays and MMI touch display
• Connected like the full-size segment: smart infotainment and clever assist systems

Strength and presence: the exterior design
With sportier styling than its predecessor, the new Audi Q3 features a striking Singleframe in octagon design, which is divided up by vertical bars, as well as large air inlets. They characterise the masculine front-end with its intensive play of light and shadow. Available in three version up to Matrix LED, the narrow headlights run inwards with their wedge shape while the side view epitomises the balance of the exterior design with the symmetrical lighting graphics of the headlights and rear lights.

The shoulder line connects them from a styling perspective and provides an athletic overall impression accentuating the strong muscular wheel arches. The contours draw their inspiration from Audi's quattro DNA and make the SUV seem wider; the colour-contrasting wheel arch trims emphasise the offroad look. Supported by a long roof edge spoiler, which also flanks the rear window at the side, the steeply raked D-pillars of the body line also create an appearance of forward thrust.

Driver-oriented and sporty: the interior
Taut lines, three-dimensionally styled elements – the interior continues the design of the exterior and echoing the brand's full-size models. The architecture harmonises perfectly with the new operating concept which features the MMI touch display with its high-gloss black glass-look surround as its central element. Together with the air conditioning controls positioned underneath, it is tilted 10 degrees toward the driver with all displays, buttons and controls located ergonomically.

Generous and variable: the space concept
Compared with its predecessor, the new Audi Q3 has grown in virtually all dimensions measuring 4485 millimetres long, 1856 millimetres wide and 1585 millimetres high. Its wheelbase has been stretched by 77 millimetres for greater internal space and the rear seats can be moved fore/aft by 150 millimetres for greater versatility. The three-way split backrests in the ratio 40:20:40 can be tilted in seven stages and depending on the position of the rear seats and backrests, the luggage compartment allows between 530 and 1525 litres of storage. The loading floor can also be adjusted in three levels and the parcel shelf can be stowed underneath the floor if not needed, while an electric tailgate– operated with a kicking motion – is also available as an option.

Digital world: controls and displays
The operating and display concept of the Q3 has been overhauled from the ground up, completely removing the analog instruments. Even the standard specification includes a digital instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch screen, which the driver operates using the multifunction steering wheel. With the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus, the displays appear in the Audi virtual cockpit, which offers many additional functions. There is also a 10.1-inch touch display, and as an option, the driver can choose the larger Audi virtual cockpit plus with three different views, including a new, particularly sporty display. The intuitive operating concept with its flat menu structure is supplemented by natural-language voice control which understands natural speech. The ingenious dialogue manager also asks questions if necessary, allows corrections and offers choices, but defers to the speaker when interrupted.

Intelligently connected: infotainment and Audi connect
The top-of-the-line infotainment system in the Audi Q3 offers the same technical functions as in the higher segments. Its data transfer module supports the LTE Advanced standard with integrated Wi-Fi hotspot for the passengers' mobile devices, while the navigation system recognises the driver's preferences based on previous journeys, allowing it to generate suitable route suggestions. The Audi connect portfolio ideally supplements navigation guidance with traffic information online, the point-of-interest search and information on parking spaces and service stations appearing directly in the navigation map. The Audi Q3 utilises the Audi fleet's swarm intelligence to forecast the availability of roadside parking spaces, to provide information on hazardous spots and current speed limits. Other options include Google Earth and the hybrid radio, which automatically switches between FM, DAB and the online stream to ensure optimum reception at all times. The voice control function accesses information stored in the vehicle as well as the detailed knowledge in the cloud to respond. The Audi Q3 is even more tightly integrated with the myAudi app, seamlessly connecting a smartphone to the car. The customer can, for instance, transfer navigation routes and the smartphone calendar to the MMI and locate where the Q3 is parked.

A range of hardware modules supplement the infotainment portfolio, including the Audi phone box which links the owner's smartphone to the vehicle's antenna and charges the phone inductively. The Audi smartphone interface links customers' iOS and Android smart phones and places their Apple Car Play or Android Auto environment on the MMI display. The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with virtual sound is also available and provides three-dimensional audio, driving a total of 15 speakers.

Convenience and safety: driver assistance systems
The adaptive cruise assist is a highlight of the assist systems, incorporating the functions of adaptive speed assist, traffic jam assist and active lane assist. In addition, the Audi Q3 makes manoeuvring easier thanks to the four 360 degree cameras which show the SUV's immediate surroundings on the large infotainment screen. Here the driver can also follow the park assist manoeuvre, which steers the car automatically into and out of parking spaces – the driver only having to accelerate, brake and shift gears. If the driver wants to reverse out of a parallel parking space or a tight entrance, cross traffic assist is activated. The radar sensors, which the system uses to monitor the area behind the vehicle, also provide information to the standard-fit lane change warning. If the system detects a vehicle located in the blind spot or approaching quickly from the rear, a warning LED is lit in the relevant exterior mirror.

Agility on- and offroad: engines and suspension
On launch, the new Q3 will be available with four powerful and efficient engine solutions – three petrol and one diesel unit in combination with front-wheel or quattro drive. All engines are four-cylinder direct injection units with turbocharging ranging in power output from 110kW to 169kW. These work with a six-speed manual or a fast-shifting seven-speed S tronic transmission. Offroad, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive delivers excellent driving pleasure with optimum traction and unshakable stability, while the optional hill descent control maintains the preset speed on a steep downhill gradient. The driver can vary the characteristics of the Audi Q3 depending on the driving situation or road conditions using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Featuring six profiles – from plush ride comfort to highly efficient, as well as decidedly sporty – the system also influences the optional suspension with damper control.

Here, sensors measure the movements of all four wheels as well as the vehicle's lateral and longitudinal acceleration and adjust the dampers as required. This results in enhanced driving dynamics with even more comfort. Alternatively, there is the sport suspension – standard with the S line exterior package – with tauter spring/damper tuning and progressive steering. Its ratio becomes increasingly direct with increasing steering angle, adding substantially to the agile handling of the new Audi Q3.

Australian information
The all-new second-generation Audi Q3 is expected to arrive in Australia mid-2019. Further details including the model line-up, pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.

– ENDS –

NOTE TO EDITORS: This MediaInfo is intended for a global audience, and elements of it may not accurately reflect Australian features, specifications or timeframes unless specifically stated otherwise.

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2017, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.878 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,815 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 55,900 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2017 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €60.1 billion and an operating profit of €5.1 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.