After showcasing it multiple times in the country, Audi has launched the new-generation Q3 in India, with prices starting at ₹51.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The luxury SUV is available in two variants, namely Nova and Zenith, with the top-spec Zenith priced at ₹55.99 lakh. The new Q3 gets a redesigned exterior, an updated cabin and a single 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powertrain paired with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Local assembly will take place at the company’s plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, and deliveries are underway.
The new Q3 adopts a sharper design, led by split-style lighting at the front. LED daytime running lamps sit above the main Digital Matrix LED headlamps, which are mounted lower on the bumper and feature dedicated washers. The lighting system can also project certain driver-assistance alerts onto the road ahead.
A large honeycomb-pattern grille dominates the front, flanked by prominent air intakes. The SUV gets 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, along with slim roof rails, a chrome windowline and slightly flared wheel arches. At the rear, split LED tail-lamps are connected by a slim light bar, while an illuminated Audi logo adds to the updated look.
The new Q3 measures 4,531mm in length, 1,859mm in width and 1,601mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,681mm. Boot capacity stands at 488 litres.
The cabin gets a minimalist dashboard layout, with two digital displays arranged in a curved setup. These include a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. The four-spoke, hexagonal steering wheel features touch-sensitive controls, while the gear selector has been moved to a stalk on the steering column, freeing up space on the centre console.
Equipment includes powered and heated front seats, driver-seat memory linked to the powered outside rear-view mirrors, wireless phone charging and an electronic parking brake. Other highlights include a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, a 12-speaker Sonos sound system, a colour head-up display and a powered tailgate.
On the safety front, the Q3 gets nine airbags, hill-hold and hill-climb assist functions, a rear parking camera and an advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) suite. However, it does not get a 360-degree surround-view camera.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre, direct-injection turbo-petrol engine producing 204hp and 320Nm of torque. It is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with power sent to all four wheels through Audi’s Quattro AWD system.
Audi claims a 0-100kph time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 229kph. The all-wheel-drive setup is also a key differentiator in the segment, as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA are offered with front-wheel drive.
With its revised styling, expanded equipment list and standard Quattro drivetrain, the new Q3 continues to target buyers looking for a compact luxury SUV with a strong technology offering and all-weather traction.