The new third-generation Audi Q3 is finally here, and it’s coming to India soon, which is very interesting as the Q3 has always had a strong fan base here. While it’s Audi’s entry-level SUV, it still packs plenty of aspirational value. The big question is, how far ahead is this new model, and can it compete with rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA?
Audi Q3 Engines and Performance
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0-litre TSI | 263 bhp | 400 Nm | 7-speed DSG (All) |
| 2.0-litre TSI | 202 bhp | 350 Nm | 7-speed DSG (All) |
| 2.0-litre Diesel | 148 bhp | 360 Nm | 7-speed DSG (All) |
| 1.5-litre TSI | 148 bhp | 250 Nm | 7-speed DSG (All) |
| 1.5-litre TSI Plug-in Hybrid | 270 bhp | 400 Nm | 7-speed DSG (All) |
Audi Q3 Dimensions
- Height : 1623 mm
- Length : 4531 mm
- Width : 1859 mm
- Wheelbase : 2678 mm
- Boot space : 488 liters
Design And Styling
The old Q3 was known for its sharp and angular looks, but the new model takes a fresh approach. Up front, it comes with a split headlamp setup with matrix LED units and a customizable light signature. In S-Line trim, it gets sporty black cladding and Audi’s new 2D logo integrated into the large single-frame grille. The design looks sharper in real life than in pictures, with sleek lines and a slightly extended bonnet. At the rear, the biggest highlight is the OLED tail-lamps with customizable signatures and illuminated Audi logo. At the rear, the blacked-out bumper adds to the sportiness, the new Q3 gets a powered tailgate with 40:20:40 split-folding seats, along with a large 488 liters of practical boot space. Importantly, there is also provision for a spare wheel.
Interior And Features
Inside the cabin, the Q3 retains its commanding driving position, which is especially useful in India’s traffic. The cabin has been given a premium update with Alcantara inserts, metallic finishes and contrast stitching. A 12.8-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, which is angled slightly towards the driver. It replaces most of the physical buttons, including the climate control, which is now integrated with the screen. The system runs on Android, making it easy to customize and use, and it also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 11.9-inch digital driver display is crisp and easy to read, with multiple themes and map views. New features include a head-up display, wireless charging, and improved storage, thanks to a reworked center console.
Rear seat space remains the same as the outgoing model, as the wheelbase hasn’t changed. Two adults can sit comfortably with good knee and headroom, but fitting a third passenger will be tight. The rear seats can slide and recline, mainly to increase luggage space. Passengers also get dedicated AC vents, a USB-C charging port, and their own climate zone. A panoramic sunroof will be standard on the India-spec version.
Driving Experience
Internationally, the Q3 is offered with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options, but in India it will be available only with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine option. The model tested in Scotland had 265 hp, but India will get the 204 hp version. Nevertheless, performance is strong and it is claimed to be able to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. The engine is eager, responsive and refined, which is mated to Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive as standard. The version tested achieved 0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, which shows the capability of this engine.
The Q3 is a tidy and confidence-inspiring handler. The progressive steering makes it feel agile, while the quattro ensures excellent grip in all conditions. Ride comfort is one of its strong points – even on 20-inch wheels in Scotland, the suspension absorbs bumps well, thanks to adaptive dampers. For India, the smaller 18-inch wheels will further improve comfort. The car’s stability at high speeds is excellent, and the SUV feels well-planted on the highway.
Tech And Safety
Audi has also upgraded the Q3 with advanced lighting tech. The matrix LED headlights don’t just look cool, they actively illuminate your lane, extend the beam when overtaking, and even project arrows to warn of blind spots or lane departures. A 360-degree camera is included, although its resolution could be sharper for a car in this class. On the safety front, ADAS features like radar-based systems are integrated, and Audi India is likely to bring a good package of safety equipment.
India launch and decision
The new Q3 is expected to arrive in India by 2026, with an estimated starting price of around ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom). While it may not be revolutionary, the new model builds on the Q3’s strengths – compact size, practical interior, excellent comfort and now, modern technology. Importantly, the combination of the 204 hp engine and quattro AWD gives it better performance than the petrol versions of the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA.
