Audi Malaysia today announced the introduction of the refreshed Audi Q3, rewriting the benchmarks for design, performance and versatility in the compact premium SUV segment. With the updated Audi Q3, this already sporty and attractive vehicle receives a host of impeccable upgrades, embodying the truly progressive core of Audi’s famous ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ tagline.
Rudi Venter, Marketing Director of Audi Malaysia shares, “Despite being around for just a few years, the Audi Q3 is one of our most successful vehicles and we are very excited to unveil this compact crossover in Malaysia. A premium SUV in concentrated form, the refreshed Audi Q3 showcases the form and capability of an established off-roader, but is also clearly at home in the urban jungle with an effusive combination of handsome styling, engaging performance and ergonomic features, marking it as a clear winner in its segment.”
Refreshed On the Outside: Dapper Design Meets Sophisticated Styling
In terms of size, the dimensions of the new Audi Q3 are identical to its predecessor at a well-proportioned 4.39 metres (14.4 ft) in length, 1.83 metres (6.0 ft) wide and 1.59 metres (5.2 ft) high, with a 2.6 metre (8.5 ft) wheelbase as well. However, the refreshed Audi Q3 showcases significant design improvements starting from the sculpted Singleframe grille that underlines the Q3’s Audi lineage, dominating horizontal lines up front and in the rear which underscore the width of the vehicle whilst adding character and of course, the honed coupe-like lines and characteristic wrap-around tailgate.
The front façade of the compact crossover features redesigned headlights that come standard with xenon plus technology and LED daytime running lights for a visage that is both familiar yet strikingly new at the same time.
Powertrains: 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI quattro®
The refreshed Audi Q3 comes in two variants that offer performance, efficiency and engagement to fit your personal driving style. The entry level variant of this compact SUV features a familiar 1.4 TFSI engine paired with a 6-speed S tronic gearbox that develops a total of 150 hp as well 250Nm of torque from between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. This in turn makes the Q3 1.4 TFSI capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in a brisk 8.9 seconds whilst having a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.0 litres/100km and a CO₂ emission of just 139 g/km.
On the other hand, the Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro® combines an uprated 2.0 TFSI engine with a 7-speed S tronic transmission and Audi’s legendary quattro® permanent all-wheel drive to produce 180 hp and an impressive 320Nm of torque between 1,400 and 3,900 rpm. This dynamic combination allows the new Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro® to make the century sprint in an impressively sure-footed 7.6 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor), whilst still racking up impressive fuel consumption figures at only 6.7 litres/100km and a combined CO₂ emission rating of just 155 g/km.
One of the key contributors to the refreshed Audi Q3’s engaging driving experience is its improved chassis. As a result of fine-tuning from Ingolstadt’s finest engineers, the already solid chassis now provides enhanced comfort and dampening, whatever the surface. The Audi drive select system also allows driver to further tune the engine throttle response, transmission and steering amongst other things to suit their personal preferences.
The Premium SUV Experience: Now Concentrated
Despite its seemingly compact dimensions, the refreshed Audi Q3 continues to offer plenty of space on the inside, with great ergonomics and superior craftsmanship to underline its premium status. With comfortable leather seats as well as a leather-covered gear knob and a leather four-spoke design multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles complemented perfectly with strategically placed aluminium inlays and door sill trims, the interior of the Audi Q3 is an undeniably premium yet sporty environment for discerning drivers. Functionality is also important in the Audi Q3, and this is evident with the versatility of its cargo compartment which can be increased from 460 litres to 1,365 litres just by folding down the split rear seatbacks.
In terms of infotainment, the refreshed Audi Q3 comes with the standard MMI® radio, which features a 6.5-inch TFT colour display and the Audi sound system 6-channel amplifier with 10 speakers. Additionally, the refreshed Audi Q3 also comes equipped with an entire arsenal of electronic features including a start/stop system (with energy recuperation on the Q3 1.4 TFSI), Parking aid plus (with an upgrade to Parking assist with 360° display on the 2 litre variant), Hill-start assist, automatic luggage compartment lid, Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) which includes Traction Control (ASR), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a total of six airbags.
The Refreshed Audi Q3: Progressively Sporty
“With its accessible price point, we at Audi Malaysia believe that the new Audi Q3 will continue to provide a great introduction into Audi’s Q range. Despite its compact size, this fearless SUV provides discerning drivers with the trademark Audi experience without compromise; timeless and sporty design, lightweight yet durable construction, right-sized TFSI engines paired with S tronic transmissions and of course, Audi’s legendary quattro® permanent all-wheel drive system in the larger-engined Audi Q3 variant,” added Mr. Venter.
The new Audi Q3 is available in five colour choices: Glacier White, Floret Silver, Utopia Blue, Tundra Brown and Brilliant Black. Now open for bookings at all authorised Audi dealerships from October 12, the refreshed Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI retails at RM 217,900 whilst the new Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro® is priced at RM 252,900.
