2018 Audi Q3 spied in Germany
The next-generation 2018 Audi Q3 has been spied during development, testing in its home of Germany.
Like most of the German marque’s model portfolio, the new Q3 shouldn’t surprise in terms of its design. The wider front grille design and angular headlights draws inspiration from several models, including the larger Q5 crossover and the related A3 small car.
The new-generation crossover also appears to be a little larger than the current one, likely following the related Volkswagen Tiguan in going from one of the smaller vehicles in its class to one of the largest – thanks to the new modular MQB platform.
It appears from the images here that the Q3 gets a less coupe-like roofline that extends into a more conventional tailgate design – though it is still a fastback design.
At the rear the heavy camouflage conceals most of the tail-lights and their internals, though it looks as if the new Q3 will again draw a lot of inspiration from its Q5 and Q7 siblings, along with the A3.
Other significant upgrades are expected to include a raft of new driver assistance systems that are becoming increasingly available across the Audi line-up and the luxury car segment, which currently aren’t available on the Q3.
Expect features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian protection and adaptive cruise control with stop&go function to at least be available optionally if not standard, while updated blind spot assist and lane assist systems should be offered too.
It’s likely that the Q3’s engine range will mirror the options available in the closely-related Volkswagen Tiguan, with a range of four-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel mills, including a sporty 162kW or 169kW petrol engine from the Golf GTI.
Reports out of Europe suggest the new crossover will also offer plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric (EV) options, though we’ll have to wait for the Q3’s reveal to find this out for sure.
In March, Audi confirmed the new-generation Q3 would debut by the end of the year, so expect the official reveal to occur in the coming months.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more Audi Q3 updates.
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