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All-new Audi Q3 to take on Volvo XC40, BMW X1

Audi has unveiled details about its latest Q3 including engine range, an all-new cabin and exterior, as well as new driver aids and more.

Set to replace the outgoing seven-year old model, the new Q3 will go on sale in the UK this autumn, with first deliveries expected late 2018.

Engines
Three TFSI petrol and one TDI diesel will be available at launch, with outputs ranging from 148bhp to 227bhp. Each is a four-cylinder turbo equipped with a particulate filter. The entry-level model (badged Q3 35 TFSI) is a 1.5-litre TFSI with cylinder on demand to enhance efficiency by switching off two cylinders when not needed. It is equipped as standard with a seven-speed S tronic transmission and front-wheel drive, with a six-speed manual option to follow at a later date.

A 2.0-litre unit powers the Q3 40 TFSI and Q3 45 TFSI, with 187bhp and 227bhp respectively and are each equipped with the seven-speed S tronic.

Rounding out the range at launch is the Q3 35 TDI, with a 2.0-litre diesel 148bhp engine, with a 187bhp model to follow. Initially, this will be available with quattro all-wheel drive and a manual transmission only. Following this, a seven-speed S tronic will be offered with front-wheel drive.

Driver Aids
Audi Side Assist (blind spot monitoring) is standard in the UK, as is a lane departure warning function that becomes active from speeds of approximately 37mph, and pre sense front safety system to detect and avoid pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles. Adaptive cruise assist is an option, which includes adaptive speed assist, traffic jam assist and active lane assist – semi-autonomous features. Likewise, optional park assist offers not only the ability to help park the vehicle but also cross traffic assist that helps prevent incidents occurring while reversing out of a blind space.

Exterior
Outside, the new Q3 sports sharper creases and sleeker lines. LED technology is used for all versions and are paired with LED daytime running lamps, as well as Matrix LED units being an option that adaptively illuminates the road ahead on high beam while obscuring the light from oncoming traffic.

Interior
A fully digital cabin incorporating the Audi Virtual Cockpit and a large MMI touch display makes its debut in the new Q3, with a driver focus. In Sport and S line versions the digital MMI touch display with 10.1-inch screen in the centre of the instrument panel is standard, as is MMI navigation plus and the Audi Virtual Cockpit with a 10.25 inch screen within the binnacle. In addition, the two launch versions are equipped with new natural-language voice control, which premiered in the Audi A8 and allows for more natural voice commands.

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Jonathan Musk

Jonathan turned to motoring journalism in 2013 having founded, edited and produced Autovolt - one of the UK's leading electric car publications. He has also written and produced books on both Ferrari and Hispano-Suiza, while working as an international graphic designer for the past 15 years. As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, Jonathan brings a near-unrivalled knowledge of EVs and hybrids to Fleet World Group.