NEW WINE IN AN OLD BOTTLE: HOW GOOD IS THE NEW AUDI Q3 SUV?
The latest version of Audi's popular Q3 SUV is now on the block and to be honest, it does look a lot like the generation two car which it replaces.
The most prominent change is new lighting technology based around a micro-LED module with 25,600 light points per headlight.
Unlike the previous light arrangement, which was just a signature, the new technology offers practical functions as well.
The headlamps project lines onto the road for lane guidance, warn of dangers when overtaking and light up the neighbouring carriageway before a lane change.
Like the version before, the Q3 squares up against rivals such as the BMW X1 and X2, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Lexus UX and the Volvo XC40.
It comes in two body styles, one being a regular SUV shape with a largely upright tailgate, and the other being the Sportback that has a more rakish roofline.
In its home market, the Q3 costs upwards of €44,600 for the regular edition and €1,850 on top for the Sportback.
The interior control concept has been revised, with buttons instead of the familiar steering column stalks.
The Q3 now also features a digital wall that curves gently around the steering wheel, and Audi has placed nearly every other ancillary control onto what is supposed to be a cool, single extrusion to the side of the wheel.
In fact drivers will need some time to get the hang of slickly operating the buttons it uses for indicators, wipers and main-beam lights.
With a wheelbase of 2.68 metres, there is plenty of space both at the front and rear. Once again, Q3 customers benefit from a sliding rear seat. This allows for an individual compromise between knee room and boot capacity.
The hatchback has a minimum boot capacity of 488 litres, which can be increased to 575 litres and then to 1,386 litres. Those who order the Sportback will get a more elegant car, but they lose out on 100 litres of luggage room.
The Q3 is a relaxed car to drive and when you choose sport mode, it becomes much more engaging. The steering and suspension feel stiffer with more feedback.
Little has changed in terms of the drive system with the new generation. The engines are familiar and only the plug-in hybrid represents real technical progress.
Audi has upped the the battery capacity to 25.7 kWh, enabling an electric range of up to 119 kilometres. After that, the Q3 can recharge with up to 50 kW of direct current.
On its own, the electric motor can propel this car up to 140 km/h, but when the battery is empty or the accelerator pedal becomes heavy the combustion engine kicks in.
The system output goes up to 200 kW/272 hp, and with a sprint time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h, the Q3 suddenly shows its sporty credentials. An even more powerful SQ3 and an RSQ3 are in the pipeline.
A price tag of €49,300 means not all customers will want to plug in, so Audi also offers a few conventional engines as alternatives.
There are two petrol units with a displacement of 1.5 litres and 110 kW/150 hp or 150 kW/204 hp, a 2.0-litre TFSI with 195 kW/265 hp and a 2.0-litre diesel with 110 kW/150 hp. The more powerful engines can be ordered with all-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive.
Amid all the talk of the "new" Q3 this car is basically a refreshed second-generation model. But that's not a bad thing, given the tried and tested qualities of this compact bestseller. And when night falls, things literally look brighter.
