New vs old Audi Q3: top 3 differences

Abundant space, comprehensive adaptability and practical details, these are only but a few features on the latest Audi Q3 that was launched in August 2019. There are also numerous infotainment solutions and driver assist technology. Read on for more details.

Farzana Chaumoo

20 Dec 2019 · 11:05Buying a Car

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1. Larger

The new Audi Q3 is based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix and has been made larger all around. All dimensions have grown and VW is now positioning the new Q3 in the upper compact SUV segment.

The latest Q3 is 4,484 millimetres long, making it 96 millimetres longer than its predecessor. It has grown 18 millimetres in width to 1,849 millimetres, but at 1,585 millimetres without the roof aerial. It is also 5 millimetres flatter than the first-generation Q3. Its wheelbase has been stretched 77 millimetres to 2,680 millimetres and is much more spacious, increasing knee room, headroom and elbow room.

Another highlight in terms of room is the standard-fit highly variable division of space: the rear seats can be moved fore/aft by 150 millimetres. Their three-way split backrests in the ratio 40:20:40 can be tilted in seven stages. Rear passengers also have the option of a centre armrest that features two cup holders as standard.

Depending on the position of the rear seats and backrests, the luggage compartment capacity ranges between 530 and 675 litres. With the backrests folded down, space is expanded to 1,525 litres. The loading floor can be adjusted up to three levels; the low loading sill of 748 millimetres makes it easier to stow heavy luggage. If the parcel shelf is not needed, it can be stowed under the loading floor.

2. Driver Assistance Systems

The new Audi Q3 is at the top of its class when it comes to driver assist systems. Substantially enhancing comfort on long journeys is the lane departure warning system. It is active from speeds of approximately 60 km/h and helps prevent the vehicle from inadvertently drifting out of the lane. If the driver has not set an indicator and the car is about to cross the lane markings, the system assists with corrective steering intervention. As an option, the driver can set the steering wheel to provide an additional vibration.

The Audi Q3 makes manoeuvring easier thanks to functions such as the park assist. It steers the SUV automatically into and out of parking spaces. The driver only has to accelerate, brake and shift gears. If the driver wants to reverse out of a parallel parking space or a tight entrance, cross traffic assist is activated. The system monitors the area behind the vehicle using two radar sensors and alerts the driver in critical situations.

The four 360 degree cameras provide another useful function. They show on the large infotainment screen the immediate surroundings of the Audi Q3 when moving at speeds up to 10 km/h. Touch operation allows the driver to switch between various views. In addition to the virtual bird’s eye view, the reversing camera view and the front and rear 180° panoramic view, there is a detailed view of the front and rear wheels. This enables the driver to manoeuvre precisely up to the curb.

3. Digital panels

Audi has done away with the analogue instruments and replaced its operating display with a digital instrument cluster that features a 10.25-inch screen as standard. This is operational through the multifunction steering wheel.

Buyers can also upgrade the instrument cluster to the Audi virtual cockpit with additional functions. It incorporates the MMI functions and, in addition to road and engine speed, also displays information on music tracks. If the customer has specified navigation, the display also includes the navigation map. The driver can configure the display according to their needs and has all the data in their direct field of view.

The standard MMI radio plus also includes an MMI touch display with 8.8-inch screen in the centre of the instrument panel. With the top-of-the-line equipment, MMI navigation plus, this touchscreen measures 10.1 inches. The displays appear in the 10.25-inch Audi virtual cockpit, which the customer can upgrade as an option to the Audi virtual cockpit plus with a 12.3 inch screen. The driver can call up three different views on the screen, including a new extra sporty display. MMI Navigation plus including the Audi virtual cockpit plus is available in the Technology package, which also includes Audi connect with limited functionality, contour ambient lighting and interior finishes in aluminium.