The Q3 has been released back in 2011 and it is one of Audi’s only cars to still use the older A5 platform. The car is using a dated interior, less than ideal engines and an old running gear. In order to become one of the best cars in its class, a new model is expected to be released with the 2018 Audi Q3. So far there hasn’t been much information released by Audi which is quite strange. However, the car is definitely in production and considering Audi’s plan of discontinuing the old assembly line, it can’t be that far away.
2018 Audi Q3 – More details
The new 2018 Audi Q3 is going to use their MQB modular platform which also underpins the latest A3. This platform should allow Audi for a greater level of freedom in choosing the size of the Q3. Most rumors currently suggest the new car will be larger, more luxurious, more powerful and considerably better to drive.
This would also be possible thanks to the release of the smaller Q2 which takes the spot as the baby-Audi crossover. The price is still unknown but we wouldn’t be surprised if Audi adds at least $2,000 to the base price of the older model. This would give them more room to improve the Q3 and offer a considerably better experience than before.
The design – inside and out
So far not much information has been revealed about the way the 2018 Audi Q3 is going to look. Despite that Audi did release recently the Q5 and the larger Q7. They also released the Q2 which is vastly different from the other two. However, we are quite sure at this point the Q3 will share most of its design scheme with the Q5 and Q7 and not the Q2 or Q8.
This is because it will be Audi’s mainstream offering aimed at a much wider market. In the front we can expected an edgier design while at the back the sloped roof could be gone and replaced with something more conventional. This would increase the available room inside the cabin and it would give the Q3 a more muscular look than before. Not much has been said about its cabin either.
Despite that it is quite clear the Q3 will share most of it with the A3. Things like the dashboard, instrument cluster, infotainment system and even seats will be those already seen on the A3. The slightly higher driving position is likely going to be the only real difference.
Under the hood
It is a well known fact Audi is developing electric cars. We wouldn’t be surprised if the 2018 Audi Q3 ends up offering some kind of all-electric powertrain shortly after release. On top of that, a plug-in electric might be available from the start. This will give Audi the chance to gather data and further improve their upcoming electric cars all while giving their customers a great premium electric or hybrid vehicle.
On top of that, the Q3 should carry on with Audi’s usual range of gas and diesel engines. The base model will likely use either a 1.8 liter turbo-four or a larger 2 liter mill with anything between 180 and 250 horsepower. Further up the range Audi could also offer a larger 3 liter engine with around 300 horsepower. A range of diesel engines offering between 150 and up to more than 200 horsepower is also going to be available. A manual will likely be available only in Europe with the US model receiving a DSG automatic. There is also going to be a high performance SQ3 and a more powerful RS Q3. The latter is expected to boast a 2.5 liter turbocharged inline 5 with as much as 400 horsepower and north of 350 lb-ft of torque.