Audi PH launches the newest all-around SUV, the award-winning 2020 Audi Q3

From left, Audi PH General Sales Manager Paolo Brambilla; Audi PH Head Benedicto Coyiuto, and Audi PH Managing Director Christopher Chan.

The all-new second generation Audi Q3 finally breaks cover on local soil and with it, a whole new raft of changes to move the goalpost further forward in a segment it created back in 2011.

First is the shape: the Q3 sports a more traditional 2-box compact cross-over SUV profile, eschewing the original Q3’s hatchback on stilts silhouette. The large octagon-shaped single frame grill that feeds cool air to the engine, is framed by LED matrix headlights which point inwards, adding to the dynamic and confident stance.

At 4,484mm, it is 96mm longer than its predecessor, while being wider at 1,849mm, or 18mm wider than before. Overall height is slightly lower at 1,585mm to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency while reducing wind noise on the highway. But the most welcome bit of news is the increase in wheelbase, which now measures 2,680mm, a whooping 77mm longer than before. This means a massive increase in interior cabin space. Cargo space also rises to 675 liters in the trunk, and expands to 1,525 liters with the rear seats folded. Access to the rear is made easier by an electronically assisted tail-gate. A kick/swipe function underneath the rear bumper automatically opens the tail gate, so long as the Q3 detects the key nearby, without pressing the keyfob remote, handy when you’re carrying large parcels on both hands.

Highlighting the side view of the all-new Q3 are the symmetrical graphics of the headlights and rear lights. The shoulder line connects these elements and provides an athletic overall impression.

The dash layout features Audi’s handsome architecture, with a 10.1 inch Audi MMI LCD screen. The driver is now faced with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit switchable LCD display in lieu of a traditional analog instrument cluster that allows for various screen display options. Both Apple Carplay and Android Auto are now standard in the Q3 for better, easier and faster mobile phone integration and telephony.

For the Philippine market, power is provided by a 1.4 liter TFSI turbocharged & direct- injected gasoline engine with an output of 150hp and 250 Newton-Meters of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission. Top speed is an academic 220kmh and accelerates to 100kmh in 8.7 seconds.

The all-new Q3 has grown in virtually all dimensions and is positioned in the upper SUV segment.

The all-new Q3 is also a very safe vehicle. It gained a 5-Star Rating at the NCAP crash assessment program, as well as a ‘GOOD’ rating at the IIHS Top Safety Pick for overall crash protection. Traction/stability control, ABS-EBD brakes, multiple airbags, hill-hold assist, hill-descent control, parking aid and a reverse camera, round out the electronic safety features.

The all-new Q3 has taken lessons from its 8-year history, reinvented itself and made itself more stylish, safer, more efficient and better to drive to dominate against rivals from Germany, UK and Japan in the premium compact SUV segment.

Just like in Audi’s top-of-the-line models, the all-new Q3 features the Audi Virtual Cockpit and a 10.1-inch MMI touch display which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

All the convenient features of a topnotch SUV that is super comfortable with the necessary safety enhancements.