With numerous new electric models and a new generation of highly efficient combustion engine vehicles and plug-in hybrids, Audi is positioning itself for the future en-route to a fully electric model range.

Starting last year, Audi began a significant offensive to renew its product portfolio which, by the end of 2025, will have seen 20 new models introduced – half of which will be fully electric. Indeed by the beginning of 2026, the company will boast the youngest portfolio amongst its competitors.

Much focus in the second-half of this year surrounds one newcomer in particular and a highly-anticipated addition to Audi’s renowned Q range of SUVs that features compact to large seven-seaters as well as the line-up of fully-electric e-tron models all adventure-ready and delivering comfort, style, space and versatility in abundance.

The Audi Q3 has been a fixture in the premium compact segment for more than a decade and has proved extremely popular with more than two million vehicle sales worldwide since its debut.

In the UK alone, it was one of the top five selling Audi models last year and second only to the Q4 e-tron as the brand’s most-loved SUV amongst British drivers.

However the Q3’s popularity is now destined to be strengthened by the arrival of its third generation – SUV versions have already been welcomed at Sinclair Audi showrooms in Bridgend, Swansea and Neyland with its Sportback sibling expected to be available for South Wales motorists to view and test drive in October.

The latest Q3 remains striking but maybe more so than ever before as, viewed from the side, a horizontal shoulder line between the headlights and rear lights visually divides the car into two parts, creating a very special distribution of light and shadow guaranteeing the SUV will turn heads wherever it goes.

Of course, there is much more than good looks to commend this appealing Audi which offers greater comfort and safety than ever before and an ownership experience that is boosted by enhanced digitalisation and driving dynamics resulting from the latest manufacturer innovations.

Innovations in the new Q3 include its lighting technology which is available for the first time in the Audi compact segment and made possible by adapting the digital Matrix LED headlights from the full-size class.

The new Q3 is the first Audi to use the micro-LED module, which replaces the DMD module. Incorporating 25,600 micro-LEDs, each one about half the thickness of a human hair, this technology produces significantly improved illumination and thus ensures very clear contrast on the road – particularly advantageous in difficult weather conditions.

When it comes to overall driver assistance, the Q3 is awash with a range of systems that boost safety whilst making everyday life on the road just that much easier.

Standard features include reversing camera, park assist plus with 360° display, adaptive cruise control (including speed limiter), lane departure warning with emergency assist, hill hold assist, traffic sign recognition, attention and fatigue warning with driver monitoring, and active front assist with evasion and turning assist, front cross traffic assist, and front emergency brake assist.

Compact it may be but the interior of the Q3 exudes a feeling of space and comfort and, compared to the previous model, design and functionality have been significantly improved. Instantly catching the eye in its stylish cabin is the panoramic display with 11.9-inch instrument cluster and 12.8-inch MMI touch display which, with its curved design, creates a cockpit that is totally driver-oriented.

Audi assistant, the learning voice-controlled assistant, can be used to operate numerous vehicle functions.

The assistant is enriched with AI – integrated directly into the vehicle – and appears for the first time as an avatar in the central touch display of the MMI and, when active, also as an icon in the head-up display available to supplement the digital displays or Audi virtual cockpit.

And whilst the Q3’s interior has been designed to be exceedingly user-centric, it has been created with sustainability in mind too.

Fast-growing, resistant wood is used for wood applications and interior elements in lmpressum cloth are made from 100 percent recycled polyester whilst the velvet velour floor mats are produced from Econyl, a completely recycled nylon fibre made from old fishing nets, carpet remnants, and industrial waste.

As part of its major product initiative, Audi has bolstered its new-look Q3 range with efficient combustion engines and a powerful plug-in hybrid. The entry-level model for both SUV and Sportback is a four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology with the most powerful being a 2.0-litre option with quattro drive delivering 265PS and 400Nm of torque to all four wheels.

Those choosing the e-hybrid can enjoy an electric range of up to 72 miles.

Prices for the new Q3 start at £38,300 on-the-road with the Q3 SUV e-hybrid 272PS costing from £45,800 with a £1,500 premium on Sportback models. To find out more or book a test drive, please contact your local Sinclair Audi retailer or visit www.sinclairaudi.co.uk

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