Photo: CarPix
The Audi Q3 is still a novel idea for Ingolstadt, but just like the A3, it picked up in popularity very quickly. One of the softest rides of any compact SUV and a premium interior have made this one of the best selling models in its segment over in Europe, hugely popular in China as well. Audi is soon to launch phase two, a mid-life update for the Q3 that we expect to come out in the following months, most likely in February, just before the Geneva Motor Show.
The Audi Q3 facelift has been spotted on numerous occasions the past year, but never without this much of its camouflage. Most of the bodywork is on show except for the really important part: the redesigned front end. The new Audi look will connect the headlights to a hexagonal grille, adding more chrome surfaces for a premium look.
What Audi engineers really want us to pay attention to are the headlights and taillights, which have been completely uncovered for the first time. At the front, we have a Xenon Plus system with LED accents, while the rear is defined by fresh graphics, visibly more intricate than before.
During the numerous sightings, we've never seen any A3 prototype with a basic Halogen setup, leading us to believe that it's been dropped from the range, just like on the A6 facelift.
At launch, the A3 facelift should get two new EA288 2-liter four-cylinder diesel engines, featuring the latest ultra fuel-saving technology. The cheapest will get a bump in output from 140 to 150 PS and should fall within emissions class A, the other going from 177 PS to 184 or maybe even 190 PS.
TFSI petrol choices should start with the 1.4 turbo, a carry-over with 150 PS. The mid-range 2.0-liter TFSI could be swapped for a 1.8 with 180 PS. The flagship RS Q3 model is also going to receive a facelift and will continue to be powered by the 2.5-liter TFSI, probably with slightly more than the current 310 PS.
Of course, new tech like park assist, lane watch, auto braking and intelligent cruise control will be offered.
What Audi engineers really want us to pay attention to are the headlights and taillights, which have been completely uncovered for the first time. At the front, we have a Xenon Plus system with LED accents, while the rear is defined by fresh graphics, visibly more intricate than before.
During the numerous sightings, we've never seen any A3 prototype with a basic Halogen setup, leading us to believe that it's been dropped from the range, just like on the A6 facelift.
New engines from the 8V A3
Perhaps more important than the looks is the usability factor that Audi wants to work on. The Q3 is designed for the urban environment and as such its fuel consumption is very important. The company can't do anything about its older and slightly heavy PQ35 platform, shared with the old TT and A3, but it can revise the engine range in much the same way that VW has done with the Jetta.At launch, the A3 facelift should get two new EA288 2-liter four-cylinder diesel engines, featuring the latest ultra fuel-saving technology. The cheapest will get a bump in output from 140 to 150 PS and should fall within emissions class A, the other going from 177 PS to 184 or maybe even 190 PS.
TFSI petrol choices should start with the 1.4 turbo, a carry-over with 150 PS. The mid-range 2.0-liter TFSI could be swapped for a 1.8 with 180 PS. The flagship RS Q3 model is also going to receive a facelift and will continue to be powered by the 2.5-liter TFSI, probably with slightly more than the current 310 PS.
MMI changes
The Q3 is one of the few Audis to get its MMI system controller on the dashboard, integrated as part of the radio. This will probably continue to be true after the facelift. We prefer the large knob and touch controller of the new A3, but there might be only so much Audi can do here. From our spy photos we can make out that the placement and design of the pop-up color screen has not changed.Of course, new tech like park assist, lane watch, auto braking and intelligent cruise control will be offered.
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