Next-Gen Audi Q3 Spotted Testing For The First Time

The Audi Q3 is possibly one of the best-selling models in the company Q range. First launched in 2011, the Q3 SUV has gone through several major and minor facelifts and upgrades, and now, the Ingolstadt based automaker has decided to give the car a generation upgrade. The company has already started testing the next-gen Audi Q3 and recently one of the test mules of new Q3 was spotted testing with some heavy camouflage. The new-gen Audi Q3 is likely to make it's global debut next year and as for an India launch, we do not expect it to happen before early 2019.

Also Read: 2017 Audi Q3 Revealed With Minor Facelift

The new Audi Q3 comes with a sleeker front with new headlamps and bumper

At the first glance, the test mule of the new Audi Q3 will appear to be a lot similar to the outgoing model, but a closer look reveals a lot of new exterior updates. The overall front of the new Q3 appears to have become sleeker with a revised hexagonal grille, likely to come with chrome surrounds, all-new headlamps that come in wraparound design, a new front bumper that housed redesigned air intakes and a larger central airdam.

New Audi Q3 has grown in size and is now longer than the outgoing model

From the sides, the new Audi Q3 looks like it has grown a bit in size, especially the length, which could be because of the larger rear overhangs. The larger size could also be a way to differentiate the car from the company's new smallest SUV - the Audi Q2. The design of the C-pillar also appears to have changed but with all that camouflage it's a bit hard to tell. The car also gets a slightly larger roof-mounted spoiler and of course, we will find new alloy wheels, roof rails, and ORVMs. At the rear, the new Q3 comes with a net set of two-piece taillights and a new tailgate, which is now narrower and there is also new rear bumper.

Also Read: 2017 Audi Q3 Launched In India

New Audi Q3 also comes with a redesigned rear with a new tailgate and revised taillamps

Unlike the current-gen Audi Q3, which is based on the company's older A platform, the new-gen model will be built on the more versatile MQB platform, sharing its underpinnings with the new Q2. The new platform also means that the 2018 Audi Q3 will likely lose a serious amount of weight despite its larger footprint. This will also translate into a larger cabin space.

Engine details and other technical specifications are still unknown, but the new Audi Q3 will offer a range of three- and four-cylinder turbocharged engines. This included the new 150 bhp 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine that currently does duty in the Audi A4. It's said that unlike the current-gen Audi Q3, which is built in SEAT's factory in Martorell, Spain, the new Q3 will be made in Audi's own manufacturing facility in Hungary.

Image Courtesy: Motor1