Bigger new Audi Q3 makes debut

The all-new, second-generation Audi Q3 has been unveiled, confirming it grows in size and offers buyers more high-tech features than ever before.

On sale in Australia by the middle of 2019, the new version of Audi's small SUV has once again been designed, developed and engineered to do battle with the BMW X1 and the recently introduced Volvo XC40.

For the replacement, Audi has switched to the Volkswagen Group's versatile MQB platform.

Measuring in at 4485mm, the latest Q3 is a significant 97mm longer than the old version and 18mm wider but 5mm lower.

Crucially, the new architecture has allowed the wheelbase to be stretched by 78mm that, inside, has liberated both leg and knee room and rear passengers also get more head and elbow room than the old car.

Boosting practicality, the second row of seats now also slides back and forth by 150mm to prioritise legroom or boot space, which can expand from 530 litres to 675 litres.

Externally, designers have sharpened up the old car's design, injecting more aggression into the small SUV's lines. Note the introduction of Audi's large single-frame grille that incorporates widely spaced eight chrome vertical grilles.

In Europe, the Q3 is being launched with one diesel and three petrol engines, with the range kicking off with the confusingly named 35 TFSI powered by a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.

Sitting above that is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that comes with either 140kW (badged 40 TFSI) or 170kW (45 TFSI).

Initially, the Q3 will come with just one diesel engine -- the 35 TDI -- that gets a 110kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. Later on, a more powerful 140kW version will also join the European range.

All petrol Q3s will come with an automatic gearbox, with the option of a manual on the 35 TSFI.

The two 2.0-litre turbo petrol models come with the car-maker's famed quattro all-wheel drive.

Inside, there are two infotainment system to choose from: a smaller 8.8-inch or a larger range-topping 10.1-inch device.

Both significantly reduce the button count compared to the old model and incorporate Google 3D mapping and on-board WiFi.

The latest infotainment system also features car-to-car communication that helps the driver find parking spaces, or provides information on approaching hazards like fog.

Other new tech introduced to the new Audi Q3 includes a semi-autonomous cruise control system (on cars fitted with the auto 'box) that self-steers, brakes and accelerates the car on the highway.

Unlike the old model, there's no longer the choice of a traditional analogue dashboard as all Q3s now come with Audi's 'virtual cockpit' display.

As standard, the new Audi SUV gets a 10.25-inch display, but that can be upgraded to a larger 12.3-inch panel.

Since the latest Q3 is based on the MQB platform, the small Audi SUV misses out on the big Audi Q7's active roll-cancellation system but it does come with the option of adaptive dampers.

A sport suspension will also be offered on S line models, which also get a variable-ratio steering rack.

It not known when exactly the Q3 will land Down Under. but Audi Australia says it will be on sale here by the middle of 2019.

The new Q3 is expected to be priced from around the same $42,900 starting points as the outgoing model.

Later on next year, Audi Sport is expected to introduce a 300kW RS Q3 that will be powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine as the RS 3.