Preview: all-new Audi Q3 lands in NZ ahead of 2026 launch

Set to arrive in showrooms from March next year, Audi New Zealand has given local media a preview of the new Q3 SUV. 

As you can tell from the plates, and the positioning of the steering wheel, the display vehicle was fresh off the boat from Germany, and only served to show what we can expect. 

Because of this, we weren’t able to get behind the wheel of it to provide any driving impressions. 

Launching locally with three models 

Though we are yet to receive pricing information for this all-new small SUV, Audi New Zealand has confirmed that it will initially hit the market with three models. 

This new Q3 line-up will consist of the TFSI 110kW, the e-hybrid 200kW, and the TFSI 195kW. 

As for the performance models, an Audi spokesperson confirmed that a new RSQ3 is out of the question entirely, but a new SQ3 is something that could happen further down the line. 

Back to what’s confirmed for New Zealand, the Q3 TFSI 110kW represents the entry point to the range, and brings with it a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine. As the name suggests, it makes 110kW and 250Nm of torque. 

This is paired with a seven-speed transmission, sending power exclusively to the front wheels. Audi claims a 0-100km/h time of 9.1-seconds and a top speed of 207km/h.

Fuel economy is claimed at a combined 6.2l/100km for this model. 

Next up is the Q3 e-hybrid 200kW, which is the first plug-in hybrid Q3 to be offered in New Zealand. 

This SUV makes use of the same four-cylinder turbocharged engine, but adds an electric element to the powertrain. 

It gets a 25.7kWh battery, allowing for an electric driving range of up to 111km according to the WLTP testing program. 

As for charging, it can do 11kW on an AC charger, and up to 50kW with a DC fast charger. 

There’s also an electric motor on the front axle, and peak outputs sit at 200kW and 400Nm of torque. 

A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels, and this model can hit 100km/h from a standing start in 6.8-seconds. 

The average fuel economy figure for this Q3 PHEV sits at 1.8l/100km. 

Rounding out the range is the Q3 TFSI 195kW. This model forgoes any sort of electrification, but adds Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel drive system. 

It makes use of the same engine as the other models, but peak outputs here sit at 195kW and 400Nm. 

It gets a seven-speed automatic transmission, and gets a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.7-seconds, making it the quickest of the bunch. 

The flipside of this increased performance is an average economy figure of 9l/100km, also making it the thirstiest of the bunch. 

A fresh look

Considering production for the outgoing Q3 started in 2011, it’s fair to say that this model has had an extended shelf life. 

Though it underwent a couple of updates in 2014 and 2016, it was fundamentally the same SUV, so the arrival of this new Q3 feels timely. 

The exterior aesthetic is in line with other new vehicles in Audi’s line-up, with design elements carrying over from models such as the new A5/S5 pairing.

The left-hand drive display vehicle was finished in the new Sage Green, which looked to be a great fit for this Q3. 

The bold new front features a pair of split headlights and daytime running lights, sitting either side of the new grille. 

At the rear, it gets a pair of new taillights with a light bar running across the tailgate. It’s also worth noting that the Audi badge lights up back here. 

As for wheels, the range-topping Q3 gets the 20-inch wheels that are pictured as standard, and these are optional on the other models. Two sets of 19-inch wheels are standard on the lower-spec models. 

Simple but effective interior

On the inside, the Q3 is surprisingly minimalistic with its tech. There’s a large curved display that seemingly wraps around the driver, and features a 11.9-inch digital cluster alongside a 12.8-inch infotainment display. 

The gear selector controls are mounted where you’d expect the wiper controls to be on a European car, which frees up space between the seats. 

The steering wheel gets a bunch of haptic touch controls for the usual functions, which isn’t too inspiring to see. I was under the impression the Volkswagen group was moving away from these, but they’re clearly here to stay on some models. 

The cloth interior felt nice, and the accents look to be hard wearing, but not rough to the touch. 

The second row provides plenty of room with its cut out above each side-mounted seat. Whoever sits in the middle doesn’t get the pleasure of one of these cutouts, and will have to contend with a rather large transmission tunnel. 

A pair of USB chargers can be found at the back of the centre console, as well as air vents and controls for the AC. 

The boot is surprisingly large for an SUV of this stature, measuring 488 litres of luggage space with all the seats in place. This increases to 1,289 litres with the rear seats folded. 

It’s also worth noting that the Q3 isn’t offered at all with a spare tyre, instead getting a goo kit to repair flats.