Audi strikes back with the new, smarter Q3. Boasting contemporary styling, a refined drive and clever tech, can this crucial premium compact SUV reclaim its throne in South Africa?
It’s been a while since we’ve driven a new Audi, so it was a pleasure to attend the launch of the new Audi Q3. Judging by the sentiments of the powers that be at the brand, as well as the current South African car market, this vehicle is a very important model for the firm. The 1st and 2nd generations collectively sold more than 18 000 units in South African alone, which is a very respectable number.
Read more: Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback (2026) Price & Specs
What’s changed on the new Audi Q3?
As local consumers marvel at the striking designs and technology found in the brands from Asia, Audi has struck back with the new Q3 from an aesthetic perspective, resulting in a vehicle that looks very good. A combination of sharp lines and aggressive styling makes for a head-turning Q3, while not detracting from the brand’s traditional design language; it’s very much recognisable as an Audi.
Of course, of the 4 trim lines, it’s either S line or S line Black trim that you really want because these packages give you a sportier exterior and 19-inch wheels. If you’re more conservative, there is a middle-ground Advanced specification to choose from, which sits above the base Q3.
Thankfully, all Q3 variants are equipped with LED lighting at the front and rear, which is great because the brand has made a name for itself over the years in the vehicle-lighting department. The new Q3 doesn’t disappoint in that regard, as the vehicle’s front and rear lights will dance happily when you lock and unlock the car. The famous 4 rings are even illuminated at the rear.
When you step inside, you’ll likely be impressed by the build quality, material choices and the overall layout of the cockpit. Over the years, Audi has become known for its solidly built interiors, but the designs have been conservative. That’s no longer the case, as we’ve already seen on the A5, and the Q3 joins the sedan in offering a revised cockpit design. The new SUV offers a large 12.8-inch infotainment screen paired with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. Crucially, due to the enlarged size, the ergonomics have improved, except for one element – the previous Q3’s climate controls have been incorporated into the touchscreen. So much for progress…
Speaking of ergonomics, Audi has taken a page from Mercedes-Benz’s book by shifting the gear selector to the steering column, which has freed up space on the centre console. Likewise, a traditional indicator/wiper stalk has been replaced with a control console to the left of the wheel. Thankfully, it all works well enough.
As spacious as the Q3 may seem at first, rear leg room is somewhat limited for taller occupants, but then you realise the bench slides to free up lots more leg clearance. This, however, trims the luggage bay’s size from 575 litres to 488 litres.
Powertrain options for the Audi Q3
The new Audi Q3 is powered by either a 1.4 TFSI petrol, which produces 110 kW, or a 2.0 TDI diesel which also develops 110 kW. Where the difference comes in is torque: the petrol’s 250 Nm plays the diesel’s 360 Nm, making the latter the best choice for those who want that extra shove for towing or easy overtaking.
What is the new model like to drive?
I was surprised to note the TFSI variant doesn’t feel underpowered because the same engine in other VW Group products has been known to feel sluggish. The 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch is the only transmission on offer, but pairs beautifully with the TFSI engine.
During the drive, what was most notable about the new Q3 was the lack of noise in the cabin. The car feels very refined and the damping complements the silence, as the new 2-valve dampers have been designed to be more compliant in Comfort mode and more engaging in the Dynamic setting. As a result, the handling characteristics of the new Q3 are very good. The vehicle turns into corners confidently but doesn’t break your back during long-distance drives. One wonders how good an SQ3 or even RS Q3 would feel with the new suspension setup.
As consumers’ technology demands keep increasing due to the features that have become available in modern cars, Audi has invested a lot of time and effort into autonomous parking technologies. At first glance, you may think “pffft, a self-parking car isn’t new”, but how Audi does it is slightly different. The new Q3 has a system called Trained Parking, which allows you to train the vehicle to remember specific parking spots. Once you’ve educated the vehicle once, it will remember the exact spot and the manoeuvres needed to park the car perfectly in that same bay. You’ve also got Reverse Assistant, which remembers the last 50 metres that you’ve driven and will follow the exact line to help you reverse.
How much does the new Audi Q3 cost in South Africa?
Q3 SUV pricing
| Derivative | Price |
| Q3 TFSI 110 kW | R814 200 |
| Q3 TDI 110 kW | R852 500 |
| Q3 TFSI Advanced 110 kW | R867 000 |
| Q3 TFSI S line 110 kW | R904 000 |
| Q3 TDI Advanced 110 kW | R905 300 |
| Q3 TFSI S line Black 110 kW | R929 000 |
| Q3 TDI S line 110 kW | R942 300 |
| Q3 TDI S line Black 110 kW | R967 300 |
Q3 Sportback pricing
| Derivative | Price |
| Q3 Sportback TFSI 110 kW | R849 200 |
| Q3 Sportback TDI 110 kW | R887 500 |
| Q3 Sportback TFSI Advanced 110 kW | R902 000 |
| Q3 Sportback TFSI S line 110 kW | R939 000 |
| Q3 Sportback TDI Advanced 110 kW | R940 300 |
| Q3 Sportback TFSI S line Black 110 kW | R964 000 |
| Q3 Sportback TDI S line 110 kW | R977 300 |
| Q3 Sportback TDI S line Black 110 kW | R1 002 300 |
The prices above include Audi’s 1-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Final thoughts
Overall, the new Audi Q3 is a welcome addition to the South African car market, but finding success like its forebears did won’t be an easy task. At the launch, the brand was open and honest about the challenges facing the premium sector and Audi South Africa hopes that this product will increase its market share.
At the end of the day, value-for-money talks and the Q3’s starting price of R814 200 is fair considering the premium competition. However, the price can quickly escalate to more than R1 million, so spec your Q3 judiciously.
Does the new Audi Q3 have what it takes to take the fight to the Chinese? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we’re happy to report that the new Q3 is exactly that – new. Much like the new Audi A5 that we drove a few months ago, the Q3 feels like a new generation of Audi, one that is better looking and smarter. The Q3 is one of many new products that Audi will be launching locally this year, and in 2027, so it seems that brand has found its groove again. Let’s hope the Q3 ushers in an era of success for Audi…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the interior design and tech changes introduced in the new Audi Q3?
A: The new Q3 features a revised cockpit layout dominated by a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. Ergonomic adjustments include moving the gear selector to the steering column, introducing a left-side indicator/wiper console, and integrating the climate controls into the main touchscreen.
Q: What engine options are available for the new Audi Q3 in South Africa, and how do they compare?
A: Buyers can choose between a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, both mated to a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and producing 110 kW. The primary difference lies in torque outputs, with the petrol producing 250 Nm while the diesel delivers 360 Nm, providing extra shove for towing and open-road overtaking.
Q: What advanced autonomous parking technologies are featured in the new Audi Q3?
A: The Q3 features “Trained Parking,” which allows owners to program the vehicle to remember specific parking spots and execute the necessary steering manoeuvres automatically. It also includes “Reverse Assistant,” a system that memorises the last 50 metres driven forward to perfectly retrace that exact line backward.
Q: What is the starting price of the new Audi Q3 in South Africa, and what after-sales backup is included?
A: The new Audi Q3 line-up starts at R814 200 for the entry-level SUV model and climbs up to R1 002 300 for the top-spec Sportback model. All retail prices listed include Audi’s 1-year/unlimited kilometre warranty alongside a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
