The much-awaited 2019 Audi Q3 launched

ABU DHABI: Audi has finally pulled off the covers from the new 2019 Q3. Thus marking the entry of this compact crossover SUV into its second generation. The new Q3 has got a plethora of new features to make it that much more pleasing and desirable.

The Q3 has always been Audi’s good teenage boy but it has been quite some time now since he got a makeover. Audi realized this quickly and, we must say, it has done a great job. That teenager has now stepped into adolescence and looks more mature, modern, confident, and handsome.

The styling of the new 2019 Audi Q3 has been borrowed from the upcoming Q8. The front has been updated with a pair of new LED headlights, that are similar to ones seen in the A3 Sportback, and the new signature LED DRLs. It also features a new front grille with subtle chrome vertical bars that match the use of chrome in the sporty front bumper. At the rear, the new set of LED tail lights is a welcome change.

The interior of the new Audi Q3 has also been revamped. Apart from all the extraordinary fit, finish, and quality, the biggest change is the inclusion of Audi’s new 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit dashboard cluster that comes with an 8.8-inch or an optional 10-inch centre display infotainment system. It will definitely bring up a big smile on your face.

The other interesting bits include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which come as standard across all variants, with other connectivity options, and a generous number of USB ports for both the front and rear occupants.

The 2019 Audi Q3 also gets updated and advanced safety features like rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, forward emergency braking, active lane assist and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.

Audi has also got a new intelligent feature, thus taking things to the next level in the segment. It is the ‘Swarm Intelligence’ technology. Audi says that this allows the new Q3 to communicate with other vehicles to relay information about road hazards, speed limits, and even parking available. It’s something similar to the Ducati’s C-V2X system that is currently under development.

The second generation Q3 is expected to be available in three petrol engines that will share the same foundation. There will also be Audi’s Quattro drive as optional apart from the regular FWD variant. The transmissions will include a six-speed manual box and Audi’s seven-speed S Tronic unit.

The first market to get the 2019 Audi Q3 will be the European countries. We are expecting the UAE that currently has the first-gen Q3 to receive the updated model sometime during early next year.