Although the Q3 just recently received a second facelift which came with a few new updates, some spy shots from May are giving us a clear insight into what will be an all-new 2018 Audi Q3 that is prepared for next year. Audi is indeed working full time when their lineup of cars is considered and in this time it is to be highly respected.
Design and Platform of 2018 Audi Q3
The spy shots that we found show, as anticipated, a hefty amount of camouflage on the prototype in order to hide its styling that is, according to many, going to be a slight refinement of the current model instead of a full redesign that is probably expected. The render of the vehicle we found is trying to depict a 2018 Audi Q3 with somewhat of a sharper exterior, similar to what you have on the all-new Q5 that was announced at the Paris motor show few moths ago. What will come as the biggest change is that the all-new vehicle will get an increase in size to make a distance between itself and its younger brother the Q2 that is now acting as an entry level crossover.
The growth in size will not influence Audi’s overall weight, and it definitely won’t affect the driving characteristics that the Q3 was so proud of. If you ask how is that possible? Well, let us tell you. The 2018 Q3 will definitely switch to the all-new and famous VW Group’s flexible MQB platform that will allow it to retain the same weight, if not even lose some despite the increase in its tire prints. This will also mean that thanks to the MQB platform, the 2018 Q3 will have a wide variety of three and four-cylinder turbocharged engines to choose from.
Engine and transmission
As for the driving configuration, the front wheel drive will remain a standard while the more powerful engines will, without a doubt, get paired with Audi’s trademark Quattro AWD setup. The transmission will also depend on the engine choice, meaning that you will have two options – six-speed manual gearbox and an S Tronic dual-clutch transmission. Slightly after the launch we expect for the plug-in hybrid model to come. This one is predicted to join the lineup surely and will appeal to those that are looking for a green version, this is not all as the new RS Q3 is already planned if the Audi tradition is to be followed and performance oriented model does come.
2018 Audi Q3 Release date
The debut of the refreshed 2018 Audi Q3 is scheduled to happen sometime later next year, and the possible candidate is the September 2017 when the Frankfurt Motor Show kicks off. It will go on sale by the end of 2017 or even in early 2018. Its production will most likely be moved from SEAT’s factory in Martorell, Spain to Audi’s plant in Gyor, Hungary where the TT Coupe, TT Roadster, A3 Sedan, and A3 Cabriolet are currently being assembled.
