IAB Report - Audi Q3 facelift headed for December reveal

Cosmetic enhancements to further spruce up Audi's baby SUV. 

Introduced as the brand's entry-level crossover in 2011, the Audi Q3 will get its mid-life facelift by the end of this year. Speaking to Indian Autos Blog at the Paris Motor Show, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the Board of Management of Audi AG and head of Audi’s Technical Development, said -

I think we're having the facelift in November-December.

Camouflaged prototypes of the Q3 facelift have been snapped doing test runs in Europe since early this year. The test mules indicate that cosmetic revisions would come in the form of mildly redesigned headlight and taillight clusters, front and rear bumpers and a tweaked grille. Audi could also offer the option of LED lighting on the Q3, given that the updated B Class (an indirect competitor to the Q3) introduced at the Paris Motor Show gets this option.

Engine options for the car are likely to remain the same. In India, Audi sells the Q3 with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, paired to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG transmission. Expect the Indian launch of the revised Q3 to take place next year.

Also read: Audi Q3 Dynamic launched in India

Speaking on the next 'Q' model, the Q5, which is also headed for a facelift, Dr. Hackenberg said -

Q5 will take some time, it is under development.

Competitors: Mercedes GLA, BMW X1, Volvo V40 Cross Country

Expected Price: INR 25-38 lakhs, ex-Showroom

Launch date in Europe: End 2014