Next gen 2018 Audi Q3 seen testing for the first time

Rides on the MQB platform.

The next-generation Audi Q3 has been snapped by spy photographers very briefly. The car was completely covered in camouflage and additional secrecy helped by a brown veil tightly wrapped over the mule.

From whatever can be seen, the 2018 Audi Q3 is more coupe-styled with a flat shoulder line, and keeps the signature Audi singleframe grille. The bonnet appears lower and longer than the current model.

The next gen Audi Q3 is set to continue with the clamshell type tailgate and thin stop lights on the bumper. Ample ground clearance and a sporty roof spoiler are other observable features. It wouldn't be unreasonable to expect the typical SUV body and flat coupe-like cabin of the Audi e-tron Quattro concept from last year to influence the new Q3's design.

In size, it's logical to expect the car to put more space between it and the Audi Q2 which measures 4,191 mm long (compared to the current Q3 which comes in at 4,385 mm). The car will ride on the MQB platform, and an AutoBild report last year said that unlike BMW, Audi will continue offering four-cylinder engines in the Q3 which could include a 1.4 TSI, 2.0 TSI, and the 2.0 TDI, followed by the Q3 e-tron, which could develop up to 220 hp. The report also said that the boot space would expand from 356 to 400 liters.

Gizmos fetched from the latest gen Audis such as programmable Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, 4G LTE support, Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System, full LED headlamps, Adaptive Ambient lighting with more options and improved Audi pre-sense and Drive Select features can be anticipated on the 2018 Audi Q3.

Also See: Audi Q2 displayed at Audi City

Given that the current Q3 went on sale in 2011, the next-generation Q3 could debut in either late-2017 or early-2018.

Audi Q3 (current model) - Image Gallery

[Head to CarAdvice to see all the photographs]