Next-gen Audi Q3 rendered in production guise

30/12/2017 - 14:01 Audi Q3, Audi, Renderings Sagar Parikh

Just days back, new spy shots of the next-gen 2018 Audi Q3 surfaced online. Now, alVolante.it has shared a rendering of the SUV based on these spy pictures.

Next-gen 2018 Audi Q3 rendering — The Audi Q3 is expected to get lighter by up to 50 kg in its second generation.

As the rendering shows, the Q3's transition from the first generation to the second will follow an evolutionary path in terms of design. The redesigned model should have a more dynamic front-end with sharper headlamps, Audi Q8 concept-inspired octagonal Audi Singleframe grille with eight upright bars and new outer air inlets and a wider lower grille.

The second-gen Audi Q3 would have a bigger body to distance itself from the Audi Q2. The current Audi Q3 measures 4,388 mm in length, 1,831 mm in width and 1,608 mm in height. Its wheelbase spans a length of 2,603 mm. The next-gen Audi Q3 is expected to grow by 60 mm in length and more than 30 mm in width. The wheelbase is expected to grow by 50 mm. Moving to its second generation, the Audi Q3 will switch from the PQ35 platform to the MQB platform. Reports say that the BMW X1 rival will shed up to 50 kg with the first lifecycle makeover.

The current Audi Q3 is available with 1.4-litre TFSI petrol, 2.0-litre TFSI petrol, and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines. The next-gen Audi Q3 will have a 1.5-litre TFSI petrol engine as a replacement for the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine.The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol and 2.0-litre TDI engines will be carried forward. Transmission choices will include 6-speed manual and 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearboxes. Only select configurations will feature the quattro permanent AWD system.

At a later stage during its lifecycle, the next-gen Audi Q3 will embrace plug-in hybrid technology. This e-Tron variant’s powertrain will use a combination of a 1.5-litre TFSI petrol engine with an electric motor. There’s speak of a pure electric variant as well for China. The Audi Sport division will deliver the new Audi RS Q3 with a 400 PS 2.5-litre TFSI petrol engine. Buyers looking for an economical sporty variant will finally have the option to go for an Audi SQ3 for the first time. This variant will sport a 340 PS 2.5-litre TFSI petrol engine.

Audi Q3S Review front three quarters — Audi will build the next-gen Audi Q3 in Hungary, not in Spain. Current Audi Q3 pictured.

Also Read: Audi to launch pure electric Audi Q2 L e-Tron in China

The next-gen Audi Q3’s production will take place at the company's Gyor plant in Hungary. Global rollout of the Q3 is expected to commence in the second half of 2018. Indian launch of the all-new Audi Q3 could take place the following year.

[Image Source: alVolante.it]