Audi has given its popular compact SUV a makeover, with a new body, overhauled interior, and clever headlights that can project warnings and driver alerts onto the road ahead.
The new-generation 2026 Audi Q3 small SUV has been revealed, with sharper styling, an overhauled cabin, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology rated for up to 120km of electric-only driving range.
It is expected to reach Australia next year – precise timing is yet to be confirmed – but price rises above the current $57,500 plus on-road costs entry RRP are likely, and it remains to be seen if PHEV power is introduced locally.
Closely related to the Terramar SUV from VW Group sister brand Cupra, the new Q3 sits on an updated version of its predecessor's underpinnings, but wears all-new styling inspired by larger Audi SUVs, riding on alloy wheels up to 20 inches in diameter.
New matrix LED headlights – with a new module home to 25,600 micro LEDs, which makes its Audi debut on the Q3 – promise improved illumination and the ability to project driver alerts onto the road ahead, including blind-spot warnings.
Owners can choose from four different daytime-running light signatures, as well as option OLED tail-lights at the rear of the car.
Audi has not published the new Q3's dimensions, but the related Cupra Terramar – which appears to share its body structure – shares the same wheelbase as the outgoing Q3, but is larger overall from nose to tail.
That would make it large for the small SUV class in which the Q3 has traditionally competed, and at the more compact end of the 'mid-size' SUV category home to the related Volkswagen Tiguan, as well as Audi's Q5.
Inside, the Q3 inherits a scaled-down version of the tech-laden dashboard seen in larger Audis, integrating a 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen into a curved panel.
Missing from the Q3 to keep its price down – compared to a new Q5 or Q6 – is the front-passenger screen, and a larger centre display (14.5-inch).
The infotaiment screen runs the same Android Automotive-based software, however, with third-party apps such as YouTube available to download, and an artificial intelligence-powered voice assistant included.
Audi has moved the gear selector from the centre console to a steering column stalk, freeing up space in the centre console, including for a 15-watt ventilated wireless phone charger.
Available features include a head-up display, 12-speaker Sonos sound system, four USB-C ports, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and sliding, folding and reclining rear seats for between 488 and 575L of boot space with the backrest in use.
Tick the correct option box and the 30-colour ambient lighting will shine through laser-cut holes in the door panel fabrics.
Recycled polyester and nylon fibres are used throughout the cabin, including remnants of old fishing nets to create the floor mats.
Five engine variants are available in Europe, across three petrols, one diesel, and a plug-in hybrid.
The PHEV combines a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with an 85kW/330Nm electric motor for 200kW and 400Nm combined, driving the front wheels.
It uses a 19.7kWh (usable capacity) battery pack – nearly twice the previous Q3 plug-in hybrid's energy storage, in a similarly-sized housing – rated for up to 120km of electric range in European WLTP lab testing.
DC fast charging at up to 50kW is said to enable a 10 to 80 per cent recharge in less than 30 minutes.
The 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is offered without the electric motor as the base engine at launch, matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
A 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine will follow later in 150kW/320Nm and 195kW/400Nm tunes, both offering all-wheel drive and seven-speed transmissions.
European customers will also be able to order a 110kW/360Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, but it's not expected to reach Australia.
Under the skin, new adaptive suspension allows the dampers' two main settings – rebound and compression – to be adjusted separately, for a broader spread between comfort and sport modes.
Audi also promises more responsive and feel-some steering, and a new 'Balanced' drive mode.
A full suite of advanced safety systems is available, including semi-autonomous highway driving technology capable of assisted lane changes at speeds of 90km/h or greater, and the ability to maintain the vehicle's lane without clear markings.
There is now an interior camera that monitors the driver's eyes for inattention, while the Q3 can now be 'trained' in parking moves in tricky spaces, which it can replay and recreate at the touch of a button.
Traffic sign recognition technology inside the car can now recognise warning signs, such as right of way, construction site and railroad crossing signs.
The 2026 Audi Q3 is due on sale in Europe in September, with a global roll-out to follow.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
