{"id":175961,"date":"2025-12-09T20:14:18","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T20:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/175961\/"},"modified":"2025-12-09T20:14:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T20:14:18","slug":"all-new-audi-q3-preview-in-new-zealand-step-to-the-left","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/175961\/","title":{"rendered":"All-new Audi Q3 preview in New Zealand: step to the left"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Q3 previewed in NZ with left-hand drive model.
\nMild hybrid and quattro models for March 2026, e-hybrid to follow.
\nFirst new model in 7 years, Q3 is Audi NZ’s biggest-seller.<\/p>\n

Audi New Zealand<\/a> is previewing the next-generation Q3 compact-SUV for prospective customers from now until March 2026, when the first Kiwi-specification production cars are set to arrive.<\/p>\n

\"Audi
\nThe wheel’s on the left, but the location is Auckland, New Zealand.<\/p>\n

It’s doing so in a format that has worked well for previous models<\/a> in the recent past: it’s imported a left-hand drive example and will be taking it on a roadshow around the country, giving customers the chance to see and sit-in the new model for real. And presumaby place their order?<\/p>\n

The Q3 is Audi NZ’s best-seller and this is the first new model since 2018<\/a>. It’s grown up a lot in look and technology, with a styling stance similar to that of the larger Q5 and the very latest application of the brand’s cabin design and infotainment.<\/p>\n


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\u201cThe launch of the new Q5<\/a> has driven a remarkable surge in sales, surpassing all sales records since the model\u2019s NZ debut,” says Audi NZ general manager Greg Leet. “Now, we\u2019re excited to introduce the new Q3, a long-awaited addition to our lineup that customers have been anticipating for over seven years. With its strong market appeal, we\u2019re confident the Q3 will deliver a similarly strong performance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Audi
\nNew-gen interior lifts the Q3’s tech-appeal significantly.<\/p>\n

First to arrive will be the entry-level Q3, powered by a 1.5-litre mild hybrid engine with 110kW\/250Nm and front-drive, and the more performance-oriented 2.0-litre quattro AWD with 200kW\/400Nm. While the SUV body shape will be standard for both, the 2.0-litre will also be the sole Q3 to also be available in a coupe-style Sportback model, with a 29mm-lower roofline.<\/p>\n

Later in the year we’ll see the Q3 e-hybrid (that’s Audi-speak for PHEV), which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a plug-in 25.7kWh battery and electric motor to make 200kW\/400Nm. The battery is good for 111km EV range (WLTP) and can be DC fast-charged a up to 50kW. While it’s just as powerful as the 2.0-litre quattro, the e-hybrid remains FWD.<\/p>\n

\"Audi
\nAll models will have sports suspension, although only 1 of the 3 gets quattro AWD.<\/p>\n

While it’ll be the last to arrive, it’s the e-hybrid that’s doing the rounds in NZ. It’s also showcasing the new Sage Green colour for the Q3. Another new hue for the model is Madeira Brown matte – exclusive to the Q3 within the Audi range.<\/p>\n

All models come in S line specification and all come as standard with sports suspension, including 2-valve damper control.<\/p>\n


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\"Audi
\nControl bar behind the steering wheel is a neat design touch.<\/p>\n

The cabin design steps up again even from the latest Q5, with a cleaner look to the curved widescreen instrumentation layout (11.9in) and infotainment (12.8). The operating system has been further refined for a cleaner look and more intuitive operation.<\/p>\n

A striking new design touch is a single bar straddling the steering column that contains the gear selector, lighting and wiper functions. It all adds to the curvy look.<\/p>\n

\"Audi
\nAudi NZ is hoping this preview roadshow will stir up interest – and presumably some firm orders.<\/p>\n

Digital Matrix LED headlights with micro-LED modules are now standard across the range. Drivers can also personalise their cars by selecting from three dynamic coming\/leaving home lighting animations via the MMI, and deactivate specific lighting functions such as lane lights.<\/p>\n

On the 195kW SUV and Sportback models, digital OLED rear lights are fitted as standard. These are complemented by a continuous LED light strip and Audi\u2019s new illuminated rings.<\/p>\n

One thing not yet shared by Audi NZ is pricing for the new Q3. The current model is $71,990-$97,490, but expect a step up from that, especially with the new longer-range PHEV in the mix.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"New Q3 previewed in NZ with left-hand drive model. Mild hybrid and quattro models for March 2026, e-hybrid…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":175962,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[73005,39684,18930,9476,59210,111,43,139,69,25367,75887,39685,17620],"class_list":{"0":"post-175961","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-new-zealand","8":"tag-audi","9":"tag-compact-suv","10":"tag-ev","11":"tag-hybrid","12":"tag-mhev","13":"tag-new-zealand","14":"tag-news","15":"tag-newzealand","16":"tag-nz","17":"tag-phev","18":"tag-q3","19":"tag-small-suv","20":"tag-suv"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/175961","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=175961"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/175961\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/175962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=175961"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=175961"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=175961"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}