Audi aims to cement its presencein the lucrative premium family car/compact SUV segment with the second-generation Q3.Our speculative rendering, produced exclusively for Cars.co.za by a Cape Town-based artist, provides some insights into what the nextQ3 might look like.

With its recently added Q2 and second-generation Q7 and Q5 model releases, plus Q4 and Q6 nameplates also in development, Audi will soon have asolid lineup of crossover SUVs with which to tempt buyers. This is good news for Audi becauseconsumer demand for high-riders shows no sign of abating. But there’s one more: the Q3, now the brand’s oldest Q-car which was introduced in2011, is due for replacement.

Key design details

The new Q3 is expected to be slightly larger, but lighter than the current model.

The first spy shots of the next Q3 emerged late in 2016, revealing very little. Now though, the large beige canvas poncho has been binned for a swirly patterned camo wrap that hides much less of the baby Q5’s new sheet metal. While Audi chose to experiment with elements of the Q2’s exterior style, there appear to be no major surprises with the second-generation Q3. What is clearly evident are the prominently flared wheel archesand a front-end design that incorporates Audi’s new multi-faceted single frame grille.

Still, we’re talking subtle evolution here; no one will mistake this for any other brand. Riding on the VW Group’s MQB platform, the new Q3 is expected to marginally growin size but should shed some weight too. Alonger wheelbase is expected and that will contribute toincreased interior space for passengers and the luggage bay may very well swell too. Also, based on the spy images you see here, the new wing mirrors are mounted lower on the doors compared with the current Q3. The traditional Q-car staples of aluminium roof rails, integrated tailgate/roof extension spoiler, flowing side window graphic and wheel arches that can easily accommodate 20-inch rims are all in the mix.

Apart from a more spacious interior, the new Q3's interior design will in all likelihood share similarities with its larger Q5 sibling and Audi's impressive digitalVirtual Cockpit dashboard should make its way into the new model.

What engines will be offered?

A wide range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are expected for the new A3, but official details have yet to be revealed.

Engine options have yet to be confirmed but buyers can expect a range of 4-cylinder turbocharged petroland diesel engines to power the new Q3. A plug-in hybrid version and an electric Q3 e-tronis also likely to follow later. Reports suggest that the Q3 range will offer eithera turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre turbopetroland a 2.0-litre turbopetrol. On the diesel front, a 2.0-litre turbodieselengine in various states of tune is likely.

The new Q3 range will be headlined by the performance-orientatedRS Q3 which is expected to feature the powerful 5-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbocharged engine that does service in cars such as the RS3 and TT RS. An S Q3 derivative is also expected to house the same engine, albeit with slightly lower outputs.

The official reveal of the new Audi Q3 is a mystery at this stage but there is a possibility that the new model will be shown before the end of the year. If not, the new Q3 will almost certainly be shown early in 2018 before going on sale. We will keep you updated as more details become available.

Find a new or used Audi Q3 on Cars.co.za

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