Audi NZ lays out initial product plan for important entry SUV.

MORE than two million units sold across the globe, and position as a strong seller in New Zealand, proves the value to Audi of having a compact sports utility.

The third generation of Q3 has been priced in anticipation of release here in April, 10 months on from its international reveal.

Delivering with all-new yet clearly familial look - think downsized Q5 with a splash of Q6 - this Q3 is starting out with two fully petrol editions and a e-hybrid.

The entry-level $74,990 choice takes a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre TFSI four-cylinder petrol, in front drive. Also incoming is a 195kW/400Nm 2.0-litre TFSI with quattro, in $96,990 in SUV format and $3000 as a Sportback (pictured).

They’re separated by the third option. The e-hybrid is a $88,990 choice which combines a 130kW 1.5-litre TFSI engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 200kW and 400Nm.

The battery gross capacity is 25.7 kWh (19.7kWh usable) —nearly double that of the previous generation—to enable 111 kilometres’ electric pure range on WLTP test cycle, with replenishment at a 50kW DC peak, meaning a 10-80 percent charge could take less than 30 minutes.

NZ has no room for the 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel or the entry 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, in 150kW/320Nm form.

In supplied comment, Audi NZ general manager Greg Leet says the car comes at a pivotal moment, with brand performance looking heartening, thanks to strong interest in the recently released Q5, the make’s strongest selling car here. Q3 comes second.

“The launch of the new Q5 has driven a remarkable surge in sales, surpassing all sales records since the model’s New Zealand debut. Now, we’re excited to introduce the new Q3, a long-awaited addition to our lineup that customers have been anticipating for over seven years. With its competitive entry price and strong market appeal, we’re confident the Q3 will deliver a similarly strong performance.”

Q3’s cabin has a dual-screen panoramic display comprising an 11.9-inch digital cockpit and a 12.8-inch infotainment system mounting high on the layered dash.

Known as the Digital Stage, that widescreen interface is shared with the Audi Q6 e-tron, Audi A5, Audi A6 and Audi A6 e-tron... and the new Q5 too.

Space has been freed up in the centre console because the gearshift has been moved up to the steering column. In respect to practicality, Audi says its latest, smallest SUV has a boot which measure 488 litres with all seats in use, rising to 1386 litres with the second row folded away.

Underpinning the new Q3 is the VW Group’s familiar MQB platform. Audi has rejigged the suspension set-ups in the name of versatility and refinement. the adaptive system has a big rework, with new hardware and software.

Active safety and driver assist tech runs to adaptive driving assistant plus, emergency assist - white this active, the car will automatically pull over should it determine the driver has become unresponsive).