What's the news?
Audi's chunky-looking new Q3 SUV has arrived on Irish shores, and is kicking off with a starting price of €39,600.
That gets you a car that's bigger than the old one (4.4 metres long, now) with more interior space and a 530-litre boot that can be expanded to 675 litres if you slide the back seats forward. Audi says that there is also considerably more headroom, kneeroom and elbow room inside the cabin.
The new Q3 gets a big, broad, single-frame grille and narrow headlights, and comes with 18-inch alloys in SE spec, or 19-inch rims in S line trim. There are also aluminium roof rails and a fairly chunky boot spoiler.
Inside, the Q3 gets the latest version of Audi's MMI infotainment system, which includes a satnav setup that recognises the driver's preferences based on previous journeys, allowing it to generate suitable route suggestions, along with traffic information, a point-of-interest search function and information on parking spaces and filling stations. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and there's a new smartphone app that allows you to stay in touch with your car when it's parked up.
Engines range in power from 150hp up to 230hp and, of course, quattro four-wheel drive is available as an option. Audi's 'Progressive' steering system comes as standard.
Anything else?
Audi is also keen to trumpet the Q3's safety credentials, mindful of its role as a family vehicle. The Q3 recently scored a maximum five stars on the Euro NCAP safety tests, and it comes with a 'pre-sense' safety system that triggers vibrations, lights and warning sounds if it detects an emergency situation unfolding involving pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles.
Also included as standard equipment is Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes, as well as Audi active lane assist, which helps ensure the SUV remains safely in its lane. There's also autonomous emergency braking.
Order books are open now.