It was perfect brunch weather for Audi Jamaica as it welcomed the all-new Q3 SUV to the fold on Saturday, June 20, at The Pavilion, Hope Gardens, St Andrew.

The first generation of the Q3 was introduced in 2012. (Photo: Rory Daley)

“This is round two. Two weeks ago, the skies opened up, but today, we have a beautiful day,” Damien Kerr, general manager – Oxford Road, told the awaiting crowd.

The local reveal had been scheduled earlier in the month, but was postponed due to bad weather.

Compared to the previous model, the design and functionality have been significantly improved with high-contrast design that places elements in the foreground or background, creating a cosy interior feel. (Photo: Rory Daley)

“The two models that we launched today, the Audi Q3 and the Audi Q3 Sportback, for the last seven years, since the launch of the second generation, the Audi Q3 has led Audi’s sales. It’s been our number one model since 2019, and we expect, with what you’ve seen here, that the Audi Q3 and the Audi Q3 Sportback will continue to lead the premium sub-compact segment for a very long time to come,” Kerr continued.

The Audi Q3 is powered by a 1.4 TFSI turbocharged, four-cylinder gasoline engine with mild hybrid technology and standard 7-speed S tronic, making 150bhp. (Photo: Rory Daley)

Channa Kay Walker, sales manager, Audi Jamaica, welcomed the new model as well and explained why she believed the Q3 is so successful for the brand locally.

“The Q3 is very important to Audi Jamaica, as it is currently our best-seller, and is a bread-and-butter model alongside the Q5. So, to be able to launch it today, we’re very happy and exceptionally proud of the support we’re getting from customers. It truly demonstrates that Audi is here and Audi is here to stay,” she said.

In the interior, there is more storage space in the centre console, a new user experience, and a better sense of space. (Photo: Rory Daley)

Walker added that the popularity of the Q3 is due to its ability to fit right into the budget of a wide range of buyers, due to the variety of trim levels available to suit from a student to young working professionals. She expects the all-new model to chart high sales numbers and surpass the figures of the previous Q3s, as styling and technology have upped the vehicle’s appeal.

In addition to classic SUV advantages like easy entry, excellent visibility, and a practical interior layout, the new Audi Q3 has an even more emotional design. (Photo: Rory Daley)

The Q3 returns for its third generation in the two body styles, standard SUV and the Sportback, which adds a coupé-like slope past the A-pillar for a rear roofline 29 millimetres lower than the other option. The refreshed bodywork begins with Audi’s new singleframe grille and LED exterior lighting all around.

From left: Damien Kerr, general manager – Oxford Road; Kellise Wong, group marketing manager – ATL Automotive Group; and Channa Kay Walker, sales manager – Audi Jamaica, at the launch of the third- generation Q3. (Photo: Rory Daley)

There is a combination of rounded sections and precise lines for a more muscular body, and a few design cues drawn from the original Audi Ur Quattro around the wheel arches. Go for the S line package for different-looking front and rear bumpers.

Inside, the Q3 gets the design updates that have been making their way across the current crop of modern Audis. The Audi Panoramic display combines an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and the 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen into a driver-oriented cockpit layout. Features, such as a wireless charge pad and a new ambient lighting package, keep the Q3 feeling premium, as does the design and materials of the interior.

The second generation of the Audi Q3 Sportback* combines the strengths of an SUV with the aesthetics of a coupé. (Photo: Rory Daley)

Wheels up to 20 inches are available. Driving the Q3 forward is a 1.4-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine sending 150bhp to its front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.