Audi launches all-new Q3 and Q3 Sportback in South Africa

Audi has launched the latest Q3 SUV and Sportback models in South Africa, a year after their global debut.

One of the German brand’s best-selling vehicles, with more than two million units sold since production began in 2011, the third-generation Q3 adopts a sharper exterior design and a host of technology upgrades.

At the front, standout features include a wider Singleframe radiator grille flanked by a narrow set of tapered LED headlamps that can, for the first time in Q3 history, be fitted with Audi’s digital Matrix LED lighting technology for improved night-time visibility.

There is also a more pronounced shoulder line, steeply sloping D-pillars and blistered front and rear wheel arches that Audi says are a nod to the original quattro launched in the 1980s.

Depending on the derivative selected (base, Advanced, S line or S line Black), buyers can choose from different wheel sizes and finishes. Base and Advanced models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels while the S line gets 19-inch five-arm Platinum Grey wheels. The S line Black features 19-inch Audi Sport twin-spoke peak wheels finished in Black Metallic.

The S line adds body-coloured lower exterior elements while the S line Black receives a Black Optics package that darkens the mirror housings, roof rails, exterior detailing, window surrounds and Audi rings finished in Anthracite Grey.

At the rear, Audi’s designers have fitted the new Q3 with two-part taillamps and, from the Advanced model upwards, a continuous LED light strip spanning the width of the vehicle. Additional details include illuminated Audi rings and a large diffuser integrated into the raised rear bumper. Digital OLED rear lights are available as an option, offering four selectable light signatures.

Buyers wanting a more coupe-styled alternative can opt for the Q3 Sportback. Featuring a sloping roofline that sits 29mm lower than the SUV, it offers a sleeker silhouette, although rear passenger headroom is slightly compromised.

Nearly one in five new passenger and light commercial vehicles sold in South Africa now comes from a Chinese manufacturer, highlighting the remarkable speed at which Chinese brands are gaining ground on established rivals. Chinese vehicle sales jumped 75% year on year in the first quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion, helping lift their market share beyond 19%. TransUnion’s Q1 2026 Mobility Insights Report shows Chinese manufacturers are outperforming both traditional vehicle makers, whose sales grew by just 2%, and the broader passenger and light commercial vehicle market, which expanded by 12.7% during the quarter. The surge is no longer being driven solely by aggressive pricing. Consumers are increasingly being drawn to technology, safety features, fuel efficiency, warranty packages and overall ownership value. Among the biggest beneficiaries is Chery Group, whose combined portfolio of Chery, Jetour, Omoda and Jaecoo brands sold 16,094 vehicles in the first quarter, placing the group among South Africa’s top three automotive players. “The market is moving into a more selective phase,” said Ayesha Hatea, director of research and consulting at TransUnion South Africa. “Consumers are still buying vehicles, but affordability is no longer only about the purchase price. Fuel costs, financing costs, insurance, servicing and total cost of ownership are becoming central to the decision.” Hatea said Chinese manufacturers had evolved beyond being price disruptors and were becoming structural industry players that are influencing dealer networks, financing ecosystems, ownership perceptions and the wider discussion around localisation and industrial competitiveness. The report also points to continued strength in the new vehicle market. New vehicle registrations increased 11.6% year on year in the first quarter, marking a sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, while used vehicle registrations rose by a more modest 2.6%. As a result, the ratio of used-to-new registrations fell to 2.3, the lowest level recorded during the reporting period. New vehicles accounted for 31% of registrations, up from 23% in the final quarter of 2025. Favourable pricing trends have helped support demand. New vehicle inflation slowed to just 0.8%, while used vehicle prices remained in deflationary territory at -1.3%. Consumer confidence also appears to be improving. TransUnion’s Consumer Pulse Survey found that the proportion of consumers planning to buy a vehicle within the next few months rose from 19% in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 22% in the first quarter of 2026. Purchase intentions were strongest among younger buyers, with 26% of Generation Z and 24% of Millennials indicating plans to enter the market. The report notes that residual values are becoming increasingly important as consumers opt for longer finance terms and balloon-payment structures to keep monthly instalments affordable. Vehicles that retain their value well are gaining a competitive advantage, while weaker resale performance could expose owners to refinancing pressure or negative equity when trading in. Powertrain preferences are also evolving. Conventional internal combustion engine vehicles remain the most popular choice, preferred by 49% of consumers, but hybrid vehicles are gaining traction. Interest in hybrids rose to 39% from 30% in the previous quarter, making them the leading electrified option. Interest in both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles also increased to 26%. “Hybrids are emerging as a practical transition pathway for South African consumers,” said Hatea. “They offer fuel savings and lower running costs without full dependence on charging infrastructure, which makes them relevant in a market where affordability and operating certainty remain critical.” Business Day

Boot capacity is unchanged at 488 litres, though total load space drops to 1,289 litres with the rear seats folded, compared with 1,386 litres in the Q3 SUV.

Inside, the updated dashboard design incorporates Audi’s curved panoramic display, combining an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system.

The latter features integrated navigation and runs a newly developed Android Automotive operating system that allows third-party apps such as YouTube and Spotify to be downloaded via the Audi Application Store.

Standard equipment across the range includes lane departure warning, seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, an electric tailgate, ambient lighting and leather/artificial leather upholstery.

Audi has also relocated the gear selector to the steering column, freeing up additional space on the centre console. In its place are two cup holders and a cooled wireless charging tray offering 15 watts of charging power, complemented by two USB-C ports up front and an additional pair for rear passengers.

Advanced derivatives add further equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated front sport seats with four-way lumbar support, three-zone climate control, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, intelligent park assist with a reverse camera and reverse assistant.

Land Rover Classic has unveiled a new bespoke commission showcasing the extent of its factory-backed restoration and customisation programme for classic Defender models. Created for a single client, the collection consists of four remastered V8-powered classic Defenders spanning four bodystyles: the 90 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top, 110 Station Wagon and the newly introduced 110 Double Cab Pick-Up. The standout feature across the collection is a unique Spectral Green paint finish that shifts between green, purple and gold depending on lighting conditions and viewing angle. Applied at Land Rover Classic’s in-house paint facility, each vehicle required close to 400 hours of preparation, colour matching and final polishing. The exterior treatment extends to diamond-turned 18-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels, exterior badging and interior fascia panels. Each model also features a contrasting Icy White roof, expedition cage, bonnet script and hand-painted white coachlines. Inside, the Defenders are trimmed in semi-aniline Bridge of Weir Vanilla leather upholstery with green contrast stitching matching the exterior paintwork. Additional details include Superwool carpeting with leather binding and floor mats embossed with Defender branding. The four-vehicle project highlights the capabilities of Land Rover Classic’s Works Bespoke division, which allows customers to extensively personalise restoration projects, including specifying custom paint colours inspired by landscapes, personal items or other vehicles in a collection. Every Classic Defender V8 starts life as an original 2012 to 2016 donor vehicle before undergoing a complete restoration and mechanical overhaul. The output of the naturally aspirated 5.0l engine is increased to 298kW through a series of specially developed performance upgrades. Alongside the one-off commission, Land Rover Classic has announced several new options for future Classic Defender V8 customers. The 110 Double Cab Pick-Up bodystyle is now officially available as part of the programme, joining the existing 90 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top and 110 Station Wagon variants. Land Rover Classic has also added a compact two-seat 90 Hard Top option to the range. Technology upgrades include a newly developed nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Land Rover says the system also features Bluetooth connectivity, DAB digital radio and a 13-band graphic equaliser. An optional reversing camera has also been introduced, integrated into either the rear bumper or optional rear step, complete with a camera lens washer. Further customisation options now include an expanded selection of roof colours and 16-inch heavy-duty Wolf wheels, which can be specified in finishes including Fuji White and Corris Grey. Finally, a new Trophy Pack has also been added, featuring Narvik Black Gloss treatment for the bonnet, roof, rear door assembly and wheel arches, giving buyers additional ways to contrast exterior finishes. TimesLIVE

The S line and S line Black variants add a flattened multifunction twin-spoke leather sport steering wheel.

Buyers can also choose from three optional technology packages.

The Tech package adds park assist plus with a 360-degree camera display, adaptive cruise control, rear-view camera functionality, high-beam assist, keyless entry and locking, electrically folding mirrors, an auto-dimming interior mirror and front seat lumbar support.

The Tech Plus package adds progressive steering, side assist with exit warning, rear cross-traffic assist and proactive occupant protection systems.

At the top of the range, the Tech Pro package builds on these features with Audi Trained Parking, adaptive cruise assist plus with emergency assist, surround-view cameras, suspension with two-valve damper control, red brake calipers, electrically adjustable front seats and memory functionality for the driver’s seat and exterior mirrors.

Volkswagen has opened South African pre-orders for the new T7 Multivan Caravelle Style plug-in hybrid. The model combines a 130kW/250Nm 1.5l four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors and a 19.7kWh battery pack. One electric motor is housed within the six-speed DSG transmission, driving the front wheels, while the second is integrated into the rear torsion beam axle. This configuration enables 4Motion all-wheel drive when additional traction is required. Volkswagen claims a combined system output of 180kW and 350Nm. The high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack features 96 cell modules and liquid cooling, and offers a maximum all-electric driving range of 95km at speeds of up to 130km/h. The Caravelle plug-in hybrid supports AC charging at up to 11kW for home charging, as well as DC fast charging at up to 50kW. Volkswagen says a DC charger can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in about 26 minutes. The vehicle is also fitted with an electric stationary air-conditioning system in addition to the conventional climate control used while driving. It can be used to cool, ventilate or heat the cabin while the vehicle is charging, parked or being used for camping. When connected to an external power source, the system can operate for up to 30 minutes, while using the onboard battery limits operation to 10 minutes. Activation is also possible via the infotainment system or a smartphone app. Standard features include Digital Cockpit Pro, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless App-Connect, 30-colour ambient lighting including footwell lighting for the second row of seats, three-zone Air Care Climatronic with an additional rear control panel, and a leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles. The cabin has seven individual seats, with the rear passenger seats mounted on a flexible sliding rail system that allows multiple seating configurations for business, family or leisure use. A multifunction table adds further practicality, while an electric sliding door and electric tailgate are also included. Safety features come in the form of IQ.Light LED matrix headlamps, Park Assist, Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, and Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality and a speed limiter. The T7 Multivan Caravelle Style is priced at R1,794,000. Included in the price is a three-year/120,000km warranty and a five-year/100,000km maintenance plan.

Optional upgrades also include MMI Experience Pro, which combines a head-up display with a Sonos premium sound system featuring 12 speakers. Configurable ambient lighting with up to 30 selectable colours allows further cabin customisation.

From launch, Audi South Africa is offering the new Q3 SUV and Sportback with a choice of two powertrains.

The range opens with a 1.5l four-cylinder TFSI turbocharged petrol engine producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque.

Also available is a 2.0l four-cylinder TDI turbodiesel producing 110kW and 360Nm. Both engines are paired with a seven-speed S tronic transmission.

Isuzu South Africa has extended the standard service plan on its updated D-Max bakkie and MU-X SUV ranges from five years to six years, while retaining the 90,000km coverage limit. The revised package applies to all Model Year 2026 vehicles sold from May 1 and comes at no additional cost to buyers. Isuzu said the additional year of cover will also be carried over to future model years of both vehicle ranges. The extra year is likely to benefit owners with lower annual mileage, giving them more time to make full use of the plan before reaching the kilometre limit. The revised offering covers both private and fleet customers, extending the period during which scheduled maintenance costs are included under the manufacturer-backed package. The move comes as vehicle manufacturers place increasing emphasis on aftersales support as a way of adding value for buyers in South Africa’s highly competitive bakkie and SUV market.

The new Audi Q3 range is now available in South Africa, priced as follows:

1.5 TFSI

Q3 SUV: R814,200

Q3 Sportback: R849,200

Q3 Advanced SUV: R867,000

Q3 Advanced Sportback: R902,000

Q3 S line SUV: R904,000

Q3 S line Sportback: R939,000

Q3 S line Black SUV: R929,000

Q3 S line Black Sportback: R964,000

Audi has updated its A3 Sedan and Sportback range with a series of technology, convenience and safety upgrades. Inside, all models receive a revised cockpit layout featuring an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen integrated into a single curved display. The refreshed interior also includes redesigned dashboard inlays, while selected models offer a choice of carbon fibre, Dinamica microfibre or Impressum black trim finishes. A redesigned centre console now features a driver-orientated mobile phone tray with 25W wireless charging. Across the range, the steering wheel now incorporates a physical scroll wheel integrated into the multifunction controls. Buyers can choose between three designs, including two double-spoke versions on standard models and a three-spoke flat-top-and-bottom design reserved for S line and S derivatives. The S3 and RS3 models have gained additional driver assistance systems. These include adaptive cruise assist plus, four wide-angle surround-view cameras offering a 360º view around the vehicle, park assist plus and pro, trained parking and reverse assist. Updated Audi connect functionality allows owners to remotely check the vehicle’s location via the smartphone app, along with the status of the parking brake, lights, doors and windows. The myAudi app also provides an overview of mileage, fuel level, remaining range, tyre pressure, oil level and service intervals, while enabling remote locking, unlocking and control of the auxiliary heating system. Audi says it has also revised the audio system to improve bass response, volume balancing between sources and the playback quality of compressed audio. Virtual surround sound is also available, simulating different acoustic environments ranging from a concert hall to a recording studio. While overseas markets offer the A3 with several powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid derivative, South African models are available exclusively with a 1.5l 35 TFSI four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 110kW and 250Nm. This unit is paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The S3 uses a 2.0l turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 245kW and 420Nm, while the flagship RS3 retains Audi’s 2.5l five-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 294kW and 500Nm. Both models are fitted with a seven-speed S tronic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive as standard. The updated Audi A3 range is set to reach UK dealerships at the end of September. Local availability has not yet been confirmed. TimesLIVE

2.0 TDI

Q3 SUV: R852,500

Q3 Sportback: R887,500

Q3 Advanced SUV: R905,300

Q3 Advanced Sportback: R940,300

Q3 S line SUV: R942,300

Q3 S line Sportback: R977,300

Q3 S line Black SUV: R967,300

Q3 S line Black Sportback: R1,002,300

All models are sold with a standard five-year/100,000 km Audi Freeway Plan.

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