Auto Express 1534

THE rise of SUVs has been well documented in recent years. Almost every manufacturer now has some kind of faux-4x4 in their range, while some – like Audi, BMW and Mercedes – have as many as five, six or even seven to their name. But some buyers still resent the idea of a boxy, raised hatchback with higher running costs and compromised road handling – not to mention that few will fit in a garage or public parking space. The SUV’s proliferation is benefiting the wider car industry, though, as Audi product marketing chief Jens Meier suggested when I caught up with him on the launch of the new TT S Coupé (Page 26). Meier told me that as people buy more and more crossovers and SUVs, the revenue they…

• Wraps off higher-tech new big seller; in dealers in November • Wide range of engines, and promises improved practicality Alex_Ingram@dennis.co.uk @AxleIngram AUDI has revealed the second-generation Q3 SUV, a bigger, more practical, hi-tech version of one of the brand’s biggest-selling models. The outgoing car was the oldest in the manufacturer’s SUV line-up, and Audi will be hoping the all-new model will be more competitive against rivals such as the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 when deliveries start in November. At 4,485mm in length, the latest Q3 has grown by 97mm compared with its predecessor, and it’s 46mm longer than its main rival, the X1. The second-generation car is also 18mm wider and 5mm lower than before, while the wheelbase has been stretched by 78mm – a move which, Audi…

HIGHER up Audi’s range, the new hot version of its Q8 SUV flagship has been spied during testing. A rival for the Range Rover Sport SVR, the RS Q8 is expected to pack at least 600bhp from either a twin-turbo V8 petrol engine or, potentially, a tuned version of the same V8 plug-in hybrid powerplant used by the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. Producing as much as 670bhp, that would make it the most powerful Audi of all. Our spy shots show reprofiled bumpers that incorporate larger air intakes at the front and huge oval tailpipes at the rear, plus a lowered ride height that hints at the chassis modifications required to cope with the extra power.…

ALONGSIDE the all-new Q3, Audi has unveiled its updated TT Coupé and Roadster. Revealed on the 20th birthday of the iconic sports car, it gets a subtle redesign and new engines, with a special edition joining the range. Styling changes are limited to a new grille and air inlets. Matrix LED lights are now available, while OLED rear lamps are on the options list. There are new wheels and three fresh colours, while the limited-run ‘TT 20 Years’ gets unique details, including Moccasin Brown leather. For 2019, buyers will also be able to spec a Sport display for the Virtual Cockpit, showing engine and torque info. The updated TT inherits Audi’s new power-based nomenclature; the basic 40 TFSI car has a 194bhp 2.0-litre petrol, while a 245bhp version is found…

• We get taste of next model in hot N sub-brand’s line-up Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn HYUNDAI’s N brand, headed up by former BMW M boss Albert Biermann, is wasting no time in getting its second model into UK showrooms. Following the successful launch of the i30 N hatch, the firm is applying the final touches to the new i30 Fastback N. To see what’s in store, we were invited to drive a camouflaged version of the four-door coupé at the Nürburgring, before it arrives early next year. While the standard i30 N clearly casts itself as a rival for the likes of VW’s Golf GTI and the Renault Mégane R.S., the Fastback sits in a rather more exclusive market. The closest thing it has in terms of a direct rival is…

HYUNDAI’S N division will develop a standalone vehicle, according to the sub-brand’s vice-president. The launch of the performance i30 N hatch and Fastback (left), plus the not-for-UK Veloster N, is the “completion of the first phase of N vehicles”, Thomas Schemera told Auto Express, adding that the next step is a bespoke model. “The whole idea is to strengthen the Hyundai brand,” he said. “I can tell you [engineering boss Albert] Biermann and myself are interested in hot things and have some ideas for a halo model. We’re coming up with something.” Auto Express understands that there is still an internal debate within the South Korean firm on whether the halo model will be a two-seater sports car or a saloon like the Kia Stinger. As a result, the new…