The car uses the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform of the Volkswagen Golf Mk5, the same as the Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV.
The Q3 slots above the Audi Q2 subcompact crossover SUV.
Compared to the compact luxury crossover SUV Q5 and mid-size luxury crossover SUV Q7, which are positioned more for family practicality and off-road performance, the Q3 is aimed as more of a lifestyle/sports automobile.
Design and development began following board approval in the second half of 2007.
Julian Hoenig's design was chosen for production and frozen in 2009.

The Q3 shares components, transmissions and engines with amongst other vehicles utilising the PQ35 platform, the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3 and Škoda Yeti.

The vehicle was unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2011.

The vehicles went on sale in June 2011.
Early models include 2.0 TFSI quattro (170/211PS), 2.0 TDI (140PS), 2.0 TDI quattro (177PS).

Indian models went on sale in 2012.
Early models include 2.0 TDI quattro (177PS)
China models went on sale at the end of July 2012 as an import vehicle.
The Changchun-made Audi Q3 entered market in April 2013, which included 35 TFSI (170PS), 35 TFSI quattro (170PS), 40 TFSI quattro (200PS), with 7-speed S Tronic transmissions.

2.0 TDI quattro with 103 kW (140 hp) was introduced in 2012 for Germany market as part of 2012 Paris Motor Show premiere.

2.0 TDI quattro (140PS) was introduced in 2012 for the UK market.
The car uses the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform of the Volkswagen Golf Mk5, the same as the Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV. The Q3 slots above the Audi Q2 subcompact crossover SUV. Compared to the compact luxury crossover SUV Q5 and mid-size luxury crossover SUV Q7, which are positioned more for family practicality and off-road performance, the Q3 is aimed as more of a lifestyle/sports automobile. Design and development began following board approval in the second half of 2007. Julian Hoenig's design was chosen for production and frozen in 2009.
The Q3 shares components, transmissions and engines with amongst other vehicles utilising the PQ35 platform, the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3 and Škoda Yeti.
The vehicle was unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2011.
The vehicles went on sale in June 2011. Early models include 2.0 TFSI quattro (170/211PS), 2.0 TDI (140PS), 2.0 TDI quattro (177PS).
Indian models went on sale in 2012. Early models include 2.0 TDI quattro (177PS)
China models went on sale at the end of July 2012 as an import vehicle. The Changchun-made Audi Q3 entered market in April 2013, which included 35 TFSI (170PS), 35 TFSI quattro (170PS), 40 TFSI quattro (200PS), with 7-speed S Tronic transmissions.
2.0 TDI quattro with 103 kW (140 hp) was introduced in 2012 for Germany market as part of 2012 Paris Motor Show premiere.
2.0 TDI quattro (140PS) was introduced in 2012 for the UK market.
Audi Q3