Audi Q3 Production Begins at Martorell Plant in Spain
Audi has started series production of the Q3 compact SUV at SEAT’s Martorell facility, following a €330 million investment in new infrastructure and tooling.
Audi has commenced production of the Q3 compact SUV at SEAT’s Martorell plant near Barcelona. The move follows a €330 million investment in new production facilities, including a 30,000 square metre body shop equipped with 450 robots. Audi expects the factory to assemble around 100,000 Q3s per year on a three-shift schedule.
The decision to build the Q3 in Spain marks a shift in Audi’s manufacturing strategy, with Martorell becoming the first non-German plant to assemble an Audi SUV. The project is expected to secure jobs at the SEAT facility by filling unused capacity. Audi said the Martorell workforce, already experienced in high-volume production, will handle the Q3’s assembly and quality standards.
Q3 model details and powertrains
The Q3 is positioned as Audi’s entry-level SUV, measuring just under 4.4 metres long and 1.6 metres high. Despite its compact exterior, Audi claims the interior offers adequate space for passengers, particularly in the rear. The Q3 launches with four engine options, all 2.0-litre, turbocharged and featuring direct injection as well as stop-start technology.
- Petrol engines: 2.0 TFSI, power outputs from 125 kW to 155 kW
- Diesel engines: 2.0 TDI, including a front-wheel-drive variant with 103 kW
- All engines feature stop-start and energy recuperation
The entry-level 2.0 TDI will be offered with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, with Audi targeting fuel consumption of less than 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres. Higher-spec petrol and diesel versions will be available with quattro all-wheel drive and S tronic dual-clutch transmission options.
What production means for Martorell and Audi
Audi’s decision to locate Q3 production in Spain is expected to help SEAT keep the Martorell plant at full capacity. The project also reflects Audi’s broader strategy of internationalising its manufacturing base beyond Germany. The Q3 joins a growing segment of premium compact SUVs, competing with models such as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. For more on Audi’s SUV manufacturing, seeMercedes-Benz Begins GLA SUV Production in Rastatt
Production at Martorell is now underway, with the first Q3s set to reach European showrooms later in the year. Audi’s aim is to establish the Q3 as a key model in its SUV range, using the Spanish plant’s capacity and workforce to support its expansion in the segment.
