Audi’s first Q3 proved to be a big seller for the car maker when it first entered the market, proving popular with families. This latest, second-generation Q3 hopes to continue that success, despite competing in one of the toughest, most overcrowded classes there is. It still counts the BMW X1 as a key rival, but also wants to challenge the Mercedes GLA, Range Rover Evoque and a Volvo XC40.
About the Q3
The Audi Q3 is currently in its second generation which has been present since 2018. It did get a technology upgrade including the adoption of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, which is the firm’s impressive digital instrument display. There isn’t much wrong with the way most Audis look, and the Q3 has a lot more to offer beyond its premium style. The car offers a decent variety of engines that are powerful and efficient, including a hybrid option, and a usefully practical but luxurious cabin. That sense of luxury is well heralded by the big Audi grille which gives the Q3 a strong presence on the road. The Q3 isn’t much of an off-roader despite its high-riding SUV stance, but owners will have little interest in taking it off-road. Audi’s Q3 offers excellent road manners, and the BMW X1 is more involved in the driving experience, but Audi’s customers prefer the way their cars handle. It isn’t a deal-breaker, as many will choose the S tronic automatic instead of the less-than-slick manual gear shift. The Audi Q3 competes with the likes of the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, Jaguar E-Pace, Volvo XC40 at the premium end of the crossover market, but also with Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai, and Peugeot 3008.
Engine and Performance
Among the petrol cars is the 35 TFSI, a 1.5-liter turbocharged car with 148 bhp and front-wheel drive. It is available with either a seven-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. There’s also a 2.0-litre petrol engine available in either 187bhp 40 TFSI or 227bhp 45 TFSI guise. They share quattro 4×4 running gear and a dual clutch auto transmission. In both 35 TDI and 40 TDI models, the 2.0-litre engine produces 148bhp and 187bhp, and acceleration is comparable to similarly rated petrol engines. The Q3 feels as stable on the road as you’d expect from an Audi, and body roll is well controlled during cornering with the good turn in and terrific grip. The Q3 has excellent refinement, and it’s a great cruising machine, but the transmissions are a bit disappointing. While the manual gearbox feels somewhat clunky, the seven-speed dual clutch S tronic auto is disappointingly slow to respond at times.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
With its spacious cabin, hushed refinement and compliant suspension, as well as comfortable seating and a luxurious feel to the interior trim, the new Audi Q3 is extremely comfortable on long trips. In addition to good-sized door bins and oddment storage, there are also two cupholders between the seats. The Q3’s interior is noticeably bigger and more spacious than its predecessor, and the seating arrangements are very practical, too. In addition, the backrest angle can also be adjusted for rear seat occupants, and the bench can slide backwards and forwards depending on luggage space requirements. In the back, the Q3 Sportback isn’t cramped, but tall adults may find it hard to sit comfortably. In the boot If you slide it right back, there’s only 530 liters of luggage space left when it’s pushed all the way forward.