The Greenest…
45 TFSI e S Line 5dr S Tronic [Leather]
List Price
£34,855 - £50,495
Acceleration (0-62mph)
5.8 - 9.6 seconds
Top speed
128 - 147 mph
Engine Power
150 - 245 bhp
CO2 Emissions
44 - 199 g/km
Fuel Economy (Combined)
32.1 - 148.7 mpg
Solid and stylish; quiet and comfortable; good fuel economy
Not brilliant to handle; rear seat cramped for three adults; expensive additional options
With the Q3, Audi have produced a small off-roader which is a credible rival to the BMW X1, MINI Countryman and the Range Rover Evoque. Well built, with stylish good looks; offering good fuel economy and a comfortable ride, this new kid on the block offers an economically viable route into Audi’s Q range.
When choosing an Audi Q3, you can choose from a line up of two petrol and two diesel engines. Both petrol choices are 2.0 litre TFSI, with either 170 or 211 bhp; and both come with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. Both Q3 diesel engines are 2.0 litre (140 or 177 bhp) – the 140 bhp model, unlike all three other choices, comes with front wheel drive only. If you are looking for the fastest Audi Q3 you should go for the 211 bhp petrol, which will spring from 0 – 62 mph in just 6.9 seconds.
The downside of the Audi Q3 is its handling, which is vaguely unsatisfactory. Steering is light, improving a little in Dynamic mode; unfortunately though, the suspension is lower, stiffer and less comfortable if you go for this option. Wind, engine and road noise is minimal on the Q3, all-round visibility is great and parking is easy. The Audi Q3 is good in town and comfortable on motorways – but probably not for anyone thinking of going seriously off road.
When designing the Q3’s exterior Audi have come up with a sporty looking SUV, breaking away from the usual boxy shape to something longer and leaner. With an optional panoramic sunroof and sweeping roofline together with flared wheel arches and Xenon headlights, the Audi Q3 is a car that will attract many a second glance.
The Q3’s interior is as stylish as we have come to expect from Audi. Quality abounds. Drivers are sure to be happy with the highly adjustable driving position and steering wheel rake and reach; the good visibility all round and Audi’s easy to use MMI control system. But while the driver is sitting pretty in the front, the middle passenger in the back may not be quite so happy – frankly only a small adult or child is likely to be comfortable in the centre at the back, where space is at a premium. The Audi Q3’s boot space is reasonably generous, with a basic 460 litres available. Rear seats fold down – but not quite flat – to increase stowage to a fairly impressive 1,365 litres; and there is also the option of a fold-flat front passenger seat which allows longer items to be carried. There are also plenty of pockets and cubbies to accommodate the journey’s essentials.
The Audi Q3 comes with two trim levels, the entry level SE and top of the (small) range S Line model. It’s well kitted-out whichever you go for; with the plenty of optional extras should you want them. The SE comes with 17 inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel (which is multifunctional), light and rain sensors, rear parking sensors, aluminium window trims and roof rails – and for the technologically savvy there is Bluetooth connectivity, prep for SD card satnav and Audi music interface. Upgrade to the Audi Q3 S Line for 18 inch alloys, xenon lights with LED running lights, dynamic suspension and front sports seats. If you wish you can add the S Line exterior pack to beef up the good looks, and, if there’s still money burning a hole in your wallet, you can spend it on a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, BOSE surround sound and Wi-Fi internet.
No surprises here either in the fact that the Audi Q3 was awarded five stars in the EuroNCAP ratings or in the fact that it is loaded with safety features and built to a high standard – solid and reliable. Audi Q3 safety kit includes front, side, and curtain airbags; stability control, hill hold, optional side assist, active lane assist; and ISOFIX child seat fittings in the front passenger and outer rear seats. Should anyone wish to make off with your Q3, they may be deterred by the deadlocks, locking wheelnuts and the alarm.
The initial outlay for an Audi Q3 doesn’t seem too bad until you start adding on the optional extras, many of which might feel irresistible, essential even. It might be worth trying to get the odd extra pack thrown into the deal, but the majority of dealers will probably try to resist this! The most economical, without doubt, is the diesel 140 bhp – it offers a stated 54.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 138g/km. It is anticipated that the diesel models are more likely to retain resale value than the petrol models, but neither should prove too difficult to sell on when the time comes.
Reviewed by cars2buy