The Q3 is Audi’s popular alternative to the BMW X1, the upmarket Range Rover Evoque and the popular Mercedes-Benz GLA.
It’s now into its second generation, and looks like an authentically upmarket SUV without the ample dimensions of its larger Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 siblings.
The Audi Q3 feels like a grown-up Audi inside as well, with many of the same high-tech displays and technologies you can also find in models with a six-figure price tag. The engine line-up is broad, and includes petrols and diesels alongside a plug-in hybrid. There’s also a high-performance flagship called the Audi RS Q3.Should you buy an Audi Q3?
The Audi Q3 is certainly a family-friendly car. It has a five-door body and spacious interior, complete with ISOFIX mountings for child car seats. The boot measures up to 530 litres even with the seats up – far bigger than a conventional family hatchback.
Occupants also like the raised seating position of the Audi Q3, while those looking to buy or lease a premium car certainly won’t be disappointed by its solid feel and top-notch build quality.
It’s a sophisticated car to drive, too. An excellent set of core components has been skilfully tuned by Audi to deliver the brand’s characteristic clean, precise and high-tech feel. The Audi Q3 drives with great accuracy and is an effortless car to live with, even on challenging roads and in inclement weather. Quattro four-wheel-drive models develop this feeling of security even further.
Sportier versions of the Audi Q3 have a firmer ride, but offset this with less body roll and more agility. We love the attention to detail Audi goes to as well, particularly with the richly detailed S line grade. From its perforated leather steering wheel, to the S line logos, to the wonderful sports seats, it certainly feels special.
The engine range is broad, too, so there’s something for everyone – be it entry-level all-rounders, fuel-sipping diesels, performance versions and even a plug-in hybrid that can potentially be a stepping stone to pure electric motoring.
One of Audi’s most popular SUVs is a great all-rounder and we can easily see why it remains such an appealing family car.
The Audi Q3 has long proven a popular car. The original model sold better and better throughout its lifetime, particularly following a well-judged facelift. This second-generation model honed the concept even more, with better interior space, more sophisticated styling and a plethora of high-tech equipment.
Whether you’re looking to buy or lease a new Audi Q3, it’s a credible car with lots going for it. Despite being one of Audi’s smallest SUVs, it’s lacking none of the high-quality feel, and still confers the envy-inducing status of a more expensive Audi model.
A firm favourite in the brand’s model range, we think the Audi Q3 is one of the most well-rounded models in its competitor set. It should certainly win a place on your shortlist.
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Unless you have a strong requirement for a diesel engine or four-wheel-drive, the turbocharged 1.5 petrol (badged the 35 TFSI) is the one to go for. With 150PS, it's powerful enough for most drivers, and officially it’ll return up to 42.2mpg depending on factors like wheel size. It’s peppier than you’d expect for a 1.5 and makes the bigger 2.0-litre seem redundant.
While it might be tempting to stretch to a high-spec Audi Q3 Edition 1 or Vorsprung, the entry-level Q3 Sport is well equipped and comes with 18-inch wheels as standard, providing a more comfortable ride. The Audi Q3 S line adds some nice aesthetic touches and interior ambient lighting, but sports suspension and bigger wheels don’t do the ride quality any favours.
Audi Q3 35 TFSI CoD 150 petrol: The entry-level engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol with ‘cylinder on demand’ technology (Audi calls it ‘CoD’). This shuts down two cylinders during low-load running to save fuel. It averages up to 44.1mpg, and the 35 TFSI 150 accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with an S tronic dual-clutch automatic optional. Choosing the latter adds mild hybrid technology (and a smaller boot – see below).
Audi Q3 40 TFSI quattro 190 petrol: A larger 2.0-litre engine, the 40 TFSI produces 190PS. The traction of quattro four-wheel drive helps it from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, and it averages 34.9mpg. An S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox is standard.
Audi Q3 45 TFSI quattro 245 petrol: The more powerful 245PS version of the 2.0-litre engine is significantly faster, with 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds. It’s also thirstier, though, with average fuel economy of 32.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 195g/km.
Audi Q3 45 TFSI e 245 plug-in hybrid: The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Audi Q3 also produces 245PS – via the combination of a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a powerful electric motor. The batteries deliver a pure electric range of up to 30 miles before the engine kicks in, and CO2 emissions are just 37g/km. The official fuel economy figure is a somewhat unrepresentative 176mpg, while 0-62mph takes 7.3 seconds.
Audi Q3 35 TDI 150 diesel: Both the Audi Q3’s diesel engines are 2.0-litre four-cylinder motors. The 35 TDI produces a middling 150PS for 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds, but has good pulling power and average economy of up to 56.5mpg.
Audi Q3 40 TDI quattro 200 diesel: The more powerful 2.0-litre diesel produces 200PS and comes as standard with quattro four-wheel drive and the S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It’s faster, with 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, but less economical, averaging 42.8mpg.
Audi RS Q3 quattro petrol: The range-topping Audi Q3 goes under the RS banner. It has a thrill-a-minute 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine, which produces 400PS and delivers 0-62mph in a blistering 4.5 seconds. As for fuel economy, it’s best not to ask…
The engine range for the current Audi Q3 has remained largely unchanged. The firm had already adopted its new badging strategy when it was launched, so the new car line-up will be reflected in the used car market, too.
Familiar Audi model grades form the core of Audi Q3 trim levels. Technik is a value-priced lead-in car, with both the Sport and popular S line adding extra visual features. The Black Edition crowns the range with a bespoke look all of its own.
The Audi Q3 Technik is the most affordable Audi Q3 grade. Even this version has a comprehensive kit list, though, with a large touchscreen, digital instrument display and dual-zone climate control all standard. It has the smallest alloy wheels, which will prove the most resistant to parking scrapes.
The Audi Q3 Sport adds some smart extras to Technik grade. They are mainly focused on styling, both outside and in, with more body-colour details and a set of sports seats inside.
The Audi Q3 S line is the most desirable Audi Q3 grade, with the sportiest trim. The famous S line package makes it look racier on the outside, and it feels much richer on the inside, with a particularly plush set of sports seats. A black headlining gives it a moodier feel, too.
The Audi Q3 Black Edition takes S line grade and makes it darker; the ‘black pack’ exterior detailing is comprehensive. The changes inside are more limited, but it does reflect the exterior look with a full set of piano-black inlays.
The Audi Q3 Vorsprung is the fully loaded model, with 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The Audi Q3 Edition One is a special-edition model released to celebrate the Q3's introduction in 2018. Based on the S line trim, it adds 20-inch wheels and clever matrix LED headlights, and has black elements on the exterior for a stealthy look.
The Audi Q3’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4485mm
Width: 2024mm (including door mirrors)
Height: 1616mm
Ground clearance: 191mm
The Audi Q3’s boot size is:
530 litres (35 TFSI S tronic auto: 410 litres; 45 TFSI e: 380 litres)
1525 litres with rear seats folded (35 TFSI S tronic auto: 1405 litres; 45 TFSI e: 1375 litres)
All of the current Q3 models will be taxed under the current system, attracting a flat £180 a year rate or £170 for hybrid models. Be careful not to be stung by the premium tax, though. This applies to all vehicles with a list price of more than £40,000 - meaning some Q3 models. If the car you’re looking at cost more than £40,000 when it was new, you’ll have to pay an extra £390 a year for the first five years.
The Audi Q3 won’t be the cheapest SUV to insure, but the cost of cover shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. The Audi Q3 35 TFSI starts from group 24 (out of 50), with Audi Q3 S line and Audi Q3 Black Edition models adding a few groups on top. More potent versions of the Audi Q3 start from group 30 – and again, the more upmarket trim levels cost a little more than entry-level Audi Q3 Technik.
Read our full Audi Q3 review
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