The grand Audi Q3 is no longer the smallest Audi SUV – that cloak was taken by the dinky Q2 in 2016 – but that shouldn’t put you off what is still a sensible, well-built and attractive crossover. On sale since 2011, the Q3 opponents’ cars like the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA. Its premium sense runs more than skin deep, as the compact Audi 4×4 asserts an engaging, fun driving experience and authentic refinement all thanks to solid plan and engineering. Faultless Audi build quality is revealed in a cabin that has a real premium feel, too.
With a complete range of safety kit and the pleasing ‘four rings’ badge on its nose, the Audi Q3 is predictably in strong demand. The downsides? This quality doesn’t come economical – especially if you move to town on the options – and in spite of its looks, the Q3 isn’t all that competent off-road.
Standard (non-RS) Audi Q3 models are obtainable with either 1.4-Litre or 2.0-Litre engines, and together offer respectable performance, refinement and economy. Our selection of power plant is the 182bhp 2.0-Litre TDI diesel (there is a less potent 148bhp version). This supplies the best blend of performance and fuel efficiency in the Q3 range, along with claimed economy of 51.4mpg and a 0-62mph time of about 7.9 seconds (when fixed with the S tronic automatic box). CO2 emissions are quite low too, at 143g/km.
The 1.4 TFSI engine along with Cylinder on Demand technology is a fresh addition to the line-up, and it’s a really effortless and powerful unit. It also assures parallel fuel economy and emissions of CO2 to the diesel models, at 47.9mpg and 136g/km in addition, because petrol cars are likely for lower company car tax, it’s a fine choice for business users. Performance SUV admirers get the chance to set free the same 2.5-Litre five-cylinder engine that Audi adjusts to the TT RS. It builds 335bhp in the RS Q3, coupled with 450Nm of torque from only 1,500rpm, and when joint with sharp throttle response it simply means the range-topping model feels very speedy on the road.
The Q3 uses abundance of solid materials and feels as though it’s particularly built to last. It also appears with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty and three years’ RAC breakdown cover, which should aid keep bills to a minimum.
If you desire more than three years’ cover from an SUV, you’ll need to look towards the Korean brands – the Hyundai Tucson provides a five-year/unlimited-mileage package, and the Kia Sportage emerges with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
The Audi Q3 requires a major service every couple of years or 20,000 miles, along with minor check-ups in between. The Audi servicing isn’t the economical around, with traders charging £309 and £159 respectively – but that’s the cost you pay for the marque’s premium branding and showy showrooms.
The Audi Q3 computes 4,385mm, making it 30mm longer than a five-door Range Rover Evoque, and about the same number shorter than the Mercedes GLA.
Q3’s roof is 3cm lower than the Evoque’s, but the Q3 stands a notable 114mm higher than the GLA. It’s wider than both cars i.e. the width of Audi is 2,019mm while the Evoque is 1,635mm and the GLA is 1,804mm wide. If you’re looking for an internal comparison, the Q3 is 75mm longer, 234mm wider and 183mm taller than the five-door Audi A3 Sportback.
