A time-efficient and comprehensive Audi Q3 review
finder score: 81.4%
| Website | Rating | Notable quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarAdvice | 80% | "...the new Audi Q3 is an impressive effort." | Read more |
| CarAdvice (40 TFSI engine) | 83% | "This generation of Q3 has the makings required to continue to be a chart-topper for Audi, with the 40 TFSI becoming the smart choice of the range." | Read more |
| ChasingCars | 85% | "This is a compact SUV that justifies its premium over a mainstream crossover through the use of premium appointments, well-integrated cabin technology and refined dynamics. We think the Q3 compares very well indeed." | Read more |
| Practical Motoring | 80% | "Seven years since the original Q3 arrived, the second-gen car has improved in every way." | Read more |
| Motoring | 79% | "...this new second-generation model overlays fresh style over a far more high-tech and refined substance." | Read more |
There are four different Q3s on sale in Australia and this guide will cover the standard Q3 model. We aren't covering the Sportback, or the RS Q3 and the accompanying Sportback performance-focused models, but we'll try to cover them in separate comparison reviews.
Within the two body styles we're covering, Audi is marketing three different specifications:
The model names are derived from the engine installed under the bonnet.
The Audi Q3 35 TFSI starts from $52,517 driveaway.
This model features a 1.4-litre petrol engine with front-wheel drive. In the passenger cabin, Audi fits out the interior with leather-appointed upholstery and a multi-function three-spoke steering wheel. There's an electric tailgate, two-zone climate control, Audi connect plus sat nav and a six-speaker audio system. The infotainment system has DAB+, as well as Audi's well-loved virtual cockpit. It's a pretty decent fit-out for an entry-grade model.
Stepping up to the 40 TFSI quattro, which one reviewer claimed was the pick of the range, you'll receive extra tech, equipment and passenger conveniences.
The 40 TFSI quattro model costs $60,392 driveaway in NSW.
With this model, key highlights include:
Moving up to the 40 TFSI quattro S line will cost you $66,272.
For the additional outlay, you'll get:
With the S line, you get the option of Turbo Blue or Daytona Grey (for an extra fee).
Click on a price to compare car loans for the Audi Q3.
| 35 TFSI | 40 TFSI quattro | 40 TFSI quattro S line |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4-litre, auto DSG, FWD: $52,517 | 2.0-litre, auto DSG, AWD: $60,392 | 2.0-litre, auto DSG, AWD: $66,272 |
There's only one no-cost paint option, which is Ibis White. The rest of the colour palette are optional finishes.
The downsides? It's got a three-year warranty, it's more expensive than some upstart rivals, it has a slightly firm ride and, for some strange reason, the adaptive cruise can only be incremented in 10km/h stages. Clearly, the Q3 is very well designed and built and it'll suit all sorts of buyers, from young families to retirees and everyone in between.
| Website | Pros | Cons | Notable quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarAdvice |
|
| "The Q3 delivers the usual SUV attributes: taller driving position, roomier cabin, generous cargo area and a higher 'hip point', making it easier to get in and out of the car." |
| CarAdvice (40 TFSI engine) |
|
| "This non-S-line car is refreshing and quite elegant in its approach. It also signals that you don't need to walk up to the bells-and-whistles sporty version to get a bit of kerb appeal." |
| ChasingCars |
|
| "The 2020 car is bang up to the minute, packing what we think might be the car industry's best cabin technology set-up." |
| Practical Motoring |
|
| "...it's all of the tech inside the cabin and safety assistant systems underneath that will appeal to many buyers." |
| Motoring |
|
| "While engine refinement at high revs and ultimate performance are not ideal, with its larger interior and improved overall refinement and technology, this fresh Q3 35 TFSI certainly has broad appeal." |
Audi offers up two different petrol engines in the Q3.
This petrol engine has a capacity of 1,395cc. It's a standard four-inline block with direct fuel injection, as well as a turbocharger to improve the performance and efficiency. Maximum power for this block measures 110kW between 5,000-6,000rpm, while it delivers 250Nm of torque from 1,500-3,500rpm. Audi fits this unit to the 35 TFSI model.
Audi's official 0-100km/h time for the 35 TFSI is 9.3 seconds, while the top speed is 207km/h. The 35 TFSI is the only front-wheel-drive Q3, as well as the only model with a six-speed transmission.
For the Q3 40 TFSI quattro and Q3 40 TFSI quattro S line models, Audi selected a 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine with a turbocharger. As with the smaller 35 TFSI, it's a straight-four block. Capacity actually measures 1,984cc, producing 132kW between 3,900-6,000rpm. Torque for this engine kicks in at a lower rate of revs, from 1,400-3,940rpm, plus there's an additional 70kW on tap, making for a total of 320Nm.
All of the 2.0-litre equipped Q3s are capable of a 7.8 second 0-100km/h sprint and will reach a max speed of 220km/h. Audi pairs the larger powerplant with a seven-speed S tronic gearbox. These models have a four-wheel-drive system, as signified by the "quattro" designation.
The smaller 1.4-litre engine comes with a six-speed S tronic transmission. It's a direct-shift gearbox (or DSG) automatic, having two clutches. Its designation is DQ250 and you'll also spot the same set-up in other Volkswagen Group cars like the Tiguan SUV.
To handle the larger output 2.0-litre's higher loads, Audi has installed its DQ500 7-speed S tronic automatic DSG gearbox. This gearbox is able to handle the Audi RS 3's powerful heart, so it shouldn't have to work hard in the Q3.
One tester described the 35 TFSI petrol engine as a top-notch power plant. Reportedly, it delivers in all situations, with a sharp response and zesty performance. It sounds as though the smaller capacity option only really falls down when you want to overtake other road users on the highway, as the rest of the time, experts felt it was at home and not overworked.
This was confirmed by more than one of the testing panelists who said the engine was working overtime as the speed limit rose. Others described its performance by using words like "modestly-endowed" and "adequately able to keep pace". One writer was actually slightly surprised by the engine, feeling it was quicker than what the brochure numbers suggested. One reviewer wrapped it up best when they said that the engine was fine, but not thrilling.
After evaluating the comments of testers, it seems that the 1.4 is very much designed with urban streets in mind. A few journalists longed for the newer 1.5-litre engine that Audi uses in other global markets. The 2.0-litre model is more powerful and quicker, but again, journos perceived that it was optimised for fuel economy and efficiency over outright performance.
On the topic of the transmission, reviewers found that shifting it was silky smooth. However, many grumbled about the tendency for it to be slightly and momentarily hesitant, an idiosyncrasy of this particular gearbox type. Someone else stated that it was well matched to the six-speed automatic transmission. Testers found they spent a lot of time in sports mode on country roads.
To sum up, the motoring journalists (who are often big petrolheads) weren't bowled over by the performance of the 1.4 and longed for the more gutsy 2.0-litre now available. But, everyday drivers will probably be perfectly happy with the 1.4. However, if you're looking for a little more spice in your car, go for the 2.0-litre engine (or even look at the RS Q3).
| 1.4-litre 35 TFSI | 2.0-litre 40 TFSI quattro | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine type | ||
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Engine size/displacement | 1,395cc | 1,984cc |
| Fuel type | ||
| Cylinders | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | ||
| Max power | 110kW @ 5,000-6.000rpm | 132kW @ 3,900-6,000rpm |
| Max torque | 250Nm @ 1,500-3,500rpm | 320Nm @ 1,400-3,940rpm |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2L/100km | 8.0L/100km (8.2L/100km 40 TFSI quattro S line) |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 9.3 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Emissions standard | ||
| Top speed (km/h) | 207km/h | 220km/h |
| Security | ||
| Transmission | 6-speed DSG automatic | 7-speed DSG automatic |
| Towing capacity (unbraked/braked) | ||
Here's how fuel frugal the Audi Q3 is.
We use the Green Vehicle Guide to find fuel economy figures. It's a Government website that helps you compare multiple vehicles from different manufacturers in one go.
For the Q3 35 TFSI with 19-inch wheels, you'll use:
If you have the 35 TFSI with 18-inch wheels, then according to the official numbers, the extra-urban figure is 6.0L/100km.
Fitting on 20-inch wheels changes the numbers to:
If you drive 14,000kms per year, spending two-thirds of the time in towns and cities and the rest on highways, your annual petrol spend will be:
$1,885 on the Q3 35 TFSI with 19-inch or 20-inch wheels
$1,892 on the Q3 35 TFSI with 18-inch wheels
The larger, more powerful 2.0-litre Q3 (with 18-inch wheels) will use:
That equates to an annual fuel spend of $2,031 based on the above driving criteria.
When the Q3 has the bigger 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, it will use:
For this model, your petrol spend will jump up to $2,092, or $207 more than the most economical 1.4-litre Q3.
Car reviewers found that the Audi Q3's brochure figures are feasibly achievable. They managed to get within less than a litre of the official digits, not always necessarily driving gingerly. In fact, two outlets got within 0.5-litres, which is a great result.
With this Q3 bearing an Audi logo, expectations for handling are understandably high. Judging by the comments of the reviewers, it seems that the Q3 manages to tick all the characteristic Audi boxes.
It handles on point, with very direct and responsive steering. Reportedly, it stays flat and planted in corners and it goes about its business elegantly and reassuringly. One journo said that the steering could be faster, but noted that you get used to the sensation.
More than one tester took the Q3 onto country and twisty roads and had a lot of fun with it. As you'd expect, the body will roll if you push it, but testers found this to be predictable and anticipatable.Two motoring experts complained that the ride was a little overly firm, but you'll need to test drive the car to see if this is something that bothers you. It's down to personal preference.
Around town, the Q3 is by all accounts at home. It has excellent visibility and manoeuvrability, making it a great car to buy for someone living in metropolitan areas. Apparently, it always rises to the task of city driving, with testers appreciating the lightweight steering.
To summarise, it turns out that the Audi is a solid handler (for an SUV), with usable and direct dynamics. It's an all-rounder that manages to cover all the bases without compromising too much. Basically, for everyday driving, it's dependable and thoroughly sorted. Unanimously, testers said that the latest-generation Audi Q3 was a huge improvement over the older model.
Again, with this car having an Audi badge, there are certain presumptions that buyers will make before slipping into the driver's seat. How did reviewers find the Q3 then?
First, almost all of the testers spoke of how the car had great, all-round visibility. That might sound like something minor, but many modern car designs are leaning into the trend of having huge and chunky pillars which can obstruct your view somewhat. A tester described the interior as extraordinarily practical and ergonomic and multiple testers said that the Audi designers generously proportioned the door pockets and the glovebox.
Speaking of size, reviewers labelled the Q3's passenger compartment as up there with the most spacious in the segment. In fact, some journos hinted that it was punching above its weight, nipping at the heels of larger SUVs. In the rear, there's heaps of genuine room for adults and also a generous boot space. It was touched on that the transmission hump means it's more comfortable for four passengers, rather than five, but that's not something specific to the Q3.
Testers seemed to like the usability of the infotainment system. They described it as simplified and much easier to digest than some of the higher-end Audi models with more complex systems. Motoring journalists liked that the climate controls remained separate to the touchscreen, in the form of conventional dials and buttons. One specific highlight picked up on was the wireless Apple CarPlay, which works over Wi-Fi. This held as a real selling point. The car also features a hybrid DAB+ radio, which can fill in signal dead spots using cellular towers.
Audi's Virtual Cockpit attracted consistent praise. It comes as standard across the Q3 range, and lets you display full sat nav maps on its 10.25-inch screen (though it jumps up to 12.3-inches on the S line model), which replaces traditional analogue dials.
German-made cars have a reputation for being well built. The Q3 appears to affirm that belief, with the reviewers stating that all interior materials were good quality. The doors in particular were mentioned, which make a noticeable and reassuring thud when closing them. One writer discussed how Audi Australia had made specific requests for the Aussie-market Q3, including a more extensive deployment of soft-touch materials. Further evidence of the build quality, at least in the eyes of testers, was the lack of squeaks when driving over potholes.
The seats are supposedly comfortable and gently conform to the body. One tester discovered that even after several hours behind the wheel, the seats didn't make you feel sore or fatigued.
Crucially for a car in this segment, the boot is more than capable of swallowing up a pram or a big grocery shop. Plus, there's a powered boot lid, so you can waddle up to the car with arms full of heavy stuff and simply gesture to open up the car.
The interior sounds like it's nearly perfectly executed, as is typical from Audi.
What do you get as standard on the entry-level 35 TFSI? Quite a lot actually:
Safety-wise, you receive:
For the 2.0-litre model, highlights include:
The S line is the top of the range and receives the following extras:
| 35 TFSI | 40 TFSI quattro | 40 TFSI quattro S line | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-star ANCAP rating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Airbags:
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Seatbelt pretensioners front and second-row outboard | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intelligent seat belt reminder for all seats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 360-degree camera | Included in optional pack | Included in optional pack | ✔ |
| Head restraints for all seats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Adaptive cruise assist | Optional | Optional | ✔ |
| Adaptive headlights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): City, Interurban and VRU | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Automatic headlights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic Data Recorder (EDR) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fatigue reminder | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fatigue detection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hill launch assist | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ISOFix | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lane Keep Assist (LKA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pre-crash systems | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reverse collision avoidance (using camera) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reverse collision avoidance (auto brake) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roll stability system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Secondary/multi-collision brake | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Manual speed limiter speed assistance | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speed sign recognition and warning speed assistance | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Light and rain sensor | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 35 TFSI | 40 TFSI quattro | 40 TFSI quattro S line | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard front seats with manual adjustment | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Sport front seats with "S" embossing on backrest and contrast stitching | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Power driver seat with several ways of adjustment and 4-way electric lumbar support | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Power front seats with several ways of adjustment and 4-way electric lumbar support | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Leather-appointed upholstery | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heated front seats, 3 settings | Optional | Optional | ✔ |
| Rear bench seat with adjustable length and backrest angle, 40:20:40 split and rear centre armrest (with cupholder) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Interior Alcantara on-door armrest and dashboard:
| ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Micrometallic Silver inlays | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Brushed matte dark aluminium inlays | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| 2-zone climate control with rear air vents | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Aluminium-look switches and control buttons | ✖️ | Optional | ✔ |
| Frameless, auto-dimming interior mirror | Optional | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front door sill aluminium inlays | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Front door sill aluminium inlays, with illumination and "S" logo | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Front and rear floor mats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ambient interior lighting package | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-function, 3-spoke leather steering wheel | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Multi-function, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with paddle shifters | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Multi-function, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, flat bottom, side perforation sections and "S" badges | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Lunar Silver cloth headlining | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Black cloth headlining | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Adjustable front-centre armrest with storage compartment | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Stainless steel boot lip sill protector | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Stainless steel pedals and footrest | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
Audi connect plus, which includes:
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Audi virtual cockpit with a configurable 10.25-inch instrument display | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Audi virtual cockpit with a configurable 12.3-inch instrument display | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Audi smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Two USB ports (type A and C), plus two type C USB plugs in rear | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Audi phone box light, using Qi wireless charging | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 6-speaker sound system | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| 10-speaker, 180w Audi sound system | ✖️ | Optional | ✔ |
| 680w Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, with 15 speakers (including a subwoofer) | ✖️ | Optional | Optional |
| DAB+ Digital radio | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| MMI navigation plus with voice control, 3D map display and text search and intelligent destination suggestions | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 35 TFSI | 40 TFSI quattro | 40 TFSI quattro S line | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-inch, 5-arm alloy wheels | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| 19-inch, 5-arm alloy wheels | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, with a 5-twin spoke design (or a 5-V-spoke star design) | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Audi drive select with selectable driving modes | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Progressive steering | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Space-saver spare wheel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Full keyless entry and start | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Power tailgate with gesture control for hands-free opening and closing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear privacy glass | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| S line exterior styling, including bumpers, grille, diffuser, sill inlays, door sill trims and S line emblems | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Exterior mirrors with electric adjustment and integrated LED side indicators | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Exterior mirrors, with heating and folding, kerb-side function on passenger side and heated windscreen washer jets | ✖️ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| Auto-dimming exterior mirrors, power-adjustable heating and folding function, plus passenger-side kerb parking mode | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Manhattan Grey bumpers in contrast paint finish | ✔ | ✖️ | Option |
| Fully painted bumpers | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Matte Selenite Silver front spoiler, rear diffuser, side blades and side air inlet frame | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anodised aluminium roof rails | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Adaptive LED headlights with DRLs, dipped beam, high beam, position light, all-weather light, cornering light, automatic-dynamic headlight range control and rear dynamic indicators | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| High beam assist | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
The second-generation Audi Q3 is sure to appeal to a wide range of buyers by offering up a decent list of standard features and modern safety equipment, all wrapped together with that excellent Audi build quality.
If you're looking for an SUV of this size and it's within your budget, you should definitely check it out. Plus, if you want to shake things up a little, there's an alternate body style variation available in the Sportback, as well as a fire-breathing version of the Q3 in the RS model. There's a Q3 for almost anyone.
And, if you take a few seconds to compare car loans below, you could save hundreds of dollars over your Audi Q3 loan period.
Pictures: Audi
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