2020 Audi Q3 Review

Critic reviews

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Pricing

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:

• 35 TFSI S tronic
• 40 TFSI quattro S tronic
• 40 TFSI quattro S line S tronic

The model names are derived from the engine installed under the bonnet.

Audi Q3 35 TFSI

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.

Audi Q3 40 TFSI quattro

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:

• A start-stop system
• 7-speed transmission
• 19-inch alloys with 5-arm design
• Selectable driving modes (Audi drive select)
• Heated and folding exterior mirrors (with kerb-side function on the passenger side)
• Heated windscreen washer jets
• Power seat adjustment with height, fore/aft positioning, seat and backrest angle, plus 4-way lumbar adjustment (front passenger seat is manually adjustable)
• Frameless, auto-dimming interior mirror
• Multi-function, 3-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles
• Black cloth headlining

Audi Q3 40 TFSI quattro S line

Moving up to the 40 TFSI quattro S line will cost you $66,272.

For the additional outlay, you'll get:

• 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels with a 5-V-spoke star design in titanium
• Progressive steering
• Adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go function, plus emergency assist and lane centring
• 360-degree camera (4 wide-angle cameras)
• Park assist, which locates suitable bay and kerb-side parking spaces, providing steering assistance into them
• Dark tinted rear and rear side windows
• S line exterior styling, which includes S line front and rear bumpers, titanium black grille, matt black sill diffuser, grey sill inlays and door trims and S line wing emblems
• Auto-dimming side mirrors
• High beam assist
• Sport front seats with "S" embossed badge and contrast stitching
• Electric driver and front passenger seat with multi-way adjustment and four-way lumbar support
• Multi-function, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with a flat bottom, shift paddles, perforated side sections and "S" badges
• Audi virtual cockpit plus (larger 12.3-inch display)
• 180w Audi 10-loudspeaker audio system, with a centre speaker and a subwoofer
• Alcantara interior trim elements

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.

There's only one no-cost paint option, which is Ibis White. The rest of the colour palette are optional finishes.

Engine and performance

Audi offers up two different petrol engines in the Q3.

1.4-litre petrol engine

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.

2.0-litre petrol engine

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.

Audi Q3 transmissions

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.

Car reviewers' impressions of the Audi Q3 engine and transmission line-up

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).

Audi Q3 engine and transmission figures

Fuel economy

Here's how fuel frugal the Audi Q3 is.

1.4-litre petrol engine

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:

• Combined: 7.2L/100km
• Urban: 9.4L/100km
• Extra: 5.9L/100km

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:

• Combined: 7.3L/100km
• Urban: 9.3L/100km
• Extra: 6.1L/100km

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

2.0-litre petrol engine

The larger, more powerful 2.0-litre Q3 (with 18-inch wheels) will use:

• Combined: 7.9L/100km
• Urban: 9.9L/100km
• Extra: 6.8L/100km

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:

• Combined: 8.2L/100km
• Urban: 10.1L/100km
• Extra: 7.2L/100km

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.

Handling

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.

Interior and equipment

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.

Audi Q3 35 TFSI standard equipment

What do you get as standard on the entry-level 35 TFSI? Quite a lot actually:

• 18-inch, 5-arm wheels
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Parking system plus with front and back sensors
• Rearview camera
• Cross-Traffic Assist Rear
• Keyless entry and start
• Electric rear tailgate, with gesture control
• LED side indicators in mirrors
• Manhattan Grey bumpers paint finish
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Standard front seats
• Leather-appointed upholstery
• Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents
• Ambient lighting package
• 3-spoke leather steering wheel
• Silver-grey cloth headlining
• Audi connect plus, with Google Services, parking information, fuel prices and weather info, plus a Wi-Fi hotspot
• Audi virtual cockpit, with a 10.25-inch high-res colour display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless Qi-standard phone charging
• 6-speaker audio system
• DAB+ digital radio
• 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment with navigation

Safety-wise, you receive:

• Attention assist
• Front airbags for driver and passenger, front-side airbags and curtain airbags both front and rear
• Audi pre-sense (Autonomous Emergency Braking)
• Electromechanical parking brake
• Electronic Stabilisation Control, with torque control, ABS, ASR, EDL and Brake Assist
• Tyre pressure loss indicator
• Space saver spare wheel
• Lane Change Warning – blind spot warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Parking system plus with front and rear sensors
• Rearview camera
• Cross-traffic assist rear
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill hold assist

Audi Q3 40 TFSI quattro

For the 2.0-litre model, highlights include:

• 19-inch 5-arm alloy wheels
• Audi drive select – various driving modes
• Exterior side mirrors with kerb-side function, plus heating and folding functions
• Heated windscreen washer jets
• Body-colour bumpers
• Electric seat for driver, including seat height, fore/aft positioning, seat and backrest angle, as well as 4-way electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger
• Auto-dimming, frameless rearview mirror
• Shift paddles on multi-function steering wheel
• Black cloth headlining
• Start-stop system

Audi Q3 40 TFSI quattro S line

The S line is the top of the range and receives the following extras:

• 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels with a 5-twin spoke module design (or 5-V-spoke star design as a no-cost option)
• Variable ratio steering dependent on steering wheel angle
• Adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go function and emergency assist
• 360-degree camera (4 wide-angle cameras)
• Parking assist
• Rear privacy glass
• S line exterior styling elements
• Electric mirror adjustment, with auto-dimming
• High beam assist
• Sport front seats with embossing and contrast stitching
• Power seat adjustment for driver and front passenger
• Alcantara interior elements (in Steel Grey, Orange or Amber Brown)
• Brushed dark aluminium inlays
• Additional aluminium switches and trim pieces
• Aluminium sill trim inlays, with illumination and "S" logo
• Steering wheel with flat bottom, perforated side section and "S" badges
• Stainless steel pedals and footrest
• Audi virtual cockpit plus (12.3-inch screen)
• 10-speaker, 180w Audi audio system

Audi Q3 safety, security and driver assists

Audi Q3 interior and comfort features

Audi Q3 exterior highlights

Verdict

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.

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