Audi Q3 review

Driving position

The third-generation Audi Q3 is the biggest one yet, retaining its slightly elevated driving position, which can be taken a step too far in other SUVs.

You’re not perched so high up that it feels van-like. It’s just the right amount of height to give you more visibility in traffic.

Relatively slim pillars help here, although the sharply styled rear window and thicker rear pillars can make over-the-shoulder visibility slightly trickier than boxy alternatives like the Volvo XC40.

Thankfully, standard-fit parking cameras give you even better detail when parking.

It feels far more modern than previous generations, too, so you get a slick wraparound cockpit design that makes driving the Q3 feel like an occasion.

There’s loads of adjustment in both the seat and steering wheel, so finding a comfortable position is easy.

We should also note the extra sound insulation fitted in this generation, including acoustic glazing, so it feels far more relaxed at motorway speeds.

Tech and features

Audi Q3 trims

– Sport

– S line

– Edition 1

The Q3 no longer feels like an entry point into Audi SUV ownership, and it feels far more like a shrunken-down Q5, which is really positive from a luxury point of view. And that’s why you’re looking to buy an Audi, isn’t it?

Every trim comes with a 12.8-inch curved touchscreen and an extra 11.9-inch display in front of the driver.

Kudos to Audi for using a version of Android Automotive OS, which makes controlling the screen really easy and smartphone-like with Google-style apps and online services like audio streaming.

If you do want to connect your phone, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is also included, and if you're a fan of music, then you'll want to scout out a model with the Sound and Vision Pack (£1,300), which adds a punchy SONOS sound system.

Audi’s new AI-enhanced voice assistant also makes an appearance in the Q3, which is really good news. For too long, voice control in cars has been disappointing, but this one should be able to understand pretty much anything you say.

Higher-spec models come with Matrix LED headlights, borrowing micro-LED technology from bigger and more expensive models, which means super-precise adjustments to keep your high beams on without blinding oncoming traffic.

In reality, you can easily live with a standard-spec Sport model with its reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and heated front seats, but S line models have always been a popular option and come with plenty of welcome upgrades.

Three-zone climate control is a luxury, but we think the most important upgrade is the 360-degree parking camera.

Engines and power

Audi Q3 performance stats

– Power: 150hp to 272hp

– 0-62mph: 5.7 to 9.2 seconds

– Top speed: Up to 149mph

– Driven wheels: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (quattro)

Most of the Q3’s engines are now 2.0-litre units, with the exception of the 150hp 1.5-litre petrol in the least powerful spec. It does 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds, which is brisk enough for most, and is in a similar ballpark to the 150hp diesel equivalent (2.0 litres).

For a compact crossover to be available with a diesel engine in the mid-2020s is quite a spectacle. Although buyers are opting for petrol and hybrids – Audi knows some long-distance drivers still want diesel, and this is really positive.

You can also upgrade to a 193hp diesel or a 204hp petrol, both 2.0 litres, and both with 0-62mph times in the seven-second ballpark.

We’d probably upgrade to one of these over spending more on a high-spec car – the extra performance really helps on the motorway.

Though there’s no performance models like an SQ3 or RS Q3 (yet), the 265hp petrol engine in the Edition 1 car gets pretty near, with a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds.

Even if you’re an eco-warrior, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Audi Q3 e-hybrid packs a 272hp punch, though, because of its extra weight, it’s not as quick as the quickest petrol model (6.8 seconds).

All but the PHEV model and the 150hp variants use quattro four-wheel drive (the others are front-wheel-drive), and manual gearboxes are a thing of the past now with dual-clutch automatics fitted as standard.

Handling and ride comfort

Comfort has clearly been a priority for Audi in the Q3, which has always been the case compared with the similarly sized BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA.

The standard suspension setup is designed to smooth out roads really well, while adaptive dampers on higher-spec models adjust to the road surface and intended driving style.

It all means that the Q3 feels really composed on British roads, which is important because our roads aren’t known for being the best.

But don’t think it’s all floppy in the name of comfort, because it’s still plenty precise enough in corners, and the steering feels precise. A CUPRA Formentor or Alfa Romeo Tonale might be better if you like to drive enthusiastically, but their trade-off is in around-town comfort.

Boot space

Audi Q3 boot space:

– Boot space: 375 to 488 litres

– Incl. rear seats folded: 1,293 to 1,386 litres

Not too long ago, to have 488 litres of boot space would’ve meant having to buy a much bigger SUV, but the Q3 really shines here.

Compared with the A3 hatchback on which it’s based, you get 188 more litres (or an entire Fiat 500 and three litre bottles of water).

But in-class comparisons are more valuable here, and it’s on the upper end of the scale with more space than the Volvo XC40 (443 litres) and Mercedes GLA (435 litres), but a touch less than the BMW X1 (500 litres).

With PHEVs getting more and more electric-only range these days, they have to fit bigger batteries somewhere, which means the Q3 e-hybrid boot is a smaller 375 litres. This is about on par with plug-in hybrid versions of its rivals, though.

Rear seats

Rear-seat space is one of the Q3’s strengths because it’s got real SUV-like styling – a high roofline that’s good for headroom and a decent wheelbase that extends legroom.

It’s still a small car in comparison, so you wouldn’t want to fit three abreast in the back for long distances, but two adults will find it plenty comfortable enough.

USB-C ports and optional three-zone climate control make it feel homely, too. It won’t be like you’ve pulled the short straw if you’re asked to sit in the back, that’s for sure.

Storage solutions

Previous Q3s were never showstopping in terms of interior storage, but that’s all changed with the third generation.

By moving the gear selector behind the steering wheel, valuable centre console storage space gets created for cup holders, wireless charging and general cubbies.

Spacious door bins, a glovebox and room under the front armrest are also pretty standard.

Audi Q3 dimensions

– Height: 1,588mm

– Width: 2,087mm (incl. door mirrors)

– Length: 4,531mm

• Kerb weight: Up to 1,825kg

Towing

The petrol models can tow 1,800kg, 2,000kg or 2,100kg in order of power output, while the diesels will manage 2,000kg or 2,200kg.

Though much lower, at 1,400kg, the e-hybrid is also capable of pulling a light trailer.

For the slickest experience, you’ll want to pay £925 for the mechanically swivelling trailer hitch, which can be hidden away behind the bumper when not being used.

Safety

The Q3 is a true five-star car, with a full safety rating from Euro NCAP and strong scores across all four testing categories.

Every version gets adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, driver monitoring and other collision prevention systems.

On the whole, Audi’s trim levels are pretty consistent, but it’s a shame that front and rear side airbags, head airbags and a front impact airbag are a paid-for option (£350). Paying for tech is one thing, but paying for safety is a bit disappointing.

Fuel economy

Diesel engines are generally better in terms of actual MPG, with the Q3 claiming around 44-53mpg for the two options.

Petrol models have come a long way in recent years, and the most efficient 150hp model will do up to 46mpg. Go for a 2.0-litre petrol and you’re talking around 31-35mpg.

The 1.5-litre petrol is a real highlight, because it’s got emission-cutting mild hybrid tech as well as Audi's Cylinder-on-Demand tech, which shuts down half the engine’s cylinders under light loads to barely sip fuel.

If you’re spending more on a plug-in hybrid, you’ll be pleased to know how good the fuel savings could be.

The 25.7kWh battery is good for 74 miles of electric-only range, and with a 115hp electric motor, you can actually get away with town driving without using the engine.

It’s even got 50kW rapid charging support, so you can do a 10-80% charge in less than half an hour and carry on without petrol power.

Under the hood, it’s that same impressive 1.5-litre petrol, too.

As for the PHEV, it’s a better option than the BMW X1 (55 miles) and Mercedes GLA (45 miles), and actually has one of the best EV ranges of any PHEV.

Reliability

It’s too early to comment on long-term reliability for some of the newer components, like the high-tech screens and operating system, but then the Google backing is probably a really positive thing.

As for the mechanicals, well, the engines, motors, batteries and gearboxes are all already in mass production across the entire VW Group family, so we’ve got no reason to doubt longevity.

The best thing about owning any Audi is that, while it’s considered a premium brand, parts can be cheaper than expected because of that VW ownership.