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Review: Audi Q3

Image of Neil Thomason
Author: | Updated: 25 Apr 2019 12:17

Sportier, sleeker and still comfortable to drive, the Audi Q3 is a return to form. But it faces stiff competition.

The Audi Q3 is a veteran of the premium crossover segment, but times have changed since it was first launched in 2011.

The battle-scarred and well-worn original Audi Q3 weathered the storm from a barrage of new-to-market competitors such as the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and award-sweeping Volvo XC40. The new-generation has now got a tough fight on its hands.

We can only imagine the montage (set to the Rocky soundtrack of course) for the design, manufacture and testing of this, the second-generation Audi Q3, as it aims to make a triumphant comeback in 2019.

Audi Q3 front

Larger. Sportier. Same great drive.The five-word review

To give it that perfect base for success, the Q3 is built on the same MQB platform as the Volkswagen Tiguan.

That has helped it grow 10cm and become sportier and sleeker looking too but there’s also a new front grille with octagonal edges and new LED headlamps. Not only does this put the Q2 back in its place but it draws a line in the sand to all those upstart competitors.

Audi Q3 rear

This model we tested was the 45 TFSI Quattro, a 2.0l petrol with automatic gearbox which demands big revs to give you its 227bhp. That engine sits at the top of the range, with one diesel and two other petrol engines also available, and returns around about 31mpg.

Audi Q3 interior mood lighting

The touchscreen infotainment system measures 10.1in and looks superb. Slightly angled toward the driver, it is cloud-connected as standard

The interior continues the sporty design of the exterior and features mood lighting, virtual cockpit and a large MMI touch response infotainment unit, while the instrument panel is divided into two levels: the top part includes the air vents while the bottom section incorporates the large octagonal area with its black-panel look.

Oh yeah, and then there’s this random strip of plastic in between the panels. I say random, there’s a tiny volume button there for some reason. Maybe the montage I had in my head for the Q3 would be set to the Benny Hill theme music instead of Rocky during this bit of the design stage.

Audi volume

The touchscreen infotainment system measures 10.1in and looks superb. Slightly angled toward the driver, it is cloud-connected as standard so you get up to date traffic information and offers wifi hotspots in the car for everyone. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard too.

Audi Q3 steering

The steering is light and brilliant in corners, giving the driver surety they might not expect of a car with this bulk

Having been somewhat spoiled with the Audi A8 though, I was disappointed to see that this new Q3 didn’t offer the same touch-response and click acknowledgement from the screen. Similarly, as they’ve done away with the selector wheel from the centre console it makes hitting choices on the move tougher. But the A8 is a luxury, far more expensive car. This interior is still a huge step up from the old Q3.

That's not to say the interior is perfect. It is a little jarring. Bright fabric trim offsets the dark interior which varies between soft-touch in parts and a lot of unneeded hardwearing plastic. It all feels a bit un-Audi to me. This is slightly offset by how versatile the interior is. The rear seats can be adjusted fore/aft and for tilt, while the height-adjustable loading floor of the boot is extremely handy, offering 420 litres of space, as are the numerous storage compartments throughout the front and rear of the car.

Audi Q3 on the road

On the road, things are thankfully a lot better. With Quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard, progress through the gears is smooth if a little sluggish and makes 0-62 in 6.3 seconds. With an air of firmness you’d expect from a top spec Audi featuring 19inch alloy wheels and lowered suspension, the steering is light and brilliant in corners, giving the driver surety they might not expect of a car with this bulk. It’s even better when cruising, offering drivers little-to-no road and wind noise, plenty of space and very comfortable and supportive fabric seating.

Does that mean the Q3 lives up to Audi’s standards of style, agility, intelligence? Yes and no. It’s hard to see this new model being seen as the class leader returning to triumphantly claim back its crown.

It lacks a certain level of finesse I’ve come to expect from Audi. If this review was to draw a parallel back to Rocky again, the Q3 does not deliver a knockout punch. But it can trade punches with the likes of the universally-acclaimed Volvo XC40. It would probably lose on a split decision, just like when the Italian Stallion made his last comeback.

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Model tested: Audi Q3 45 TFSI Quattro S Line

Exterior:

Sportier and sleeker looking but just as rugged thanks to a new front grille.

Interior:

Continues the sporty design of the exterior albeit the different types of finish are jarring.

Driving:

The steering is light and brilliant in corners, giving the driver surety they might not expect of a car with this bulk.

Space:

Adjustable front and rear seats ensure everyone can sit in comfort. Boot space is good, offering 420 litres of space.

Efficiency:

We averaged 31 miles per gallon, which doesn’t sound great until you remember this is a bulky petrol with all-wheel drive.

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