Audi Q3 review
Compact SUVs such as the Audi Q3 are all the rage and it’s not hard to see why. You get a high driving position with this used Audi, and manageable exterior dimensions for use in town. The Q3 has added in the shape of its high-quality interior and great refinement – all of which make it a fine choice for couples and young families. Find out what we think in our road-tested Audi Q3 review.
)
)
Pros
- Premium interior
- Surprisingly practical
- Efficient engine options
Cons
- High-spec models can be expensive
- Some rivals are more fun
Interior
Our rating: 9/10
Tech and features
Audis have long been famed for having quality interiors - and the Q3 is no exception. Everything is well put together and there’s masses of quality plastics, metal and leather on everything.
The entertainment screen is a fixed affair in the middle of the dash, and is controlled by a dial between the front seats. It's all very nicely assembled and features plenty of premium materials.
All Q3s get climate control, a digital radio, Bluetooth, USB socket, sat-nav, cruise control and auto lights and wipers as standard. You’ll also be impressed with the audio system – on higher trims it’s an upgraded Bose unit.
Driving position
There’s lots of leg and headroom in the front seats and it’s easy to get comfortable in the driver’s seat, especially on examples with electric seat adjustment.
The view out for everyone is pretty good. The driver gets rear parking sensors as standard, and some cars have an optional reversing camera.
Performance
Our rating: 6/10
Handling and ride comfort
The Audi Q3 is not as fun to drive as the BMW X1. It’s still accomplished, though, with the emphasis more on comfort than sportiness.
That said, S line models get stiffer sports suspension and have less body roll when you’re negotiating a roundabout. They don’t tend to deal with potholes as well as regular Q3s.
Most models drive the front wheels, although quattro versions are four-wheel drive, which improves traction in poor weather. The steering is fairly light, which makes life easier when you’re parking.
Engines and power
All of the petrol and diesel engines are powerful enough, and the 2.5 turbo petrol in the RS Q3 will get you from 0-62mph in as little as 4.8 seconds.
Practicality
Our rating: 7/10
Storage solutions
Front-seat occupants have enough cubby space to store odds and ends in the door bins, glovebox and centre console, and there are nets in the back of the front seats for those sitting in the back, along with smaller door bins.
Boot space
The boot is a good shape and size with the rear seats in use – enough for a few medium-sized suitcases – and it’s pretty cavernous with the seat backs folded.
There’s not much of a lip at the boot entrance, either, so heavy loads can be slid in and out with ease.
Running costs
Our rating: 7/10
Fuel economy
Expect the popular 1.5-litre petrol engines to deliver mpg figures in the high 30s in the real world. The powerful 2.5 engine in the RS Q3 is a thirsty beast, at around 20mpg.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine (of varying power outputs) will return up to 55.4mpg according to official stats, but we think mid-40s is more realistic.
There's also a plug-in hybrid model with a range of around 30 miles, which can help reduce running costs for those with access to a home charger.
The verdict
Interior
9/10
Performance
6/10
Practicality
7/10
Running costs
7/10
We love the Audi Q3’s quality interior and how good the dashboard feels.
All of the controls feel like they’ll stand the test of time.
The Q3 is very well equipped, but some versions of the Q3 have more safety kit than others.
Similar to the review
