Not too long ago, car manufacturers typically feature only a single SUV or none at all in their lineups. The increasing demand for SUVs though, meant that these days, manufacturers have at least one SUV model in their lineups. In the case of the premium German brands though, there are at least three SUV models to fit most needs and size requirements.
In the case of Audi, its SUV lineage started off with the full-sized, seven-seat Q7 in 2005. Then came the more compact, A4-based Q5 in 2008. The Q5 had all the virtues of the Q7, except more compact and seats only five.
Now, there's a new SUV model to join Audi's Q line of cars. The new Q3 is smaller than the Q5 and is the baby in Audi's SUV lineup, at least until the Four Rings introduce another possible crossover in the future based on the A1 - a Q2 anyone?
Exterior
The Q3's styling was first previewed on the Crosscoupe Quattro concept from the Shanghai Motor Show several years back. From certain angles, the Q3 does look like a miniature Q5 but its steeply raked rear window gives it a sportier, coupe-like profile than its Q5 big brother.
In the case of Audi, its SUV lineage started off with the full-sized, seven-seat Q7 in 2005. Then came the more compact, A4-based Q5 in 2008. The Q5 had all the virtues of the Q7, except more compact and seats only five.
Now, there's a new SUV model to join Audi's Q line of cars. The new Q3 is smaller than the Q5 and is the baby in Audi's SUV lineup, at least until the Four Rings introduce another possible crossover in the future based on the A1 - a Q2 anyone?
Exterior
The Q3's styling was first previewed on the Crosscoupe Quattro concept from the Shanghai Motor Show several years back. From certain angles, the Q3 does look like a miniature Q5 but its steeply raked rear window gives it a sportier, coupe-like profile than its Q5 big brother.
The range-topping 211bhp model tested here is similar on the outside to the base model 170bhp variant bar its larger 18-inch alloy wheels, with the less powerful model only running on 17s. The other distinguishing feature is found only on the inside - the 211 features a sportier three-spoke Q-car steering wheel whilst the 170's is a four-spoke item.
Interior
Inside, the Q3 is another example of what Audi does best - offering a high quality interior with a nice ambience that is far better than any of its competitors can offer.
The driving position is highly adjustable and the front seats comfortable - any body shape and size will find the perfect driving position. Rear passengers will also get to enjoy reasonable amounts of head and legroom.
The cabin also offers lots of useable utility space with many storage spaces littered around. The boot offers practical space and can be enlarged by folding the split/fold rear seats.
Interior
Inside, the Q3 is another example of what Audi does best - offering a high quality interior with a nice ambience that is far better than any of its competitors can offer.
The driving position is highly adjustable and the front seats comfortable - any body shape and size will find the perfect driving position. Rear passengers will also get to enjoy reasonable amounts of head and legroom.
The cabin also offers lots of useable utility space with many storage spaces littered around. The boot offers practical space and can be enlarged by folding the split/fold rear seats.
The Drive
Underneath the skin, the Q3 shares very much in common with the Volkswagen Tiguan, which means it has a proven and reliable mechanical package that features a 2.0-litre TFSI motor mated to a seven-speed dual clutch box and quattro all-wheel drive.
The range topping model offers 211bhp at 5,000rpm to 6,200rpm and 300Nm of torque at 1,800rpm to 4,900rpm, offering a noticeable 41 horses and 20Nm of torque more than the entry-level model.
Like most modern turbocharged motor, the Q3's unit delivers the goods right from the word go - there's no turbo lag to speak of. 0-100km/h comes up in an impressive 6.9 seconds, making this SUV almost as quick as some hot hatches out there.
Underneath the skin, the Q3 shares very much in common with the Volkswagen Tiguan, which means it has a proven and reliable mechanical package that features a 2.0-litre TFSI motor mated to a seven-speed dual clutch box and quattro all-wheel drive.
The range topping model offers 211bhp at 5,000rpm to 6,200rpm and 300Nm of torque at 1,800rpm to 4,900rpm, offering a noticeable 41 horses and 20Nm of torque more than the entry-level model.
Like most modern turbocharged motor, the Q3's unit delivers the goods right from the word go - there's no turbo lag to speak of. 0-100km/h comes up in an impressive 6.9 seconds, making this SUV almost as quick as some hot hatches out there.
Top speed is quoted as 230km/h. Maximum torque is available from as low as 1,800rpm, making the engine as flexible as a rubber band from just above idle. Work the motor hard and it'll pull all the way to its redline without breaking a sweat, staying refined and unflustered in all situations.
Like the Tiguan, the gearbox is a seven-speed dual clutch. The box's seven nicely stacked ratios bring out the engine's brawny character while its shifts are well-timed and smooth.
Unlike its Q7 and Q5 big brothers, the Q3's all-wheel drive system is a Haldex clutch system, similar to the one employed in the models like the S3 and TT among others. This system is usually preferred in less hardcore SUVs as well as in some performance models as it has a relatively less complicated layout and design.
Like the Tiguan, the gearbox is a seven-speed dual clutch. The box's seven nicely stacked ratios bring out the engine's brawny character while its shifts are well-timed and smooth.
Unlike its Q7 and Q5 big brothers, the Q3's all-wheel drive system is a Haldex clutch system, similar to the one employed in the models like the S3 and TT among others. This system is usually preferred in less hardcore SUVs as well as in some performance models as it has a relatively less complicated layout and design.
In normal driving conditions, the Haldex system sends 90 percent of power to the front wheels with the remaining 10 percent to the rear. On bad surfaces though, the system can send as much as 100 percent of the engine power to the rear wheels if necessary.
On the road, the Q3 offers a supple ride and decent handling for a tall SUV. It does feel a tad more cumbersome through the bends than a hatchback model like an A3 because of its height but it feels composed and stable enough to give you the confidence to go at a decent enough pace.
The steering is accurate and direct enough but it is short on communication skills, feeling rather lifeless in its responses. Ride quality on the 18-inch wheels is extremely comfortable thanks to well-chosen suspension settings.
On the road, the Q3 offers a supple ride and decent handling for a tall SUV. It does feel a tad more cumbersome through the bends than a hatchback model like an A3 because of its height but it feels composed and stable enough to give you the confidence to go at a decent enough pace.
The steering is accurate and direct enough but it is short on communication skills, feeling rather lifeless in its responses. Ride quality on the 18-inch wheels is extremely comfortable thanks to well-chosen suspension settings.
Like many contemporary Audi models, both Q3 variants feature Drive Select as standard but the 211bhp model tested here features additional damper adjustments with its Drive Select. Select Dynamic mode and the suspension does feel stiffer and offers the Q3 with better body control than in Comfort mode. Also in the latter mode, the ride does improve noticeably.
Conclusion
By utilising the same basic formula as the Q5 but in a smaller size, Audi has created a compact SUV model that is has all the ticks in the right boxes. The Q3 then, will be a potent force against the likes of similarly sized but more established models like the BMW X1.
Conclusion
By utilising the same basic formula as the Q5 but in a smaller size, Audi has created a compact SUV model that is has all the ticks in the right boxes. The Q3 then, will be a potent force against the likes of similarly sized but more established models like the BMW X1.
