Audi Q3, A Long-time Bestseller

The Audi Q3 was the second compact SUV of the brand of the rings. Logically located below the Q5, it inherited many components from the A3  and A1, such as the mechanics or the interior respectively.

It is one of the most conservative options in its segment, offering high doses of quality for a more than fair price.

Presented at the beginning of the decade, the Q3 is one of the most veteran models in the Audi range, so the replacement for it would already be falling.

Almost certainly, its position in the market will be slightly higher to differentiate itself from the new Q2, which despite being smaller, offers a battery of new improvements that are not even available as an option on the veteran.

Design

The Audi Q3 sports a look that today could pass for outdated, given the renewal in the Audi range. This means that it has a design composed of simple lines with a certain bulbous appearance to give volume to a fairly round body .

The front is dominated by the ‘ singleframe ‘ grille that, since the last update, has arms that connect it with the inverted design headlights, which can have Full LED technology . For its part, the bumper has two large false air intakes that all they do is increase the feeling of size.

As we said, the side shows a rounded air and a waist line that oscillates along the profile. As for the rear, it is similar in shape to the old Q5 and Q7, with a bulky hatchback accompanied by sharp tail lights that widen as they approach the end of the car.

Inside

Finally, on the inside, Audi had the idea of ​​adapting the design that the A1 had already released shortly before the launch of the Q3. An unambitious move, in order to reduce costs.

However, it is  a bit out of place as it is a car with much more cache than the small utility. Still, the interior features new cushioning and higher-quality materials.

We will also not find the latest technologies from the VAG Group. The Q3 is a product at the end of its commercial life and all the new technological instruments (see the Digital Cockpit , larger screens and new air conditioning systems) have no place here.

Something similar happens with driving assistance, although in this aspect it can still defend itself against the competition.

Mechanical offer

Mechanically, the Audi Q3 uses turbocharged four-cylinder engines, obtaining a minimum figure of 120hp from the smallest diesel to 220hp from the most capable gasoline.

All powertrains are available with single front axle drive or Quattro all-wheel drive, as is the gearbox, with a 6-speed manual gearbox available as standard and a 7-speed S-tronic as an option.

As a curiosity, the 1.4 TFSI engine announces a power of 125hp that increases to 150hp if the version with cylinder disconnection is chosen. With a readjustment of the ECU the power is increased and it is possible to balance the reduction of cylinders.

An important detail is that the current generation of the Audi Q3 is giving its last blows of life, with its replacement already in the oven ready to go, so the mechanical supply should be gradually reduced until leaving only the best-selling options.

• Gasoline: Two 1.4 TFSI engines and another 2.0 TFSI pair with powers of 125, 150, 180 and 220 hp respectively.
• Diesel: A single 2.0 TDI engine available in three power levels: 120, 150 and 184 hp.

Prices

To begin, clarify that the prices below are based on the versions with front wheel drive and manual transmission. As for the diesel  versions – more affordable – we find the option of 120 hp from 30,370 euros, a figure that increases slightly for the 150 hp version, available for 33,290 euros.

Considerably more expensive is the more powerful option, 184 hp, which has a base price of 40 800 euros without options or promotions.

With regard to gasoline, prices are slightly higher in exchange for a rebound in power, so if they were equaled, we would find more affordable gasoline for the same engine.

Starting from the 1.4 TFSI engine, there are two versions, 125 and 150 hp each, with a price that starts at 30,670 and 31,850 euros respectively.

As for the 2.0 TDSI engine, again with two power levels, the figure increases to 40,080 euros for the 180 hp version and continues to rise to 46,860 euros for the 220 hp version, although perhaps this is already excessively expensive for a car in this segment.

Data Audi Q3

• 5 doors
• 5 seats
• Trunk: 480 liters
• 4-cylinder engines with powers from 120 hp to 220 hp
• 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed S-tronic automatic
• Front or all-wheel drive Quattro
• Consumption and emissions: from 4.6 l / 100 km and 126 g / km of CO2
• Price: from € 30,370