Audi Q3 SUV overview 2022

The Audi Q3 is not the smallest SUV the model makes; that’s the Audi Q2. The Q3 nonetheless stays one of the crucial standard fashions in Audi’s lineup, because it’s sufficiently big for a household however is extra reasonably priced than the bigger Q5, which is rather more of a luxurious automobile.

The Q3 sits in a crowded market, as consumers love this explicit measurement and form of automobile: there’s the Mercedes GLA, Volvo XC40 and BMW X1 and even the extra mainstream Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Kuga and Peugeot 3008 to think about.

The Q3 makes use of an identical set of elements to the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tiguan and SEAT Ateca, together with lots of the similar engines, which implies these fashions will also be thought of as rivals. The Q3 units itself aside with a wise inside, stylish design and a concentrate on tech and luxury.

That is the second-generation Q3 and, whereas it’s not radically totally different from the mannequin that got here earlier than, it now has a glance that’s nearer to dearer Audi fashions and options a way more spectacular inside than the primary model.

There’s a concentrate on construct high quality and stylish design in and out, so the Q3 gives an upmarket inside with plenty of tech. It’s comfy inside and though the Q3 is among the many dearer vehicles of its kind, it nonetheless justifies the additional.

One of many key bits of tech is the ‘Digital Cockpit’ 10.1-inch digital dial panel (or 12.3 inches on higher-spec fashions), which is joined by a neat 10.1-inch touchscreen on the sprint. Collectively, these screens home a great deal of intelligent options and make the Q3 really feel each bit as hi-tech as rivals from BMW and Mercedes. The design of the cabin is wise, because it incorporates the screens and there’s no ‘stuck-on’ seem like in another vehicles.

High 10 finest medium measurement and household SUVs 2022

Audi gives a well-known vary of petrol and diesel engine choices. Petrols kick off with a 148bhp 1.5-litre turbo, which is badged because the 35 TFSI and is on the market with a six-speed handbook gearbox or a seven-speed S tronic computerized, and front-wheel-drive. Each 2.0-litre petrol engines include computerized gearboxes and four-wheel drive – there’s the 187bhp 40 TFSI and 242bhp 45 TFSI to select from. A high-performance RS Q3 can also be out there with 395bhp from a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, which we’ve reviewed individually.

A plug-in hybrid Q3 badged the ‘45 TFSI e’ joined the vary throughout 2021. It combines a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine and an electrical motor to provide 242bhp, managing 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds. In line with Audi, the Q3 PHEV manages as much as 31 miles operating on battery energy. Low company-car tax and gasoline economic system as much as 176.6mpg are the large advantages of this powertrain, although the precise operating prices depend upon how you employ it, and the way typically you cost the battery.

Diesel consumers have the selection of 148 or 197bhp variations of a 2.0-litre engine, badged 35 TDI or 40 TDI respectively, with an ordinary S tronic computerized gearbox and two-wheel-drive. Not one of the engines falls brief on the efficiency entrance, they usually’re frugal should you select the automated possibility and forgo the

quattro four-wheel-drive.

Because the Q3 proves economical and might match or beat the emissions scores of its rivals, it represents a particularly sturdy total bundle. It falls wanting the BMW X1 for driving enjoyable, however makes up for that with consolation and inside model, and there is no denying its glorious construct high quality.

A five-star Euro NCAP ranking and an extended record of normal security gear is firmly in its favour, too. The place Audi might enhance is reliability. It got here twenty third out of 30 in our 2021 Driver Energy satisfaction survey.

How a few used Audi Q3 Mk1?

With its stylish seems and trendy, well-built cabin, the Audi Q3 Mk1 is a very fashionable alternative on the used automobile market. Its vary of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are sturdy performers and the diesels are additionally very gasoline environment friendly. Obtainable in front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive quattro kinds, the Q3 Mk1 additionally gives a alternative between handbook and computerized gearboxes. Even the bottom trim grades are generously geared up, whereas two excessive efficiency RS fashions take care of the wants of the speed-obsessed.

What’s its historical past?

Launched within the UK in November 2011, the Q3 Mk1 was Audi’s first compact SUV. Initially the vary was quite simple, comprising two turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engines and a pair of two.0-litre turbodiesel. There have been simply two trim ranges and consumers might select between front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, handbook and computerized, relying on the mannequin. The engine line-up developed through the Q3 Mk1’s lifetime and early in 2015 the vary was revamped with recent styling and gear upgrades. There was an extra rejig of trim grades in October 2016, along with one other tickle of the styling, earlier than the Q3 Mk2 made its UK debut in November 2018.

Learn the complete Q3 Mk1 overview…