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Review: 2015 Audi Q3

Q3 offers buyers an affordable option to bring home a five-passenger luxury compact SUV
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While the Q3 is actually not new to Audi lineup — it’s been available in Europe for some time — it’s new for the North American segment and it’s already becoming a hot seller.

Like its similar offering from its competitors, the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Audi Q3 offers buyers an affordable option to bring home a five-passenger luxury compact SUV. The Range Rover Evoque is another competitor that’s a bit more expensive but it’s also one of the most unique vehicles in this segment.

Despite being the smallest and most economical SUV in Audi’s lineup, the Q3 is still worthy of the badge with quality fit and finish, sporty road manners and excellent performance overall.

 

Design

The all-new Q3 has a lot in common with a number of its stablemates in the VW family. It uses the same corporate architecture as the Volkswagen Tiguan, though the feel is quite different.

Similar to its larger siblings such as the Q5 and Q7, the Q3 shows off rounded lines and an athletic stance. Parked side-by-side with a Q5, the family resemblance is exceptionally strong. The Q3 is just 10 inches shorter and the roof is a few inches lower.

Distinctive features up front are the single-frame grille framed by Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights. Aluminum trim outlines the Q3’s side windows. The rear hatch gently slopes from the small spoiler to standard LED Taillights and finishes with sporty dual exhaust outlets.

Inside, the cabin is understated and sophisticated. Despite being roughly the same size as a Volkswagen Golf, the Q3 offers more interior space and feels more airy and comfortable.

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Performance

Driving the Q3, you don’t sit as high as you do in a full-size SUV, but it still offers an excellent view over the traffic. Also, its compact dimensions and light steering make it easier to maneuver around town.

The Q3 is also a great highway vehicle. Even at high speeds, the cabin is so well insulated that you don’t hear much wind, road or engine noise.

This is what gives the Q3 a truly premium feel.

All Q3’s are powered by Audi’s 2.0-litre inline-four cylinder engine. It is direct injected and turbocharged allowing it to produce 200 hp and an impressive 207 lb-ft of torque. With those stats it can sprint to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 209 km/h.

Managing gear changes in all models is a six-speed automatic transmission. The tiptronic design with Dynamic Shift Program makes it possible for fast gear changes that do not affect power delivery, making the ride smoother.

The Q3 is available in two drivetrains. Base models are front-wheel drive and Audi’s trademark quattro all-wheel drive system is of course available. The Quattro permanent drive system provides superior traction in slippery conditions and also improves grip on dry roads, enhancing driving pleasure.

Even with an AWD, the Q3 is not a true off-roader, though it can handle gravel and rough roads with some ease.

Through corners, the Q3 doesn’t exhibit much body roll and remains fairly flat. In fact, it’s one of the sportiest compact SUVs in this market and boasts a great road feel.

 

Environment

The Q3 features Audi’s new open design, which is attractive and brings a feeling of high quality. It also boasts many premium features as standard equipment, such as the contoured and heated 12-way power front seats, making it very well equipped even in basic trim.

Anyone familiar with modern Audi’s will feel at home in the Q3. The buttons that control the infotainment system and optional navigation have been moved to the centre of the dash for better ergonomics.

The Q3 also offers a surprising amount of practicality as well. The glove box is large and cooled by the air conditioning and the side door bins, both front and rear, are massive.

Passengers in the rear are also afforded plenty of space. Legroom for adults is improved thanks to the sculpting of the front-seat backs, and they are raised offering more room for their feet.

As for cargo space, it’s also fairly decent. The square opening aids loading and the minimal lip and scuff plate ease unloading.

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Features

The Q3 is available in two trim levels with the FWD Progressiv starting at $35,800 ranging up to the Quattro Technik priced at $40,900.

Standard equipment includes automatic self-adjusting headlights, rain-sensing wipers, panoramic glass roof, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and Bluetooth connectivity.

Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include power exterior mirrors with auto dimming, power tailgate, Bose surround sound system and parking aids with rearview camera.

Fuel efficiency numbers (L/100 km) in FWD models are 12.0 city, 7.7 highway, and 10.0 combined. Quattro models return 11.9 city, 8.4 highway for 10.3 combined.

 

Thumbs Up

The Q3 may be considered an entry-level Audi, but it still offers an impressive array of luxury features and performance for the money.

 

Thumbs Down

While the Q3 looks modern, it doesn’t turn heads like some of its rivals. Also, the ride is sporty but can be a bit harsh and bumpy.

 

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for a compact luxury SUV that does everything well with a flair and elegance, the Q3 is the car to consider.