Audi Q3 2.0 TDI 177 CV S-Tronic Quattro, road test (Equipment, price, assessment)

We’ve reached the end of the test of the Audi Q3. We have tested this premium SUV in the two-litre diesel variant with 177 CV of power. It is one of the best-balanced versions, as we could see in the first part of the test, where the power delivery and the speed of its S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox stand out.

In the second part we talked about the design of this Q3, both the exterior and the space it offers occupants inside. Space is not something that is in excess in the Audi Q3, but it remains at reasonable levels, as we could see in the second part of the test.

Now, in the third part we have to talk about the equipment (reviewing the available safety features), and we also need to discuss the price and assessment of the Audi Q3 2.0 TDI 177 CV S-Tronic Quattro that we have tested.

Equipment

We start with the safety features standard on every Q3, namely: six airbags (front, side and curtain), stability control with trailer function and hill start assist, as the most notable elements in this section.

In the Euro NCAP tests it earned five stars, with a score of 94% for adult occupant protection and 84% for child occupant protection. The good protection in a side impact stands out, as do the active head restraints that mitigate whiplash in the event of an impact or braking. That said, with a knee airbag it would have scored higher for adult occupant protection.

The rest of the equipment is structured across three trim levels: Advance, Ambition and Ambiente. It sounds like a tongue-twister, but these are really the names of the Q3’s equipment levels. The first is the entry level, but the next two have practically the same starting price; the difference is that one is more sporty, or geared towards a sportier equipment list than the other.

The standard equipment on an Advance includes: electric mirrors (not electrically folding), light and rain sensor, 215/65 R16 tyres, manual air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever knob, Chorus radio with 8 speakers, among other items.

Our test car was an Ambiente trim, which added as standard items such as 17″ light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design, dual-zone climate control, aluminium interior inserts, LED interior lighting package, Concert radio and Bluetooth interface, among other things.

What was really noteworthy, however, was what was optional. Among the recommended options are the Bixenon Plus headlights, which also include LED front and rear lights, with good illumination. If you want them to be adaptive to steering, you’ll need to pay 430 euros on top of the price of the bixenon lights.

In the optional safety section, the standout items are the unintentional lane change control systems and the blind spot warning for the exterior mirror. In the first case, the unintentional lane departure warning goes beyond a simple alert: it corrects the steering wheel, helping us steer if we do not do so voluntarily.

This has certain limitations. The first is turning radius: the system assists but does not turn completely by itself, and we still have to apply some force. And when it detects that the wheel is turning on its own and we don’t have our hands on it, the system switches off. On the motorway it is curious to see it working, because on the typical bends of a motorway or dual carriageway (which require little steering input), the car literally steers itself (the price is 735 euros).

The other system is the blind spot warning for the exterior mirror, which uses LED lights and flashes to warn us, when changing lanes, if there is danger nearby or another vehicle we could collide with. (610 euros)

As for the multimedia system, our unit had the MMI Navigation Plus 3G satnav, which costs a staggering 2,960 euros. It is fully featured, but with a manually operated screen (a rather improvable detail). And for connectivity you’ll pay 330 euros for a USB port and Bluetooth (although this is also the case on the BMW and costs a similar amount).

To round things off, there are the BOSE speakers with 465 watts spread across 14 speakers, with a simply sublime sound, but this forces you to choose the expensive navigation system if you want this extra, which costs 915 euros.

What we don’t recommend is keyless entry and push-button start (it costs 475 euros), because it is the same key but with wireless recognition.

Price of the Audi Q3

According to the German brand’s own configurator, the Audi Q3 starts at 31,290 euros (2.0 TDI 140 CV), while our version with 177 CV, automatic and Quattro, starts at 41,770 euros. But if we add all the equipment we have mentioned, the figure soars to 54,505 euros. You can tell it is a premium brand, because for a price you can have a Audi Q3 with practically everything you want, but that considerably increases the final bill.

The rest of the prices are as follows:

• Advance 2.0 TFSI 170 CV – 6-speed – Quattro 34,900 euros
• Advance 2.0 TFSI 170 CV – S tronic – Quattro 37,230 euros
• Ambiente 2.0 TFSI 170 CV – 6-speed – Quattro 38,170 euros
• Ambition 2.0 TFSI 170 CV – 6-speed – Quattro 38,170 euros
• Ambiente 2.0 TFSI 170 CV – S tronic – Quattro 40,500 euros
• Ambition 2.0 TFSI 170 CV – S tronic – Quattro 40,500 euros
• Advance 2.0 TFSI 211 CV – S tronic – Quattro 41,090 euros
• Ambiente 2.0 TFSI 211 CV – S tronic – Quattro 44,360 euros
• Ambition 2.0 TFSI 211 CV – S tronic – Quattro 44,360 euros
• Advance 2.0 TDI 140 CV – 6-speed – Front-wheel drive 31,290 euros
• Advance 2.0 TDI 140 CV – 6-speed – Quattro 33,530 euros
• Ambiente 2.0 TDI 140 CV – 6-speed – Front-wheel drive 34,440 euros
• Ambition 2.0 TDI 140 CV – 6-speed – Front-wheel drive 34,440 euros
• Ambiente 2.0 TDI 140 CV – 6-speed – Quattro 36,680 euros
• Ambition 2.0 TDI 140 CV – 6-speed – Quattro 36,680 euros
• Advance 2.0 TDI 177 CV – S tronic – Quattro 38,620 euros
• Ambiente 2.0 TDI 177 CV – S tronic – Quattro 41,770 euros
• Ambition 2.0 TDI 177 CV – S tronic – Quattro 41,770 euros

Overall Assessment

The Audi Q3 perfectly fits the definition of an SUV. It is a comfortable car to drive, with crossover styling and suspension that, while comfortable, also maintains a certain level of dynamism that surprised us. The engine we tested is the most powerful diesel, and probably the most fun diesel version. That said, it comes paired with all-wheel drive, so the 140 CV front-wheel-drive version may be an interesting option, since you will hardly need the traction (low ground clearance, conventional tyres…), and it comes at a lower final price.

Inside, the quality pleased us with some exceptions we already mentioned, such as certain finishes on the dashboard. Access to the rear seats is not easy, nor is there much room to spare, but four adults will travel without problems.

In terms of equipment, we have already seen that you have to be selective with the options, or your Audi Q3 will cost the same as a Q5. Some items are dispensable, while others, such as the navigation system, are too expensive (especially considering it is shared with the Audi A1, with a manual screen and no controller on the centre tunnel). That said, the technical equipment is well stocked, and it is surprising to see solutions like the blind spot warning or the unintentional lane change assist in this segment.

In short, we liked the dynamic side (engine, gearbox, suspension) and the technology in this Q3, while the interior has details that could be improved. A Mercedes GLK offers more space and much more refined finish. The other rival is the BMW X1, which also does not stand out for its interior space, but does offer a slightly superior finish. In the end, design also plays an important role, and in this case I think it works in favour of the Audi Q3.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira

Technical specifications of this car

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