Audi Q3 2.0 TDI 177 CV S-Tronic Quattro, road test (Exterior design, interior and finishes)

Diego G. Moreira 14 February 2013 4 min.

Audi Q3 2.0 TDI 177 CV S-Tronic Quattro, road test (Exterior design, interior and finishes)

We continue with the test of the Audi Q3 which hides under its bonnet a two-litre diesel engine with 177 CV of power. Mechanically it also came with the S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox and the Quattro all-wheel drive system.

Everything about the handling, which we liked, and about the engine, performance and consumption of the Audi Q3 has already been covered in the first part of the test. In this second part, as always, we turn to the design, both exterior and interior, and to the spaciousness this German SUV offers its occupants.

Exterior design

The DNA of Audi is present in this small SUV everywhere, above all on the outside, where they have managed to recreate the Audi Q5 on a smaller scale and keep the design essence of the German manufacturer. The front grille stands out, as do the headlights with LED technology (optional, combined with xenon lights).

At the rear, LED technology is also present, outlining large lights that extend along the tailgate. The design is simple, complemented by the lower lights (a signature design feature of the Q range of Audi), which light up when we open the tailgate to signal our vehicle, in addition to the reversing light. The LED rear lights are not standard either; they are an optional extra.

The standard wheels are 16 inches, but our unit came with optional 18-inch wheels fitted with 235/50 R18 tyres. They are not all-season tyres, and the ground clearance is not very generous nor suited to rough terrain, although it is sufficient for most gravel tracks and unpaved roads.

Interior design

The interior of our test unit came fully equipped with extras, resulting in a striking final look with wood inserts and light grey leather upholstery. As for the quality of the finishes and of the dashboard itself, the materials are good and pleasant to the touch.

We can only add one criticism to those finishes: the lower part of the dashboard. We do not understand why harder plastic has been used in a car of this category. It is not unpleasant to the touch, but it is an area for improvement that an Audi A3 or A4 does not have.

The design is functional and sober, typically Audi, with everything within reach and, once we get used to it, it is practical. The driving position is elevated, as one would expect from an SUV; it is comfortable for long journeys and offers good visibility (good mirrors).

On the other hand, the climate controls are very hidden and not very visible, and the navigation system screen is manually operated (as in the Audi A1).

Rear space is not exactly generous; it is closer to an Audi A3 in terms of legroom, though headroom is no problem given the car’s height. It has air vents, and two adults will travel comfortably, but a third passenger will be less comfortable due to the high central tunnel.

One area for improvement is access to the rear seats, as the doors open only slightly and, since the car is tall, getting in is not particularly easy. A young person will have no problems, but an elderly person will find it more difficult.

It is worth highlighting the interior lighting (optional) and the LED surround on the BOSE speakers, which create a very eye-catching and striking interior atmosphere.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage, the Audi Q3 has door pockets of a suitable size, while the main glovebox is not particularly large.

In the centre console there are two cup holders and the ashtray (a showcase of design), and here the space is more limited; for keys, for example, there is a recess next to the start button. There is a small storage compartment under the light controls and two drawers under the front seats.

The boot has a capacity of 460 litres, in line with the boot of a BMW X1 (420 litres) or similar to the 470 litres of a Volkswagen Tiguan. It has regular shapes and is fairly usable.

It has a temporary emergency spare wheel (as on the Mercedes GLK), and the subwoofer is stored under the boot floor if you opt for the most complete sound system.

In the third part of the test we will focus on equipment, reviewing the safety features as well as prices and our overall verdict on the model.