Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI 220 CV quattro, test drive and review

Once again this week we bring you a new companion for our test section at Highmotor. None other than the newly refreshed Audi Q3.

It is, moreover, an unconventional version, powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine that delivers its power through quattro all-wheel drive and an S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

Exterior design

The exterior design of the Audi Q3 has undergone several changes with the facelift it received just a few months ago. The front adopts a new grille with a more pronounced three-dimensional outline which, on this model, serves as a bridge linking to the headlights. The visual impression is one of absolute solidity and robustness. Our test unit featured the S-Line exterior package, which includes, among other things, more sporty bumpers with piano black trim, enhancing the sportiness and aggressiveness of the whole.

The side profile has not changed, so we still find a small SUV with compact shapes, plenty of bodywork and little glass, a fairly common trend these days. On our unit, the wheel arches and sporty sill panels, painted in the body colour, stood out, as did some monstrous 20″ anthracite-painted wheels taken from the RS Q3.

At the rear we find redesigned light clusters which, in combination with the LED front headlights, also use LED technology, including the eye-catching sequential indicators. The rear bumper features a small diffuser, as well as other small light units that double up the main functions when the tailgate is open.

Paradoxically, this version fits an exhaust system with two rounded outlets of large size, one on each side, being in fact the only engine in the range to fit this exhaust. However, the RS Q3 remains faithful to a single, oval-shaped exhaust outlet, and yes, a large one.

Interior design and space

The Q3’s interior has also undergone several changes, though more subtle than those of the bodywork. Some of the materials used inside are now of better quality, making the experience on board more pleasant. The basic lines remain the same as in the previous Q3, although we now find a more modern climate control module and greater ambient lighting.

The seats continue to offer exceptional grip and comfort, something that becomes even more evident when fitted with the sports seats, as in our case. In addition, combined with the perforated leather and Alcantara upholstery, the sense of quality is really good, placing it at the head of its segment.

Forward visibility is good, and rearward visibility is adequate, mainly thanks to the generously sized exterior mirrors, which is appreciated, especially considering that rear visibility through the interior mirror is not good due to a rather small rear window.

Interior space is not exceptional, though sufficient. It should be borne in mind that the Q3 is derived, in its construction, from the previous generation of the A3, a compact car. Both driver and front passenger will enjoy more than notable levels of space in every measure, while in the rear row we find some tightness here and there.

Headroom is sufficient even with the panoramic roof, which lowers interior height by a couple of centimetres. In terms of width, it is better to think of two occupants plus an occasional third, since in addition to a rather tight width we must reckon with a very bulky transmission tunnel.

The Q3’s boot has a capacity of 460 litres -expandable to 1365-, which is somewhat below the segment average, though not among the worst. The tailgate can optionally feature electric opening and closing, while in the load area we have several compartments and 12V sockets at our disposal. The rear seat backs fold down conveniently, although they lack easy folding via a handle, something that is becoming popular.

Time to start the Q3. After settling into its seats and correctly adjusting both the mirrors and the steering wheel, we press the start button -optional- located at the bottom of the centre console, and a gentle hum welcomes us. The engine is very well isolated, and we notice no vibration or odd noise.

Both the steering and the gearbox are pure smoothness, any manoeuvre at low speed is carried out naturally, and the well-known “laziness” and “sluggishness” of dual-clutch gearboxes is practically gone. Noise insulation is very good, and motorway journeys are a pleasure.

The engine is a 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder, mounted transversely in front-engine layout. It is the same engine that powers the current VW Golf GTI Mk7, and in this Audi it delivers 220 CV and 350 Nm. It is a well-proven engine, capable of moving the Q3’s bulk with total ease and smoothness.

Its performance is more than respectable for an SUV of 1640 kg, with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 233 km/h. In other words, the Q3 combined with this engine is an extremely agile car on the road, capable of sustaining breathtaking cruising speeds and gaining speed with great ease.

To make things even easier, this engine can only be combined with the well-known quattro all-wheel drive system. In this latest facelift, the Q3 fits a fifth-generation Haldex system housed in the rear differential, which provides excellent traction in any situation with barely any delay in rear-axle engagement.

The transmission is a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic, performing very well. It offers different driving modes, including an “efficiency” mode that always seeks low revs and allows the engine to be disconnected while coasting, so the car moves on momentum. This is known as “sailing” mode.

Fuel economy is not this car’s strong point, which seems fairly logical given its performance. Although Audi claims an average consumption of 7.2 litres per 100 km, the reality is that it is quite difficult to get below 9 litres in mixed driving. In town it is normal to hover around 11 litres, while on the open road the on-board computer may show figures around 7.5 litres.

Trim levels and equipment

The new Audi Q3 range is structured across different engines that can be fitted with various trim levels or equipment lines. The entry-level trim carries no commercial name, the next step up being the one called Attraction. Subsequently there are two levels called Design Edition and Sport Edition, apart from the S-Line and Audi exclusive packages.

Even from the base model we already find very interesting features such as xenon headlights, remote central locking, a radio with a 6.5-inch colour screen, or 17-inch alloy wheels. Items such as dual-zone climate control with air outlets for the rear row of seats or an electric parking brake are also offered.

Subsequently, the car can be fitted with numerous options, as is the case with our unit, which was more than well equipped with all sorts of extras. Notable among them were the Full LED lighting system, 20″ anthracite alloy wheels, the electric tailgate, keyless entry and start, sports front seats with electric adjustment and extending squab, the MMI Plus navigation system with a 7″ screen, the Bose premium sound system, the lane change assist, blind spot warning and the various driving modes of Audi Drive Select.

Price and versions

As you can see, our unit was fully loaded. In fact, the starting price of this model with this engine is around €45,000, but for our unit the final price climbed to approximately €64,000.

Within the Q3 range we find two 2.0 TDI diesel engines of 150 and 184 CV, as well as three petrol engines, a 1.4 TFSI COD of 150 CV, a 2.0 TFSI of 180 CV and the aforementioned 2.0 TFSI of 220 CV. Above these sits the wild alternative in the form of the RS Q3 with the famous 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine producing 340 CV.

Photography | Daniel Valdivielso

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverAudi Q344 versions · from 46,620 €