Audi Q3, first contact and Audi Winter Drive Experience

A few weeks ago Audi invited us to its snow driving courses and at the same time proposed that we try the new Audi Q3. The plan was very complete: over two days we would be able to test the new German crossover and experience first-hand what it is like to drive on snow thanks to the Audi Winter Drive Experience.

Today we are going to focus on the Audi Q3, since we made a first contact with the model over nearly 300 km, aboard a 177 CV Q3 2.0 TDI and a 170 CV TFSI. All of this on a very picturesque and snowy route between Barcelona and Andorra, with the return from Andorra to Barcelona through France.

Collecting the Audi Q3s at the Camp Nou

As soon as we got off the plane we headed to the Camp Nou, in that emblematic and well-known stadium is where they would hand us the Audi Q3s. The place is curious and surely for more than one football fan it is an interesting place to visit, but this editor writing to you now is completely clueless when it comes to football.

Outside, the Audi Q3 units were waiting for us. We opted for a two-litre diesel with 177 CV, an old acquaintance of the VAG group and a good option if we want tight fuel consumption without giving up performance.

Exteriorly, the Q3 stands out for its look in line with its bigger sibling, the Audi Q5. At the front, the LED daytime running lights that outline the headlight catch the eye, and in the centre they hide the bi-xenon headlights that our test unit was equipped with.

At the rear we again see a design line similar to the Q5, but on a smaller scale. Curious is the arrangement of the rear lights, with LED technology. Since the greatest prominence goes to the position lights, which again draw the outline of the headlight, while the brake lights even look small, being a simple line in the central part.

While we organised ourselves and made the video that we will bring you in the second part of the event, the rest of the group began taking photos and looking in detail at the interior of the Audi Q3. When you sit down, the driving position is elevated, typical of a crossover and which this type of vehicle’s customers really like.

The interior design is correct, although it is a pity that softer-touch materials were not used on the lower part of the dashboard, which are present on the upper part. They have also kept elements such as the climate control from the current A3, which shows the passage of time.

On the other hand, these are the only drawbacks we can find in the interior, because the perceived quality is correct, as are the fit and finish. The space in the front seats is quite generous; my colleague is tall and had no problem with headroom. In the rear seats we again find a spacious vehicle where three adults can travel without problems, though, of course, it is more comfortable for two.

First contact heading to Soldeu (Andorra) and return to Barcelona

During our journey towards Soldeu (Andorra) we were able to test the Audi Q3 with the 177 CV 2.0 TDI diesel engine, a car we liked for its more than sufficient performance to move this crossover with ease, and for its moderate consumption, which throughout the whole climb to Andorra hovered around 7 litres per 100 km.

On the return journey the engine chosen was a 170 CV 2.0 TFSI, a petrol engine that stands out for its smoothness. We need to rev it a little higher to feel the power, but it undoubtedly responds forcefully to the accelerator commands, standing out, as we have already said, for its smoothness, since it is very pleasant and smooth to drive.

As a crossover the Audi Q3 perfectly meets expectations, and the Quattro traction (all units were fitted with it) always gives us an extra margin of safety on any surface. But, as we saw first-hand, it is a pity that mixed-type tyres were not fitted, since the final result would be much more satisfactory. In fact, if you are thinking of a Q3 for going to the snow, it is worth opting, at the very least, for mixed-type tyres.

The on-board comfort and on the road is high, with a typically elevated driving position and quite a lot of interior space. It is a model that performs better on the road, and this shows in its ride quality and the interior comfort it exudes when travelling on motorways and country roads.

In a short time we expect to carry out a more complete test of the Audi Q3, but our first impressions of the model have been, in general, positive. In the second part we will focus on the Audi Winter Drive Experience.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira