We drive the Audi Q3 2019: is it the best Audi?

We have gotten behind the wheel of the new Audi Q3 and, beyond telling you how it drives, we can clear up some doubts that may arise if you are interested in the compact SUV from the brand of the four rings.

So, to begin with, saying that the new Audi Q3 may currently be the best Audi could be a bit bold. But if we qualify it a little… With no price limit, and having recently tested it, our current choice in the brand’s range would probably be the Audi Q8.

But if we come down to more down-to-earth ground –talking about price, to be clear– the new Q3 can occupy the position in the all-round car range that the Audi Q2 does not reach due to its size, and which at the time corresponded to the first generation of the Audi Q5, until this revised and enlarged Q3 arrived. By the way, it is worth mentioning that at the end of the year we will see a new Q join an ever-wider family, the upcoming Audi Q4.

Here we already told you in detail everything new that this second generation of the Audi Q3 brings, in design, technology, engines and equipment. Now that we have tested it, it is time to tell you how it performs, and to focus on those aspects that may be decisive when buying the new compact SUV from Audi.

And before continuing, it is worth mentioning its possible alternatives. The main rivals of the Audi Q3 are the BMW X1, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Jaguar E-Pace, the Range Rover Evoque and the Volvo XC-40. If you ask me right now which one I would choose –and if you don’t, I’ll tell you anyway–, my two favourites from this sextet would be the new Q3 and the Volvo XC-40. At least until the new GLA arrives.

Size matters: a Audi Q3 that is bigger outside and inside

It is not easy to pass aesthetic judgements. But I must say that although the design of the Audi Q3 never fully convinced me, that of the new generation does from the very first moment. And from what I have been able to test, I am not the only one. The pictures are there: in person it looks even more solid and muscular.

What is important, however, is the increase in size. The new Audi Q3 measures 4.48 metres in length, 1.85 in width and 1.58 in height. It grows especially in two dimensions: it is nearly 10 cm longer and has almost 8 cm more wheelbase than the first-generation Q3.

This increase in size is decisive as regards interior space, allowing the new Audi Q3 to compete without complexes with its rivals when it comes to using the rear seats and the boot. Now, the rear seats are much roomier in every dimension. Travelling here is even better than in an Audi A4, and it is not only a question of space, but of versatility.

As standard, the second row of seats, split into three sections (40/20/40), allows the backrest angle to be adjusted. And it has the option of sliding 15 centimetres to favour legroom or luggage space, which can vary between 530 and 675 litres. With the second-row backrests folded down, the boot reaches 1,525 litres. The tailgate can have automatic opening, and an adjustable boot floor at different heights is also included as standard.

As for the driver, the design of the driving position continues with the digital transformation we have seen in the brand’s latest models. However, the Audi Q3 keeps conventional buttons for operating the climate control and some other functions, without having to resort to voice control or the multimedia screen, which as standard is 8.8 inches, and reaches 10.1 inches with MMI Navigation plus.

The sense of quality is very high. And not only due to the feel or appearance of the materials used and how they fit together. Every button you press, whether push or rotary, the menus and the presentation of the multimedia system, the feedback offered by the touchscreen, the resolution of the graphics… Audi has clearly taken the lead among premium brands in this respect.

As always, the Audi virtual cockpit screen is spectacular, the second instrumentation level offered by the Q3. Base versions have digital instrumentation, but not the configurable “virtual cockpit”. As a novelty, a Audi virtual cockpit plus is offered, which goes from 10.25 to 12.3 inches, and offers an additional “sport” mode for displaying information.

Behind the wheel of the new Audi Q3

When driving it, the new Q3 does not disappoint in the slightest. It is one of those cars where, having recently tried the latest from Audi, you know what you are going to find.

Five engines are offered at launch. In petrol, the entry engine is the 1.5 with cylinder deactivation in the Q3 35 TFSI, with 150 CV and manual or S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. It is followed by the 2.0 with 190 CV in the Q3 40 TFSI and 230 CV in the 45 TFSI, both always with quattro all-wheel drive and S tronic gearbox.

The diesel range has the 35 TDI with the 2.0 engine producing 150 CV, either with quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, or front-wheel drive and S tronic. Above it is the 40 TDI with 190 CV, always quattro and S tronic.

Either of the two 150 CV engines, whether the TSI or the TDI, has enough power to move the Audi Q3 with sufficient agility when carrying two people and little luggage, and should also be sufficient with more load. The 1.5 TSI stands out for its great smoothness of operation and for consumption that can be very low when driven calmly.

The S tronic gearbox suits it especially well, which costs 2,400 euros, but which we recommend before any other extra equipment for the comfort it provides when driving, for its speed, and because it even lowers consumption compared with the manual versions, largely thanks to the fact that with S tronic the Q3 has a sailing or coasting mode.

The 150 CV TDI is not as refined in its operation, but it loses less in this respect than the TFSI does when it comes to comparing consumption. The average on a demanding route with motorway and a lot of mountain road favours the turbodiesel by 2 l/100 km, which is no slower than the TFSI and is even somewhat more forceful.

Above them, either of the 190 CV versions, the 40 TFSI or the 40 TDI, already have a performance that leaves no doubt about whether you will be short on power in any situation. As for the 230 CV 45 TFSI, it is only an “appetiser” of what is coming later, no less than a Q3 with the RS badge. For now, neither mild-hybrid versions exist nor are they expected, so there is no Q3 in the range with an ECO label.

As for dynamic behaviour, just as in the previous generation, the Q3 drives “almost” like an Audi A3. Logically it is not as agile on tight bends, mainly because the centre of gravity is higher. But it conveys at all times a very high degree of precision and a sense of security.

My choice would be the sports suspension that comes as standard on Q3s with the S line trim, and which can be fitted as an option on the rest. It has just the right degree of firmness to offer a sporty feel without being uncomfortable on broken surfaces or even on tracks or dirt roads, something for which the Audi Q3 has aids such as the “offroad” mode of the Audi drive select and hill descent control. Optionally, the Q3 can also be equipped with adaptive damping suspension.

Price: what budget do I need to buy a Audi Q3?

Here you can go into detail on the equipment and prices of the Audi Q3. You should know that the entry version has a starting price from 35,920 euros. Compared with its rivals from BMW and Mercedes, matching mechanical versions as far as possible –both Audi and Mercedes offer variants with lower power and more affordable prices– the Q3 is almost on par with the BMW X1, and is more affordable than the Mercedes GLA.

But beware, because discounts then come into play. German brands do not advertise them, although they exist. In the case of the Audi Q3, by financing the purchase –and depending on the amount– you could take up to around 2,000 euros off the list price. The Mercedes, which starts at a disadvantage, is the one you can get the biggest discounts on. Logical, moreover, since it is the oldest model and its replacement will soon arrive, already derived from the new Mercedes A-Class.

And another very important matter here is the versions and equipment. The starting price of the base version already includes practically everything essential, with dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, MMI with 8.8-inch touchscreen, digital instrumentation, Audi pre sense basic and front systems, heated mirrors and the functions of Audi Connect Safety & Service.

But as is customary at Audi, on the Q3 too each step up in equipment means a saving that can be put at around 30 percent compared with what it would cost to equip the previous version with the extras bought separately. Keep this very much in mind when deciding what to invest.

Here we highlight the technology package, which for 2,500 euros includes MMI Navigation plus, the Audi virtual cockpit in its most complete version (also called plus) and the Audi Sound System. For 1,500 euros, the interesting comfort package includes anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, rear-view camera, Audi parking system plus, comfort key and plus rear bench.

So, which version is the most recommended and how much do I have to invest? Well, the choice is not complicated. The 150 CV Q3 35 TFSI with the petrol engine is a magnificent option. If you settle for the standard equipment and, taking into account the possible discounts when financing the purchase, expect to need around 35,000 euros including the recommended comfort package.

That said, for just 1,400 euros more the diesel alternative is irresistible, the Q35 TDI with 150 CV and S tronic gearbox, which we recommend over the version of this engine with the manual gearbox, since for now it is only offered with quattro all-wheel drive, and at a practically equivalent price.

That is for a Q3 on a “tight” budget. Because to make a leap in performance, equipment or customisation, you need around 45,000 euros, since the 190 CV versions are tied to quattro all-wheel drive. With this figure you can already access our two favourite versions: the Q3 40 TDI quattro S tronic and the Q3 40 TFSI quattro S tronic, both with 190 CV and Advanced trim.

Audi Q3 image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

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