The Q3 is Audi’s answer to increased demand for small crossover 4x4’s, and represents an entry-level model to the Q range. The model can be chosen in either two or four-wheel drive, with both petrol and diesel variants.
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Latest Audi Q3 Car Reviews:
For a small 4x4, the Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI Quattro SE offers many of the benefits which you expect. The four wheel drive and fairly reasonable purchase price combine to offer a car which delivers decent...
The Audi Q3 2.0 TDI SE offers decent levels of performance, good fuel efficiency and striking looks. This diesel model makes much more sense than its petrol brother but the petrol version is substa...
The Q3 is a crossover between a 4x4 and a hatchback. It is a decent-enough car with an engine that is refined, smooth and strong. The ride is quite comfortable but is not a match for the BMW X1 or ...
The Q3 is a good looking car and a strong contender in the small 4x4 market, despite only offering front wheel drive. The level of standard equipment is good but not great and, because of this it i...
Audi Q3 Overview
All engine choices are strong, two 2.0 litre petrol engines offering 168bhp and 208bhp, and two 2.0 litre diesels producing 138bhp and 175bhp, however the lower powered diesel can only be driven by the front two wheels. This is no bad thing; it brings the weight down and allows the smaller diesel to be the most efficient option available.
In the cabin there is very little wind or road noise, and although the diesel engines are louder than their petrol counterparts, they aren’t exactly noisy, even on the motorway. The interior represents the same build quality and executive feel that has built Audi a well-deserved reputation in the industry. Many features have been transferred over from other Audis, with some extra little details.
Space inside the Q3 isn’t the most plentiful, but as far as small crossovers go, it competes well. The boot is larger than any of the other models in the class, with rear legroom extended slightly by scoops in the back of the front seats.
The Q3 provides excellent safety, and received the 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2011.
Background
The Q3 is a small 4x4 crossover introduced in 2011, built on the same Volkswagen Group A platform as the VW Golf, and other small 4x4’s such as the VW Tiguan and Seat Tribu. It slots below the Q5 and Q7 and is aimed to compete with BMW’s X1. The concept was devised to combat declining sales of larger 4x4s in today’s increasingly environmentally conscious society. It also offers an alternative to estate models for those buyers requiring slightly more room.
Summary
The Q3 is the smallest 4x4 on offer from Audi, designed to compete with the BMW X1, and if it proves successful could pave the way for a smaller Q1, based on the A1. It represents a shift in consumer demands away from larger 4x4s to more practical, economical variants.
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