Audi will hope for the same success with this second-generation Q3 as they enjoyed with the first. They’ve ticked every possible box in their efforts to do so: this swish model is laden with features, and boasts a generous amount of interior space, and comes with a more muscular aesthetic than its predecessor.
There’s a wide range of engines to choose from with the Q3, including three petrol, two diesels and a plugin hybrid. There’s also an abundance of well-equipped trim levels, catering for every buyer. And if you’re looking for something sleeker and more stylish, for a relatively small premium you might consider the Q3 Sportback coupé SUV. But before we delve too deeply into the Q3, let’s check in with its key stats.
| Brand-new price range | £34,000–£51,000 |
| Car Planet price range | £11,000–£17,000 / £215–£349 a month |
| Trims | 6 |
| Engines | 12 |
| Available fuels | Diesel, petrol, hybrid |
| mpg range across all versions | 57–149 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
| Company car tax at 20% (min/max) | £1,138 / £3,617 |
| Company car tax at 40% (min/max) | £2,277 / £7,234 |
Equipment, options and extras
Surprisingly, our pick of the Audi Q3 trims is the entry-level Technik, because it comes with pretty much all the standard kit you could wish for, including cruise control, LED headlights, 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a power-operated tailgate and a touchscreen infotainment system.
That being said, the Sport trim is also well worth considering, introducing styling tweaks and bigger 18in alloy wheels. Then there’s S Line, a strong choice for those looking for strong handling, by virtue of its sports suspension and 19in alloy wheels. The S Line also comes with sports seats, privacy glass and ambient interior lighting.
Finally, the range-topping Black Edition is largely an exercise in aesthetic changes, rendering it expensive compared to the rest of the range. It comes with the same equipment as the S Line, except with Black Edition styling and a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel.
Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2
The Audi Q3 engine range starts with the 35 TFSI 1.5L turbocharged petrol—not the most pleasant of drives, especially if you’re in a hurry, as it takes almost 10s to hit 62mph. If you’re after more power, consider the 187bhp 40 TFSI or 242bhp 45 TFSI—the latter hits 62mph in 6s. Both are available exclusively with Audi’s Quattro four-wheel–drive and S Tronic gearbox, making them both an expensive choice. There’s also an even faster sports SUV version.
The plugin hybrid TFSI e’s 1.4L petrol plus electric motor combine for 242bhp, and 62mph in 67s. You can drive it on electric power alone for 31 miles. And if you’re after a diesel, consider the 148bhp 35 TDI or 197bhp 40 TDI. They offer similar performance, but the 35 TDI has extra pull at low revs, while the 40 TDI is effortlessly brisk, hitting 62mph in 7s.
The 35 TFSI is a great all-rounder when it comes to balancing performance and fuel economy, delivering 40mpg. As is often the case, the diesels are the best bet for high-mileage drivers, delivering 56mpg, but the TFSI e is optimum for those who can take advantage of driving in full electric mode by way of short journeys and regular charging. However, its low- to mid-30s mpg upon depletion of the battery may disappoint some.
If you’re buying outright, the Q3 costs a little less than its competitors the Volvo XC40, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque, but slightly more than the KIA Sportage and Cupra Formentor. It’s predicted to hold its value over three years as well as the X1, but lose it faster than the XC40 and Evoque.
The Q3 has more competitive leasing rates and PCP finance deals than premium-badged alternatives, and its fuel economy and CO2 emissions are better as well. The Q3 is therefore a favourite among company car drivers looking to keep BIK payments down.
Safety and security
The Audi Q3 comes with an impressive roster of safety kit as standard: lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Euro NCAP have awarded the Q3 the full five stars, noting in particular its proficiency for protecting adult occupants. It’s worth pointing out that the Q3’s rival the Volvo XC40 scored even better for protecting both adult and child occupants.
Reliability
The Audi Q3 comes with a 3-year or 60,000-mile warranty, par for the course in its class, and unable to hold a candle to the 7-year warranty of its rival the KIA Sportage.
The Car Planet verdict
The Audi Q3 is practical, boasts plenty of tech, and makes for a decent drive. However, its interior is less classy than that of its competitors the Volvo XC40 and Range Rover Evoque, which are also more comfortable and ultimately better all-rounders.
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