The Audi Q3 rides on the capable chassis found in Volkswagen's Tiguan and draws its power from a 200-horsepower direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The engine is mated to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic, and front-wheel-drive is standard, while Audi's capable quattro all-wheel-drive system is optional. Audi claims the Q3 will hit 60 mph in 7.8 seconds on its way to a 130-mph top speed.
Handling is thanks to a 5-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear, with 12.6-inch ventilated disc brakes to stop the front wheels and 11.1-inch discs in back. Inside there is seating for five and more than 48-cubic-feet of cargo space with the rear seatbacks folded.
Two trims -- Premium, and Sport Premium -- are offered, and all are very well equipped. Standard features on the Premium include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights and daytime running lights, xenon headlights, rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather upholstery with 12-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with streaming audio and a panoramic sunroof.
The Sport Premium trim adds heated power folding mirrors, a power tailgate with programmable presets, heated front seats, and an upgraded music interface. Navigation is optional on Premium and Sport Premium trims. On the Premium Q3, the Convenience Package adds keyless entry and Audi's digital music interface. A Sport Plus Package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a black optic exterior kit, roof rails and Audi Drive Select, which provides different modes for throttle, transmission and steering inputs for varying conditions and driver proclivities.
All Q3s come equipped with several airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control and traction control, a tire-pressure monitor and hill descent assist.
Familiar But Attractive Styling
Available Technology
Affordable Luxury
Ample Power
For 2018, Audi adds more features to the Q3's Premium base trim including heated front seats and a new bumper as well as features that were previously only available on the Premium Plus, LED taillights daytime running lights, 12-way power front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The Prestige trim has been removed. The Convenience package gets a power lift-gate and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
For fans of the increasingly popular segment of compact luxury crossovers, the Audi Q3 offers plenty to like. With attractive styling reminiscent of the larger Q5 and Q7, buyers can rest assured that great things really do come in small packages. Up against the likes of rival luxury utility vehicles such as the Buick Encore, Lincoln MKC and BMW X1, the Audi Q3 more than holds its own.
