With more options than you shake a stick at and countless dead ringers vying for market share, Audi is banking on the sophisticated image and high-quality attributes of its latest Q3 to keep it ahead of the game. That’s great in theory, but because almost every other OEM has upped its game in recent years this plan looks increasingly sketchy.
Design and interior
Although the latest Q3 is based on the previous generation’s underpinnings, the exterior and interiors are spanking new. The exteriors of the SUV and the slinkier Sportback versions now look more contemporary, with their emboldened grilles and sparkling LED lighting, but if the Audi badges were removed, could you really pick out this latest Q3 from any of its many rivals?
Inside, everything is smart enough, and if that sounds like we are damming it with faint praise, you’re bang on. Yes, on the surface, everything looks smart and sophisticated, and there is a certain cohesiveness to the overall design but there is also tangible evidence of economies, especially regarding the tactile resistance of much of the trim.
Then there’s the new shift selector, which now sits behind the steering wheel. Although its vertical orientation takes some getting used to, it is logical, unlike the indicators, wipers, and light switches, which are all left of the wheel. With so many controls crammed into so little space, it is a proper faff trying to work out which switch flashes the lights, operates the wipers or summons up the indicators. What’s more, whoever thought of using a pound coin sized dial to set the front wipers’ speeds and a tiny nubbin to swipe the rear wiper deserves a special place in ergonomic infamy.
As you might expect, there are a pair of swish screens to interact with, including a swift-responding 12.8in central item, that’s powered by Android Automotive OS and allows third-party apps from the Audi Appstore to be directly integrated without a smartphone. Ahead of the driver sits Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, showing speed, radio, phone, and media information but even this looks somewhat emaciated now, as instead of filling the entire binnacle, the eye candy is restricted to a paltry letterbox-sized display.
Performance and drive
Thankfully, the Q3 still drives with a panache that eludes many of its rivals. Granted, our cars were fitted with some expensive bolt-ons, including a dynamic steering set-up, and two-stage adaptive dampers. These two technologies aren’t entirely foible-free – the steering has too many speed-dependent variances and the dampers are too aggressive at their sportiest – but they successfully infuse the Q3 with wonderfully engaging dynamics. The downside of this is excessive amounts of tyre noise.
The entry-level 1.5-litre 150hp engine has mild hybrid technology and cylinder-on-demand, which temporarily shuts down two cylinders at low and medium loads to save fuel, resulting in 43.4mpg, while the more powerful 2.0-litre 204hp and 265hp models both get Quattro all-wheel drive as standard. All deliver smooth, punchy performance, but the twin-clutch automatic gearboxes are sometimes prone to the odd judder and occasional clumsy shift.
At the top of the tree sits the E-Hybrid version, which pairs the 1.5-litre engine with a 115hp electric motor to offer a total output of 272hp. This version is capable of up to 73 miles on a single charge, and the 19.7kWh battery can be topped up at up to 50kW DC. With an official CO2 output of 40g/km and a 6% BIK rating it’s sure to be a salivating tax avoidance choice, even if its £45,800 entry price tag means it will remain a relatively low-volume seller.
Positive: Excellent driving dynamics, strong performance, tax-efficient hybrid.
Negative: Fiddly switchgear layout, interior doesn’t feel particularly special, too much tyre noise.
Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, LED headlights and DRLs, electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors, heated front sport seats, three-zone automatic climate control, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus with 11.9in OLED colour display, 12.8in touchscreen with sat-nav, wireless phone charging, 360-degree view and reversing camera, adaptive cruise control.
Engines: Petrol mild hybrid: 150hp 1.5 Petrol: 204hp 2.0, 265hp 2.0; Plug-in hybrid: 272hp 1.5; Diesel: 150hp 2.0
Equipment grades: Sport, S Line, Edition 1
Transmissions: Six-speed manual, seven-speed automatic
| Model | Audi Q3 SUV S Line 150 S Tronic |
| P11D | £40,505 |
| Residual value | 51.3% |
| Depreciation | £20,014 |
| Fuel | £6,770 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £3,457 |
| Cost per mile | 48.57p |
| Fuel consumption | 44.8mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 143g/km (34%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £230/£459 |
| Luggage capacity | 488-575 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,498cc/150hp |
| Score | 6/10 |
