While an ever-growing cohort of electric vehicles continues to ‘froth the coffee’ of
automobile sales, there are still fossil fuelled ICE (internal combustion engine)
alternatives stirring under the surface.
One such stalwart of the ‘old order’ is the Audi Q3 SUV and Sportback, one of the
German marque’s best-selling models worldwide and a cornerstone of Audi Down
Under. The next generation has just landed with a broader model range aimed at city
folk seeking a versatile premium all-rounder for everyday living.
Available in SUV and Sportback styles, calling on three petrol engines of 110, 150 and
195 kilowatts, comes to market at $61,600, plus on-road costs, for the Q3 SUV TFSI,
ranging to the flagship Q3 Sportback TFSI quattro at $84,400.
To celebrate the introduction to Australia, Launch Edition variants are on offer across
110kW and 150kW models with additional sporty enhancements at keen prices. These
include black exterior styling package, metallic paint, 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels,
red brake callipers, adaptive dampers and sound actuator.
All new Q3s are covered by Audi Australia’s comprehensive ownership program,
including five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 12 years manufacturing warranty
for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles. Five-year service plans are
available of both models. On test was the Q3 SUV TFSI 150kW quattro Launch Edition,
selling for $74,600, plus ORCs.
STYLING
The new Q3 SUV muscles in with a more mature stance, with advanced lighting a
highlight of the confident front and prominent wheel arches with reference to Audi’s
quattro roots.
Out back a full-width light strip and illuminated Audi rings – a first for an Australian
model – emphasise the vehicle’s street presence.
The Launch Edition on test was dressed up with metallic paint, 19-inch Audi Sport alloy
wheels, red brake callipers and a black exterior styling package, including mirrors with
heating and folding, auto dimming, with memory, plus kerbside checking on passenger
side. Alongside were adaptive dampers and sound actuator.
INTERIOR
The cabin has been given a horizontal focus through the use of premium materials,
while a new steering column-mounted gear selector and switches provide ergonomic
advances, at the same time freeing up space in the centre console.
Sport-style front seats with integrated headrests further add to the dynamic positioning
of the mid-ranger between the pair of siblings. Occupants enjoy the benefit of triple-
zone climate control.
INFOTAINMENT
The Q3 is the first Audi to debut a new advanced MMI system inspired by the marque’s
latest PPE and PPC platform vehicles. Further enhancements are designed to improve
usability and aesthetics.
A curved digital layout integrates an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.8-inch
central touchscreen for MMI satellite navigation display creating an immersive digital
environment, which includes a premium Audi sound system with 10 speakers and
subwoofer putting out 260W of power.
A smartphone interface, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto access and an
induction phone charger with adaptive cooling.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The test car was the Q3 SUV TFSI 150kW quattro Launch Edition, a step up from the
110kW entry-level and left wanting for performance of the 195kW flagship. Needless to
say, the 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit stumped up 320Nm of torque and
combined with a seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive was
claimed to cross the 100km line from standstill in 7.1 seconds, compared to the 195
kilowatt’s cracking 5.7 sec.
Combined urban/highway fuel economy for the 150kW models is a claimed 7.3 litres per
100 kilometres. The test SUV recorded 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburbs
and 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres on a motorway outing on recommended 95 RON
premium petrol.
SAFETY
Every new Q3 carries the most comprehensive suite of safety systems offered on this
Audi segment. Standard inclusions are adaptive cruise assist with active lane assist,
active front assist, speed limit sign recognition, 360-degree cameras and the latest park
assist plus.
One new feature is parking assistance, which now includes ‘reversing assist’ that can
remember the last 50m of the car’s drive and reverse without the driver’s help. ‘Trained
Assist’, can learn up to five specific parking situations, that can be programed and
saved. So, the car can park itself in future.
Disappointing to see a windscreen head-up display is not included across the range.
DRIVING
With active families in mind, the Q3 TFSI quattro 150kW sets out to balance
performance with refinement and versatility making a play for drivers chasing quattro
confidence, cutting-edge design and an edge-of-the-seat experience.
Control is now taken through a new unit that combines indicators, wipers and gear
selector on a single stick mounted on the steering column. It can be awkward at first but
a day or so of activity has it sorted.
Audi has played around with the steering a variable ratio steering rack now standard
across the range. This results in a more responsive action to driver inputs.
Also, the Q3 models feature Audi Drive Select that continuously monitors real time data
from sensors and adjusts instantaneously to cater for any of the following modes the
driver has selected: Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual.
SUMMARY
The extended range of the Q3 SUV and Sportback models cover the gamut of desirable
family-friendly features. Confused? You pay’s your money and takes your choice. It’s
that easy.
RATINGS
Looks – 7
Performance – 7
Safety – 8
Thirst – 6
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 8
Value – 6
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Audi Q3 SUV TFSI 110kW $61,600
Audi Q3 SUV TFSI 110kW Launch Edition $67,000
Audi Q3 Sportback TFSI 110kW $64,600
Audi Q3 Sportback TFSI 110kW Launch Edition $69,000
Audi Q3 SUV TFSI 150kW quattro S line $70,200
Audi Q3 TFSI quattro 150kW Launch Edition $74,600
Audi Q3 Sportback TFSI 150kW quattro $72,700
Audi Q3 Sportback TFSI 150kW quattro Launch Edition $77,100
Audi Q3 SUV TFSI 195kW quattro $81,900
Audi Q3 Sportback TFSI 195kW quattro $84,400
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
Audi local dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Audi Q3 quattro 2.0 litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 7-speed S tronic, AWD,
SUV)
ENGINE
Capacity: 1984cc
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Maximum power 150kW @ 4500-5000rpm
Maximum torque: 320Nm @ 1500-4400rpm
Fuel type: Premium unleaded 95 RON
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 7.3L/100km
CO2 emissions N/A
DRIVELINE: quattro/7-speed dual-clutch S tronic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4531mm
Width: 1859mm
Height: 1623mm
Wheelbase: 2681mm:
Turning circle: 11.8m
Kerb weight: 1545kg
Fuel tank: 58L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres
Capped price servicing five years
Roadside assist 5 years
(ends)
