There comes a time in your life when you realize that bigger isn't necessarily better. Although I've came to this realization awhile back, it's when I began driving the Q3 that I was reminded of this.
I'll admit that I was the one who wasn't too wild about the idea of another crossover model - and a small one at that. Audi already has the Q5, so why would they bring in an even smaller SUV?
Now I get it.
Where Practicality and Sporty Meet
If you like the A3, but feel that you need just a tiny bit more wiggle room, the Q3 is for you. Want a minimalist car without sacrificing luxury? Enter the Q3. You get the sense that you are in a SUV, but without all the bulkiness and distractions (e.g. button-filled center console) that other Audi SUV models have.
It doesn't pack a power punch like say, the SQ5, but the Q3 does offer 200 horsepower with 207 lb. of torque. If you put it in "S" mode or add on the Sport package for dynamic drive select, you'll get a tad bit more power. I had the 2.0 TFSI quattro all-wheel drive to review, but it is also available in 2.0 TFSI front-wheel drive.
In it's sophomore year in the U.S. the Q3 gets upgrades including restyled tail lights, redesigned wheels, plus front and rear parking sensors and a backup camera. When I drive the Q3, I do think of it more as a sporty-type vehicle than your typical crossover, especially when you do add the Sport package, which gives you the shift paddles and front sport seats. The exterior design also lends itself to a sporty feel with the more stylized "Q-design" grill and radiator guard. The side grilles are also larger sans front fog lights because the all-weather lights have been integrated into the headlights.
But Is It Spacious?
Leg room is actually fairly decent, considering it is the smallest crossover in Audi's lineup. My 6'3" sidekick had no complaints when sitting up front while Grandma Lucille was sitting pretty in back.
Cargo room at 16.71 ft³ left something to be desired. As a road warrior who would probably take this vehicle on long trips if I owned it, I need more room in the trunk. This is probably the area where Audi decided to cut space as the Q3 is about 10 inches shorter than the Q5. That said, if you don't have passengers in the back and fold down the second row of seats, you can get 48.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
Simple Luxury
After driving other Audi models, I have to admit that the interior of the Q3 took some getting used to, especially the placement of the MMI console. In other models the console is below the gear shift, but in the Q3 the console is placed in the dash right below the air vents. Habits die hard because I kept reaching down to push buttons.
The cabin is comfortable and that's all that really matters in the grand scheme of things, and when you throw in a panoramic sunroof, that's the icing on the cake. After all, Audi has never been about flashy rides, but they have always been about tech, convenience, and quality. My tester was equipped with the Prestige package ($4,900), which includes:
- MMI Navigation plus
- Audi connect w/ online services (6-month subscription)
- Power tailgate
- Color driver information system
- BOSE Surround Sound
- Audi side assist
- Power folding exterior mirrors
- Driver side auto-dimming exterior mirror
- S-line exterior
- Stainless steel trunk sill and S-line door sills
- 19" offroad design wheels with 255/40 all-season tires
- Full LED headlights
- LED taillights with dynamic turn signals
Fuel Economy
By my personal standards, the Q3 offers just OK gas mileage with 20 city mpg, 28 highway mpg, and combined 23 mpg. I would like to see this model get at least 30 highway mpg considering the Mercedes GLA 250 competition offers 25 city and 35 highway.
During my week with the Q3 I drove 508.8 miles and averaged 23.5 mpg, which is inline with EPA estimates. The week did include a combination of highway and city with the air-conditioning on about 95% of the time.
Pricing
Base price for the 2016 Q3 is $35,800, but add on the Mythos Black metallic paint job ($575), Prestige package ($4,900), Sport package ($550), and Destination Charge ($925), you're looking at a grand total of $42,750.
If you're looking for a refined, yet minimalistic luxury crossover without all the bells and whistles of other Audi SUV models, the Q3 is just for you.
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Much Love For the Audi Q3
