Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S line5dr Car Review - February 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £29,490
Tax Band: H
Insurance Group: 20
MPG: 38.7
CO2: 174
0-62 Mph: 8.2 secs
BHP: 168 BHP
Range: 545 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.75/5
The Q3 is a crossover between a 4x4 and a hatchback. It is a decent-enough car with an engine that is refined, smooth and strong. The ride is quite comfortable but is not a match for the BMW X1 or the Range Rover Evoque, but in the area of cabin luxury, the Q3 is a strong contender.

PROS:  This model is an affordable entry into the Q3 range. Aside from its smart styling and plush interior, Audi’s S line cars are known for their list of aesthetic improvements. The Q3 provides a smooth, comfortable and strong ride with secure handling.

CONS:  A petrol-fuelled S line is not cheap to run as the diesel. Options are expensive and the car only has mediocre resale values.

Behind the Wheel

The Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S line is a medium 4x4 fitted with a manual 6-speed gearbox. Its 1984 cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine helps it to reach 62 mph in less than 8 seconds. The engine produces 172bhp and 206 lb-ft of torque, making for a top speed of 132 mph.

The ride is gentle and comfortable when driving around town but it becomes a bit bumpy as the speed increases. The grip through the corners is sufficient but the car has a tendency to roll though tight corners. The steering needs improvement as it is very light. Wind noise is barely audible but you can hear the tyres growl at speed. The gearshift is precise and well-weighted.

Looks & Equipment

The cabin of an Audi Q3 is just like any other Audi, luxurious, posh, and built with quality materials. The dashboard is well-laid out with the MMI system display.

This 4x4 5-seater S line is fitted with standard features such as 18-inch alloys, music interface, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers, aluminium window trims and roof rails, xenon headlights with LED running lights, and a host of S Line badges. A panoramic sunroof costs £1,100.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The Q3 was awarded a five star rating by Euro NCAP.

Though smaller than the Q5 and Q7, the interior of the Q3 is spacious enough to comfortably seat two people in the front and three adults at the back. The boot space of 460 litres can be expanded to 1365 litres when the seats are folded.

The Q3 is fitted with a high level of safety kit such as eight airbags, stability control, lane departure warning system in case you veer away the line and blind spot detector when a car is about to come up the side.

Value for Money

Priced at £28,440 the Audi Q3 is relatively well priced compared to its rivals. It falls under insurance group 20 and Road Tax band H.

The price of the Audi Q3 is competitive with the VW and BMW but options are expensive. Audi dealers are not known for generosity so don’t expect a big slash on the cost of a new Audi.

Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S line5dr Car Review - by 
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Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S line5dr - February 2012
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Small 4x4 Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Small 4x4 cars that you can then compare to the Audi Q3. Here are some popular Audi Q3 alternatives:

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