AUDI Q3

Audi Q3 40 TFSI Quattro 190PS Sport S tronic

What is it?

Now in its 2nd generation, the Q3 is no longer Audi’s entry-level SUV, that moniker belongs to the Q2 that we played around with in our December issue.

This new version has grown in stature over its predecessor, and boasts improved interior space, something that was criticised in the first generation. This in turn makes it the longest in the segment at 4485mm, 97mm longer than the outgoing car with an increased wheelbase that stretches to 2681mm, which is the same as Jaguar’s E-Pace.

Having driven its bigger sibling, the Q5, a month or two earlier, I was quite surprised that Q3 was still quite a big car, for some reason I expected it to be smaller.

As soon as I jumped in and took my first drive, to Iceland for some pizzas if you must know, I was surprised at just how light it felt. Obviously it’s very quick, and you can scamper away from the lights at decent turn of knots. And so it should, as under the bonnet lurks Audi’s 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that’s mated to a seven-speed DSG auto, and of course their all-wheel-drive system.

During our week together I didn’t take the Q3 on any ‘epic drives’, it was used for the usual commute, trips put here and the - hence there isn’t a variety of photos for Muddy Madam to choose from! From around town to country lanes, the Q3’s steering and brakes felt effortless. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that it was lifeless and boring, far from it, more light and agile, like a springbuck. No, that’s the wrong analogy.

Whatever, the Q3 was a constant joy to drive and the 2.0 litre petrol suited it well. No matter what the road surface, it was always well muted within the cabin

Off road

The Q3 gets an off-road mode with hill descent for those of who will want to take their vehicles off the beaten track. Ground clearance isn’t too shabby, either.

Sadly I didn’t go that far off the beaten track, which is a bit rubbish for a 4x4 magazine, but as I’ve written about all the previous Quattros I’ve driven, they’ve never let me down when the going gets tough.

Interior

The Q3 has a clean and modern dash layout that for me was a bit on the bland side and a tad uninspiring. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t offended by it, I just wanted more character. That said, top marks for having proper dials for its heating controls!

Again, full marks for having the infotainment screen integrated into the dash as opposed to having one that looks like a stuck on afterthought, like its big brother, the Q5. As you’ll know, it’s a bugbear of mine.

Seating wise, getting comfortable is easy as the manual adjustable front seats offered a precise sitting position. I have no doubt electric seats are available, but I often prefer manually adjustable ones.

A criticism of the first-generation Q3 was the internal space, not any more as the new Q3 has it in abundance - well, for a car in its class!

Rear passenger space is dramatically improved, even for lanky occupants, and boot space is a lot more flexible thanks to rear seats that slide rearward by up to 150mm, and a boot floor that has three levels. Boot space ranges from 530 to 675 litres

The Q3 benefits from the latest systems and infotainment, though we did have a few SatNav issues.

On our way to Liverpool one evening Muddy Madam, in the passenger seat, decided to put our destination into the navigation, but it wouldn’t let her as we were on the move. Then, when she tried to use the ‘writing pad’ (I’ve forgotten what it’s officially called), it wouldn’t recognise her handwriting!

Frustrated, she ended up using her iPhone instead.

There are three TFSI petrol engines and one diesel engine. The most popular engine is expected to be the 1.5litre TFSI with 148bhp badged as the 35 TFSI. All versions will be available with a six speed manual or seven speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and either front wheel drive or Quattro all-wheel drive.

Conclusion

Apart from the odd way in which the sat-nav worked, I honestly have nothing negative to say about the Q3. It was fun to drive, practical, smart and efficient. Despite it’s not very inspiring internal looks, it has bags of character and a lot of fun to drive, whether that’s on a long journey or a trip to Iceland.

more at » www.audi.co.uk