Name: Audi Q3 Review
Item: Audi Q3
Author: Gumtree.com

Released in 2012, the Audi Q3 is a stylish, compact SUV with room for the whole family. It’s easy to drive and has plenty of space for the taller driver or passenger, especially in the front. The Q3 comes in a few different specifications, including both petrol and diesel engines, so suits a range of price points and journey lengths. For head-turning looks, the sleeker Sportback version offers more style at the expense of space in the backseat and boot. Priced as a premium car, the Audi Q3 holds its value well – perfect if you’re after a smart, luxury vehicle for everyday driving or family travel.

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What we think about the Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 offers style, luxury and utility in a single vehicle, bringing together Audi quality and a high level of practicality to create a sleek, compact SUV with space for the whole family.

Pros

Large boot space

Adjustable interior with plenty of room

Compact

Cons

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Not the smoothest ride for passengers

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Lower quality interior than is standard for Audi

The Audi Q3 received five-star Euro NCAP ratings in 2011 and 2018, making it a solid choice for families. From 2015 onwards, the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine offering an efficiency range of 30-45 mpg proved the most popular. However, 2.0-litre diesel models manage better efficiency in exchange for that sporty feeling, and the smaller petrol engines provide higher efficiency suitable for stop-start driving. Every iteration of the Q3 seats five and has five doors.

Driving performance of the Audi Q3

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

The Audi Q3 is easy to drive and small enough to make finding a parking space a breeze. Although it has a reasonably large turning circle, reverse parking sensors are standard on every model and year. The suspension setup varies for different trims – all offer a reasonably comfortable ride, but it’s not quite in keeping with the luxury level of the rest of the car. When it comes to power and speed you won’t be disappointed, as the Q3 offers that satisfying performance you expect from the German maker.

Safety and reliability of the Audi Q3

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

Audi has an excellent reputation for safety and the Q3 is no exception. It was awarded NCAP ratings in 2011 and 2018 and scored five stars on both (valid for all models from 2011/2018 onwards, including the Q3 Sportback). Exact features will vary depending on the year but can include elements such as automatic emergency braking and lane assist. All 2018 models feature lane and speed assistance, as well as full front and side airbags for all passengers, and an airbag cutoff switch for child safety. Earlier models don’t have the pelvis airbag or cutoff switch, so it’s worth considering which safety features you’ll need, especially for families with young children. The latest models have had some reliability issues, especially within the first year of driving. However, this is usually easily sorted with a service.

Under the bonnet of the Audi Q3

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

The acceleration of the Q3 is excellent: the smallest petrol engine offers 0-60 mph in around 9.6 seconds and can hit 126 mph. Larger engine sizes are even faster, so may feel a little overpowered on shorter, more stop-start trips. The diesel engine option is equally good, doing 0-60 mph in around 8 seconds, and is more suited for city and motorway driving thanks to slightly better acceleration at lower rev counts. The Sportback boasts a top speed of 132 mph and 175 horsepower – perfect for the enthusiastic driver on longer journeys.

What you'll find in the Audi Q3

Our Design Rating8 / 10

Available in seven different colours, the Audi Q3 is a stylish vehicle that manages to look sporty despite its 2.6m wheelbase and 4.4m length. The wheels are perhaps the least attractive part of the car, but this does vary with trims. If you’re after an even sleeker ride, the Q3 Sportback has a more aerodynamic profile, but this does come at the cost of headroom for backseat passengers. From 2018 onwards, Premium Plus and Prestige trims come with full LED headlights for a modern, high-quality look.

Comfort and interiors in the Audi Q3

Our Comfort Rating9 / 10

The Q3’s large boot space easily swallows shopping or luggage, and the rear seat can be moved forwards at the expense of passenger legroom (perfect for fitting in pushchairs). The rear seats also fold flat, expanding the carrying capacity even more. At 1.6m tall, the Q3 has plenty of headroom in the front and back seats, plus a good amount of legroom for passengers. Although comfortable and reasonably stylish, the interior is a little plasticky compared to Audi’s usual high standards – this might serve as protection against spilt drinks or snacks by smaller backseat passengers, mind!

What features you'll find in the Audi Q3

Our Features Rating8 / 10

The exact features of any Q3 vary depending on the year and trim (Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige) but all come with the same high-quality interior features. The touchscreen in-car entertainment system features integrated navigation, but looks a little dated on earlier models, and it lacks screens for the backseat passengers. All models and years feature Bluetooth connectivity, although Premium and Premium Plus do have lower quality in-car audio. In general, newer and higher-spec trim versions of the Audi Q3 tend to have more automatic features such as self-dimming lights.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Audi Q3

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The efficiency of the Q3 is middle-of-the-road compared to similar SUVs. The 2.0-litre diesel option is the most efficient, offering up to 60 mpg, although the smaller (1.4-litre) petrol versions are almost as good with a maximum rated 56 mpg. The larger petrol versions (up to 2.5-litre) are a little less efficient – you’re looking at a top mpg rating of around 45. All of these figures will be lower for stop-start town driving, but they’re reasonable for a car that weighs 1700kg. The Q3 isn’t the cleanest car, with both petrol and diesel versions placing in higher emissions categories. The smallest petrol version is best for this, rating at 147-163 g/km.

Running costs of the Audi Q3

Our Cost Rating6 / 10

The Q3’s running and servicing costs are reasonable for an SUV. In terms of insurance, the smallest engine size and lowest trim options will put it in group 24E, while the most powerful version reaches a hefty 36E. For mid-range options on both engine spec and trim, you’re looking at around a 30E insurance group rating. Both the 2018 and 2019 versions had recalls for braking issues, so be sure to check that those have been resolved if you’re considering a model from that time.

Our verdict of the Audi Q3

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Audi Q3 is a stylish car with a spacious interior. Its running costs are average for an SUV, it’s easy to drive and holds its value well.

Audi Q3 Review