The Audi Q3 rides on the capable chassis found in Volkswagen's Tiguan and draws its power from a 200-horsepower direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The engine is mated to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic, and front-wheel-drive is standard, while Audi's capable quattro all-wheel-drive system is optional. Audi claims the Q3 will hit 60 mph in 7.8 seconds on its way to a 130-mph top speed.
Handling is thanks to a 5-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear, with 12.6-inch ventilated disc brakes to stop the front wheels and 11.1-inch discs in back. Inside there is seating for five and more than 48-cubic-feet of cargo space with the rear seatbacks folded.
Three trims -- Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige -- are offered, and all are very well equipped. Standard features on the Premium include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights and daytime running lights, xenon headlights, rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather upholstery with 12-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with streaming audio and a panoramic sunroof.
The Premium Plus trim adds heated power folding mirrors, a power tailgate with programmable presets, heated front seats, and an upgraded music interface. The Q3 Prestige builds on that with LED headlights, 19-inch wheels, voice-controlled navigation, a 465-watt, 14-speaker Bose surround stereo system, Audi side assist for safer lane changing and Parking System Plus with rearview camera.
Navigation is optional on Premium and Premium Plus trims. On the Premium Q3, the Convenience Package adds keyless entry and Audi's digital music interface. A Sport Plus Package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, front sport seats, paddle shifters, and Audi Drive Select, with different modes to control throttle, transmission, and steering inputs depending upon conditions and driver proclivities.
All Q3s come equipped with several airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control and traction control, a tire-pressure monitor and hill descent assist.
Familiar But Attractive Styling
Available Technology
Affordable Luxury
Ample Power
For 2017, Audi gives the Q3 crossover a new Premium base trim, with standard features like LED taillights and daytime running lights, 12-way power front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, which were previously available only on Premium Plus. That trim level, the Premium Plus, now features heated power folding mirrors and a power tailgate.
For fans of the increasingly popular segment of compact luxury crossovers, the Audi Q3 offers plenty to like. With attractive styling reminiscent of the larger Q5 and Q7, buyers can rest assured that great things really do come in small packages. Against the likes of rival luxury utility vehicles like the Buick Encore, Lincoln MKC and BMW X1, the Audi Q3 more than holds its own.
