Audi Q3 2.0T Review: A Luxury Crossover That’s a Step Above

It’s a new variant of luxury compact crossovers, and it’s taking the motor world by storm.

The Audi Q3 2.0T is knocking competing makes and models out of the park with its slick design. The car is almost a mirage of its bigger sister, the Audi Q5, yet concertinas it back into this smaller, lighter version of the Audi SUV range.

Those who have been thinking about becoming part of the Audi family and eyeing up the direct competition (such as the Mazda CX-3, BMW X1 or the Mercedes-Benz GLA) could very well be tipped over the edge by the Audi Q3 2.0T.

With its unique angular grille, its rectangular front headlights and its typically swish interior, this five-seater is ideal for a family car, with that added injection of luxury and style.

Read on to learn exactly why this may very well be the car for you.

Audi’s SUVs – A Family Affair

Many drivers looking to invest in an SUV might be tempted to go for the larger models, such as the aforementioned Q5, or even the Q7. But there’s a trend right now in compact SUV crossovers. And the Q3 has the bona fides to be the poster boy for this style of vehicle.

Compact crossover models offer the benefits, comfort, and security of a larger vehicle but are perhaps more manageable and definitely more economical. The Audi Q3 2.0T comes in at just under 173 inches in length, making it only one foot longer than the Mini Cooper hatchback or the Fiat 500X.

While this may put some off, the way this car is based on its big sisters (Q5 and Q7) means that you won’t feel like you’re driving a more compact car. The Q5 is 10 inches longer and adds a lot more size to your vehicle. This may be an advantage to some, but other could be put off by the Q5’s bigger build, and thus more attracted to the idea of the Q3.

If you’re the kind of person who’s worried about handling a larger SUV, then the Q3 is right up your alley.

Generation Next – A Small SUV with Big Technology

The latest version of the Q3 features a turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder 200 horsepower engine. This comes alongside 207 pound-feet of torque and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The model is gaining much buzz thanks to its comfortable ride. It’s truly a pleasure to drive. These Audi SUVs aren’t generally slated for off road travel and are instead aimed at the urban driver. However, if you’re looking for something with the option to go off the tracks a little, the Q3 is available with Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Throw in the car’s rearview camera and parking sensors as well as the automatic park assist and the much-hyped blind spot monitor and there’s a reason the Audi Q3 2.0T rates with top crash test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Taking Shape – Audi’s Legendary Design

The Q3 has been described by many as being ‘neat and tidy’. As mentioned, this comes from the slightly petite adaptation from it’s larger counterparts.

But the Audi Q3 2.0T is also sturdy, strong and safe. Its bodywork and build is hefty and stable, encasing the driver and passengers in what can easily be described as a cocoon of safety.

If comparing it to, for example, the A3 Sportback it gives the riders that added height and visibility, making it feel much more like it belongs in the SUV range (which, of course, it does).

While it sits higher than a standard sedan, it’s a couple of inches closer to the ground than the Q5, so if height is something you’re desperate for, consider this when making your decision.

The aforementioned grille is also lower and frames the front of the Audi Q3 beautifully. It’s smart and commanding, with its sleek, narrow front lights and impressive air intakes.

At the top of the Q3, the roofline slips backward to a wraparound tailgate and LED tail lights. This gives the car an attractive view for those who are following it, especially at night time.

Step Inside the Q3 2.0T Interior

The Audi Q3 2.0T is a car for five. But some argue that it’s a more comfortable experience if there’s just four of you inside.

Because the Q3 is indeed a touch smaller than the Q5 and Q7, knee and headroom is at more of a premium. The front of the car is perfectly roomy, but passengers in the rear might feel a little tighter.

The Audi Q3 2.0T comes with a standard panoramic sunroof which gives the entire cabin a feeling of openness that is refreshing in a vehicle of this size. However, with a slightly smaller rear window the view through the rear view mirror can feel little boxier.

Nonetheless, the interior design is stylish and contemporary. In trademark Audi style, the dash is sleek and black with silver metallic accents. It features large, clear gauges and 7-inch MMI screen.

The MMI controller is fixed on the center console and the screen is bright and includes a high-resolution display. It also offers Google Earth maps as standard.

The winner in the Audi Q3 2.0T really is the person that gets to sit behind the wheel. The driving position is superb. It’s made even better if you opt for the sport seats that are offered as an extra.

In contrast to the rear seating in the Q3, there’s loads of leg room for the driver and nothing to clash with the knee. For those that want to use their Q3 for more than just the daily commute, there are 16.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and if you flip the rear seatbacks down this extends to a mammoth 48.2 cubic feet.

Considering this is a compact crossover, this amount of cargo space is impressive.

Tech Talk – Under the Hood of the Audi Q3 2.0T

Despite the difference in size between the Q3 and its Q5 big sister, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is actually built on the same platform. But there’s one big difference between the two: the engine in the 2018 Q5 has been updated to produce 252 horsepower. This makes it substantially more powerful than the 200 horsepower engine that was in the older Q5 and exists in the current Q3.

Keep in mind, however, The Q3’s 2.0T has a much lighter load to carry. The Q3 weighs in at 3500 pounds and feels nimble and zippy. It’s a car full of beans and energy, able to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 7.8 seconds (or 8.2 seconds with all-wheel drive).

There’s a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that shifts smoothly when accelerating. And although it’s not a car designed for slickness around corners, the Q3 by no means falters here. The electric power steering is lithe and tidy, offering comfortable and steady handling for the driver. As it’s designed to be a city car, it’s ability to take on uneven urban road surfaces is excellent.

The Q3 offers combined fuel mileage of 23 miles per gallon and a “ULEV” emissions rating. With a base model starting at around $32,900 there’s a lot of bang for your buck with the Audi Q3 2.0T.

Buy the Audi Q3 2.0T at Prestige Imports

At Prestige Imports, we offer new Porsche and Audi vehicles, along with pre-owned luxury vehicles from various manufacturers. And we consider the Audi Q3 2.0T one of these luxury vehicles.

If you want to see for yourself, we invite you to stop by our beautiful facility to see it for yourself. And while you’re here, we’d love you to take a look around at the wide variety of brand new Audi models we have available.

We pride ourselves on maintaining a large selection of exceptional vehicles, and our experienced staff of Audi Brand Specialists can guide you through the purchasing experience.

We strive to make this an enjoyable, informative and rewarding experience. Buying your new car should be pleasant. Let us make it so.

Want to know more about the Audi Q3 2.0T? Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We’re here to help.