2015 Audi Q3 Quick Spin Review

2015 audi q3

The 2015 Audi Q3 has been attracting European customers for a number of years now, but this marks its first appearance at U.S. dealerships, where it competes against a growing number of other small premium crossovers like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Likewise, the Q3 provides a more practical entry point into the Audi, although while still offering a fairly upscale ownership experience.

Styling

Showing off noticeably more upright proportions than its German rivals, the Audi Q3 follows in the tire tracks of its Q5 and Q7 siblings with an understated exterior and distinctly horizontal accents. The result is a planted stance that’s right in line with the Q3’s crossover positioning, and complemented by signature Audi design cues from the front grille to the wraparound tailgate.

The cabin follows suit, highlighted by a horizontally themed dashboard and premium appointments throughout, including standard leather seating surfaces. Of course, the Q3 also provides crossover-style versatility, enhanced by fold-down rear seats that create more than 48 cubic feet of cargo space, along with eight beverage holders, an illuminated and locking glove compartment, multiple 12-volt power outlets and, in the up-range Premium models, standard aluminum roof rails, and front and rear fog lights.

Photo by Audi

Performance

The sole engine choice for the 2015 Audi Q3 is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo, capable of serving up 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. In its front-wheel-drive configuration, with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Q3 relies on that powerplant for EPA grades of 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway/23 mpg combined; at the same time, the vehicle can scoot from 0-60 in 7.8 seconds.

Additionally, that engine can be mated to quattro all-wheel-drive technology for a major upgrade in traction, the same 0-60 acceleration and essentially the same fuel efficiency results. The only difference is a 1 mpg drop in highway fuel economy.

There also is a dedicated “Offroad” mode for the Q3’s electronic stability control system, enabling drivers to get at least some distance off the beaten track.

Safety

The starter 2015 Audi Q3 provides the expected array of basic safety measures, such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution and a tire-pressure monitoring system, with the up-range models adding some of the more technology-oriented driver-assistance measures, including lane-change assistance, a parking system and a rearview camera.

Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA had tested the 2015 Audi Q3 at the time this buying guide was published.

Pricing and Features

With an MSRP that opens at $32,500, the 2015 Audi Q3 in its entry-level “Premium Plus” configuration offers a fairly lux cabin setting that’s distinguished by standard leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped shift lever, LED ambient interior lighting, a sunroof, and an adjustable front-center armrest. The Audi infotainment department then weighed in with a 10-speaker “concert radio” system, backed by a USB interface, HD Radio, an SD card slot for MP3s, and Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming. There’s LED illumination for the outside as well, including LED daytime running lamps, taillights and turn-signal indicators.

The range-topping Prestige model, stickered from $36,400, builds on that package by adding a standard MMI navigation system, with voice recognition; a Bose Surround Sound audio setup, highlighted by 14 speakers and 465 watts of power; and the Audi “side assist” lane-change technology and “Parking system plus.”