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2019 Audi Q3 Road Test and Review

CR
by Colin Ryan
August 26, 2019
5 min. Reading Time
2019 Audi Q3 ・  Photo by Audi

2019 Audi Q3 ・ Photo by Audi

Welcome to the 2019 Audi Q3, the newest, smallest, and least expensive premium SUV/crossover to wear the Audi badge. It couldn’t have arrived at a better time. This class is gaining in popularity virtually by the day, and the first-generation Q3 wasn’t really up to it. The new second-generation model is a whole different story — a story we’ll be delving into over the next several pages.

A little teaser, though: The new Q3 is larger than its predecessor in every direction and packs a more powerful engine. Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it’s the poor relation. Audi has given this crossover its freshest design cues and made plenty of technology available. Come and check out the details with us.

Pricing

The 2019 Audi Q3 starts at $35,695 for the Premium trim. The Premium Plus is priced from $38,795. Audi also offers an S-line cosmetic package on the first two trim levels that includes 19-inch alloy wheels. That’s an extra $1,300 in either case. The range-topping Prestige version comes solely as an S-line model, costing $43,895 before options. All prices include $995 destination charges.

That’s pretty much in line with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, 2019 BMW X1, and 2019 Lexus NX, while the 2019 Volvo XC40 starts lower. The GLA is expected to be revamped soon. The XC40, meanwhile, is an especially interesting alternative in light of its styling, equipment, and character.

 Photo by Audi

Photo by Audi

Equipment

At its entry level, the new Q3 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, smartphone integration, forward collision mitigation, and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Oh, and all-wheel drive, which is at least $2,000 extra in a few rivals. This is merely a brief selection, but it illustrates the respectable amount of standard equipment in the Premium trim.

The Premium Plus brings (among other things) blind-spot monitoring, hands-free tailgate operation, front/rear parking sensors, wireless charging, a phone signal booster, and a self-dimming rearview mirror. The Prestige adds features such as a 15-speaker/680-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system, a top-view camera system, parking assistance, Wi-Fi, adaptive cruise control, and Audi's Virtual Cockpit.

 Photo by Audi

Photo by Audi

Options

Down at the modest end is a Convenience package for the Premium version, bringing many of the extras that come standard in the 2019 Q3 Premium Plus. The thing about the mid-range trim, though, is that it’s eligible for a 10.1-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, Wi-Fi, and navigation. Predictably, the Prestige has that stuff included.

The top two trims may also be ordered with steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles, sport front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, and an orange Alcantara interior treatment. For anyone who might not know, Alcantara is a suede-like material. If this particular option seems appealing, be aware that it does tend to reflect in the windshield.

 Photo by Audi

Photo by Audi

Technology

The 2019 Q3 wouldn’t be a premium crossover, nor would it be a proper Audi, if it didn’t have some attractive gadgetry. The Virtual Cockpit is a star player, and the Q3 offers the latest version. It’s a high-resolution configurable driver information display in place of analog gauges that can show navigation (using Google Maps). The driver doesn’t have to look over to the center console’s screen.

Other tech highlights include the larger infotainment touchscreen with handwriting recognition. Where it’s fitted, the wireless charging pad is big enough to take an iPhone 8 Plus. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration is standard, as are four USB ports; two up front, two in the rear. One of the front pair is the new style of USB-C port.

 Photo by Audi

Photo by Audi

Comfort and Cargo

The driver’s seat has 12-way power adjustment, plus a tilt/telescope steering column with plenty of scope to achieve the ideal ergonomics. However, we found it less “set it and forget it” and more “tweak it while you seek it.” Once you reach the right setup, the seats themselves are supportive in a firm-yet-comfortable way — definitely road-trip worthy.

The rear seats recline, split (40/20/40), fold, and have 5.9 inches of travel to slide fore-aft. Between each outer seat and the rear passenger door is a stowage space for phones. Behind the rear seats is a luggage area of up to 23.7 cubic feet. Fold those seats down and maximum cargo volume becomes 48 cubic feet.

 Photo by Audi

Photo by Audi

Engine, Transmission, and Fuel Economy

Every 2019 Q3 employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This goes to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

As we’ve mentioned, there’s the option of shift paddles for some extra driver involvement. Click the right paddle to change up, the left paddle to change down. If anyone is unfamiliar with this arrangement, it doesn’t take long to become acclimatized. And then it can become useful, like selecting a lower gear on a downhill stretch. The EPA estimates fuel consumption at 19 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.

 Photo by Audi

Photo by Audi

Interior Design

Every luxury vehicle manufacturer has thrown plenty of time, expertise, and money into creating superb interiors, but Audi’s work still seems to stand out. The cabin of the 2019 Q3 is the opposite of ornate and fussy, while still remaining agreeable to look at and occupy. Quality materials like matte-finished wood and brushed aluminum highlights are all well assembled.

It’s also a highly functional environment. Outward vision is excellent (although we’re always happy to have blind-spot monitoring), and there’s enough space for adults in the second row. There are two indentations in the headliner, so tall types won’t muss their coiffure if they’re sitting in the back.

 Photo by Audi

Photo by Audi

Exterior Design

Audi says that this Q3 and the Q8 (also new for 2019 and based on the much larger Q7) display a distinct design language that it’s been developing for SUV/crossover vehicles. The grille now has eight sides as opposed to the previous generation’s six. Instead of clean flanks, the new Q3 receives some “haunches” for a more muscular look.

Overall, there’s no mistaking the 2019 Q3 as anything other than an Audi, but an attitude that’s almost playful is a positive fresh element. With the new look comes new colors, ranging from two conservative grays to a Pulse Orange.

 Photo by Audi

Photo by Audi

Performance

Most Q3 buyers will find 228 horsepower sufficiently energetic. After all, no one wants to go drag racing in a crossover. But the muscle is there for overtaking moves, inclines, and generally making decent progress. Power arrives in a mostly smooth manner, although setting the (standard-issue) driving modes to Dynamic makes the responses a little sharper and more satisfying.

However, once we’re in this territory, a minor flaw comes to light. With a forceful application of throttle, the new eight-speed transmission’s shifting can become less refined. It’s far from a sticking point, more of a reminder to keep inputs less aggressive, which is when the Q3 is at its most pleasurable.

 Photo by Audi

Photo by Audi

Ride and Handling

The Q3's ride and handling won’t knock anyone’s socks off, but Audi owners probably have nice socks anyway. From tackling tight city streets to racking up the miles of a long freeway jaunt, the Q3 makes easy work of everything. It’s set up for comfort rather than corner-carving.

Any serious driver who’s obliged to buy a new premium subcompact crossover might also want to give the BMW X1 or X2 a try, but this Audi is aimed at a slightly different audience and hits its own specific targets. There’s not even the option of an adaptive suspension — so the driving modes (including an off-road setting) only affect throttle response, steering weight, and transmission shift points — yet the chassis stays composed.

 Photo by Audi

Photo by Audi


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