Overview

The Audi Q3 has been an absolute phenomenon for its maker. In many ways this popular family SUV taken over from the A3 as the company’s default-choice small family car, offering a strong image and lots of appeal for the money. It’s also hard to believe that the original was launched way back in 2011, so fresh that one still looks today.

But time marches on and the Q3 doesn’t stand still. We’re well into the second-generation model now and, where Audi pretty much had the field to itself back then, the small SUV is now up against a whole swathe of competitors, with the biggest threat coming from premium rivals such as the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, MINI Countryman and the funky Volvo XC40. There’s plenty of mainstream opposition, too, but the Q2 is better priced to compete with those.

Chief to the Q3’s far-reaching appeal is its clever packaging solutions, clean and punchy engines, up-to-date tech and the arrival of the TFSIe-badged plug-in hybrid versions. We’re concentrating on the mainstream Q3 SUV in this review, with the sleeker Q3 Sportback getting its own review, given their different appeal and price tags.

There are plenty of engines to choose from in the Q3 range, with three petrols, and two diesels in addition to the aforementioned PHEV. If you’re after a much quicker (and more expensive) Q3, don’t forget the ballistic RS Q3 model. We love that one, even though we probably shouldn’t.

You’re also well-served for trim-levels. The entry-level Q3 Technik model kicks things off, above which sits the more generously-equipped Sport variant (which is a bit of a misnomer, as it’s not particularly sporty). The most popular model in the range is the S line with the Black Edition and range-topping Vorsprung adding attitude, kit, and a serious uplift in your monthly payments.

Over the next few pages, we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the Audi Q3 and rating them in our verdict. Along the way, we’ll consider the car’s driving experience, the quality and comfort of its interior, the level of practicality available and how much it’ll cost you to keep it on the road.