Used Audi Q3 Review (2018-Present)

Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force

4-minute read

Overview

Plenty of engine options
Solid build quality
Engaging to drive

Some luxury rivals are more affordable
Interior lacks wow-factor
Sportier models sacrifice comfort

What's the Audi Q3 like?

There's a plethora of SUVs on the market now – most of which don’t have four-wheel drive.

This is because dealers have found that it’s not a strong buying point for customers who, if they have done their research, realise that it will almost certainly cost more to run because of higher initial price, lower economy, and higher emissions.

Some drivers, who need to be able to get around whatever the worst of the weather throws at them, will need the all-wheel drive ability.

But most simply want the height and size of the SUV around them and will never even venture onto a grassy field.

Many used buyers might think that a premium car like the Audi Q3 was out of their price range, but with the great value for money of older models, they could well be wrong.

Engines

The latest Q3 was launched in 2018, with a choice of six power units – three petrol, two diesel, and a petrol/electric plug-in hybrid.

Lower order cars come with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic gearbox, while mid and top models have the company’s well-known and excellent quattro four-wheel drive with standard automatic.

Petrol engines, all designated TFSI, start with the 35, which is a 1.5-litre 150bhp unit which reaches 60mph from rest in 9.2 seconds and can do 44mpg at very best.

Then comes the 40, a 2.0-litre with 187bhp that brings the 60mph sprint down to 7.4 seconds with an economy of 39mpg.

Then comes the 45, again a 2.0-litre but now boasting 227bhp and getting to 60mph in just 6.0 seconds.

The two diesels are designated 35 and 40TDI. The 35 has 148bhp from a 2.0-litre and can reach 50mpg, while the 40 has power pushed up to 187bhp and brings the 60mph sprint down to 8.0 seconds, again while managing 50mpg.

Finally, comes the hybrid 45TFSI e. This boasts better than 140mpg average economy, but it’s still no slouch, using both a 1.5-litre petrol and electric motor to make a total of 242bhp, and give a 60mph sprint of just 7.0 seconds.

It mainly uses the electric motor for town driving, and can do a maximum of about 31 miles on that alone.

Driving Experience

Entry Sport models, which have smaller wheels and softer suspension will probably be the most comfortable, together with top Vorsprung trim, which has adjustable adaptive suspension.

The Audi Q3 handles the corners with great ease and excellent safety.

S Line and Edition 1 models have bigger wheels and tyres and sports suspension. While the level of roll is less and the handling generally sharper, the ride suffers quite badly, becoming unsettled over poor surfaces and thumping through the worst potholes.

Sport trim is already very good, and includes everything you would expect plus parking sensors, sat nav, audio remote, climate control, sports seats, and cruise control.

Edition 1 models add 20-inch wheels, heated and electrically adjusted leather seats with lumbar support and headlight washers.

Find your Audi Q3 your way with CarStore

The Audi Q3 offers luxury in a reliable and practical package, with strong performance, a spacious cabin, and enough modern technology to give drivers the premium feel that's expected from an Audi model.

Here at CarStore, you're able to buy your car your way. Whether that be online, in-person, or a mix of both, the choice is yours. With an extensive variety of used cars available, we're sure to have a car that suits your lifestyle.