2019 Audi Q3: Premium Class, Compact Size
2019 Audi Q3 - With the second-generation Q3, Audi has created a compact SUV that is loaded with technology, and qualifies as a genuine premium vehicle with a cabin that is unmatched for refinement in this segment.
2019 Audi Q3 - The new Q3 is built on the Volkswagen Group’s ubiquitous MQB transverse-engine architecture, and has grown considerably when compared to the outgoing model, as it is both 97 millimetres longer and 18 millimetres wider, while the wheelbase has been extended by 77 millimetres.
2019 Audi Q3 - The exterior dimensions, and longer wheelbase, translate into a much roomier and comfortable cabin as well as more cargo space.
2019 Audi Q3 - The styling is pure Audi with the requisite large Singleframe grille now sporting vertical slats and the so-called “quattro blisters” that extend slightly over the wheel arches, à la Audi A5.
2019 Audi Q3 - The overall impression is that the new Q3 looks more masculine than before and is almost a scaled-down Q8.
2019 Audi Q3 - In Canada, the Q3 will be powered by two versions of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the lesser variant (Q3 40 TFSI) producing 188 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, while the more powerful version (Q3 45 TFSI) delivers 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet.
2019 Audi Q3 - All-wheel drive will be standard on all Q3s sold in Canada, and the only gearbox available will be a seven-speed, dual-clutch S tronic automatic.
2019 Audi Q3 - On twisty mountain roads, the Q3 was composed and agile, the only downside being a slight delay in power delivery under full or almost-full throttle, which we will put down to turbo lag.
2019 Audi Q3 - It is not a dealbreaker and the Q3 will move when hustled around, but the throttle is not as sharp as it could be. Having said that, it is easy to compensate by getting on the gas pedal just a lit bit earlier in the corners to get a good shot to the next one.
2019 Audi Q3 - In relaxed driving, the gearbox will shift through the gears early and smoothly to keep the revs and fuel consumption low.
2019 Audi Q3 - Our test car was equipped with the top-level suspension system, complete with adaptive dampers, as well as the optional progressive steering system, which becomes more direct the more the driver turns the wheel, something that we came to appreciate while navigating seemingly countless hairpin turns through the Dolomites.
2019 Audi Q3 - The Q3 felt balanced and handled well, the only downside being the not-that-impressive level of grip provided by the Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 SUV tires.
2019 Audi Q3 - On the highway, the on-centre feel is very good and the Q3 felt very stable even at higher-than-legal speeds where it also proved to be very quiet thanks, in part, to a windshield made of acoustic glass.
2019 Audi Q3 - What really sets the Q3 apart from its immediate competition is the very upscale look and feel of its cabin. Simply put, the Q3 does not feel like a compact SUV, but a luxury car with high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish.
2019 Audi Q3 - Detail shot of the flat-bottomed steering wheel and shift lever.
2019 Audi Q3 - Our test car was equipped with optional Alcantara accents, with a strip of this suede-like fabric running on the horizontal area of the dashboard and on the door armrests that is available in three colours, including a bold orange. It is just a small detail, but it really gives the cabin a very premium feel.
2019 Audi Q3 - Also available is a contour/ambient lighting package that enables the driver to select from thirty different colours and also backlights the quattro logo on the passenger side of the dashboard. Very cool.
2019 Audi Q3 - The design of the dashboard echoes that of the Q8 with a large driver-oriented colour touchscreen with haptic feedback for the infotainment system, and the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit display is featured in the Q3 as well. However, the Q3 makes do with conventional HVAC controls.
2019 Audi Q3 - Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as are two USB ports up front, one of them being USB-C compatible for faster charging. Rear-seat passengers get two USB ports as well as a 12-volt outlet. The only drawback is that the audio system’s volume knob is now located over on the passenger side, but the Q3 also gets steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and other systems.
2019 Audi Q3 - Cargo volume is rated at 530 litres with the second-row seats in their rearmost position. Slide the rear seats forward and you now get 675 litres of cargo capacity. Drop the rear seatbacks and 1525 litres of space become available.
2019 Audi Q3 - Cargo volume is rated at 530 litres with the second-row seats in their rearmost position. Slide the rear seats forward and you now get 675 litres of cargo capacity. Drop the rear seatbacks and 1525 litres of space become available.
2019 Audi Q3 - The Q3 also comes with safety and driver assistance features such as crash detection systems that warn the driver if a collision is imminent and can also initiate emergency braking. Lane-departure warning and active lane assist are also standard, while adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, a 360-degree camera system as well as an automatic parking system are offered as options.
2019 Audi Q3 - The new-for-2019, second-generation Audi Q3 is a very impressive package that delivers on style and sophistication. It will arrive at Canadian dealerships in the second quarter of 2019 with pricing information becoming available closer to market launch.
2019 Audi Q3
