In 2006 Audi entered fully into the SUV market through the front door with the Listen Q7. Seeing the success achieved, the firm with the four rings gradually decreased the size of its models, first with the Listen Q5 in 2008 and finally with the Listen Q3 in 2011. This last step also served for the firm to enter the important and vital European C-SUV market.
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Test Audi Q3 45 TFSIe 245 CV plug-in hybridTest Audi Q3 45 TFSI quattro S tronic Black LineOver the years, the Audi Q range has grown more and more, from the small Listen Q2 to the impressive Listen Q8, without forgetting the coupé version of the model in question, the Audi Q3 Sportback. One of the largest SUV families on the market. Q3 represents one of the most important sales items in the brand, and that is why today it is a model of special relevance within Audi.
The Audi Q3 already reaches the second of its generations. The last of them presented in 2018 introduced a new exterior design, more muscular and aggressive that is accompanied by a higher quality interior, better versatility and above all more technology. Let us then discover all the information about the C-SUV of Audi.
Technical characteristics of the Audi Q3
The Volkswagen Group has accustomed us to reusing a large number of components in a wide range of models. Under the body of the Q3 hides the well-known MQB platform, the same used by many other models such as the Audi A3 or Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi's natural enemy. For the new generation, this platform has been modified to house more efficient mobility solutions.
In the case of the Q3, ideal measurements for the C-SUV segment are confirmed. 4,48 meters long, 1,89 meters wide and 1,58 meters high. To these levels must be added a wheelbase of 2,68 meters, a battle more than enough for five passengers to take shelter in a very versatile interior. Much improved over the previous generation thanks also to a considerable increase in size.
As far as trunk capacity is concerned, the Q3 has also significantly improved its measurements. By having a longitudinally movable second row, it has several sizes. The minimum trunk available is 530 liters. If we move the rear row to the maximum, the figure grows to 675 liters, and finally we reach a maximum of 1.525 liters if we completely lower the rear bench in its 40:20:40 ratio.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Audi Q3
One of the best aspects of the Audi Q3 is its wide and varied mechanical range. The offer is made up of three gasoline variants, two diesels and a plug-in hybrid. The latter is called Q3 45TFSIe with a ZERO label from the DGT, 245 horsepower and an electric range of 50 kilometers.
If we talk about diesel engines, the offer starts with the variant 35 TDI with 150 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque. That same engine is used for the version 40 TDI with 200 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. It is a two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder block. Associated with it always comes a quattro all-wheel drive scheme. As for the gearboxes, the 35 TDI can have a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed S Tronic change that always arrives for the 40 TDI variant.
The gasoline range starts with the 35 TFSI with 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque with front-wheel drive and manual gearbox. From there we can scale up to versions 40 and 45 TFSI, with 190 and 245 horsepower, respectively. Both units are always associated with a quattro all-wheel drive scheme and an S tronic automatic gearbox.
Equipment of the Audi Q3
Like all second generations of Audi, the interior of the Q3 has been strengthened with a considerable improvement in materials and equipment. The premium character of the C-SUV has grown from its predecessor. At his hand he has higher quality finishes and above all much more technology. The drawback is represented by a somewhat short choice of elements in the lower finishes. So we will have to go to the highest finishes, or pull optional elements. Both solutions increase the price considerably.
The range of finishes is made up of four different levels: Base, Advanced, S Line and Black Line Edition. It is worth mentioning the wide range of colors and design solutions that Audi allows when configuring the A3. More than a dozen different paints add up to a diverse spectrum of wheel designs ranging in size from 18 to 21 inches.
As far as pure and hard equipment is concerned, the Q3 is one of the most advanced models in its category. Thanks to the 2018 facelift, the latest and most advanced Audi equipment was introduced. Thanks to this you can have matrix LED headlights, keyless entry and start, sunroof, navigator, multimedia system with 10,1-inch screen, digital instrument panel, induction charging, heated seats, and much more. Not forgetting, of course, a well-stocked active safety team and driving assistants.
The Audi Q3 on video
The Audi Q3 according to Euro NCAP
After undergoing the stringent Euro NCAP safety tests, the Audi Q3 has been listed as one of the safest models in its segment, earning five stars for safety. Especially positive have been the results in different sections such as safety for adult occupants with a rating of 95 out of 100. No less positive have been the results in the protection of child passengers and in the operation of driving assistants.
The Audi Q3 of Km 0 and second hand
The Q3 is one of Audi's best-selling models. Its popularity has allowed a large fleet of models to be made available on the used and second-hand markets. Its depreciation percentage is low, equivalent to that obtained by its rivals of the premium category. Thanks to this, their resale prices are high, starting the cheapest units in quantities around 12.000 euros.
As sales of the Q3 are brisk, dealers are encouraged with a good catalog of units in stock. All these units are represented by models corresponding to the second generation. These are low power models and medium finishes, mainly Advance. Their prices are around 42.000 euros, so in some cases it does mean a hefty discount compared to the units ordered from the factory.
Rivals of the Audi Q3
The C-SUV segment is the most popular in sales within the territory of the European Union. This causes all manufacturers to launch themselves to conquer an interesting market share. Within the premium category we find direct rivals for the Q3, Tales como el Mercedes GLA, BMW X1, Volvo XC40, Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar E Pace. In an intermediate term we can also add other models such as the Mazda CX-5 and the Volkswagen Tiguan, with which we have already said that it shares many components.
Highlight
- Interior space
- Equipment
- mechanical versatility
To improve
- Fair central square
- Price compared to general models
- Conveys few sensations
Audi Q3 prices
The premium character of the Q3 makes its sales prices higher than the average for the segment. In the cheapest of cases the starting price of the Audi Q3 stands at 42.240 euros for the 35 TDI variant with base finish and manual gearbox. The most expensive model of the family is the Q3 45 TFSI with 245 horses and a minimum price of 60.670 euros, without offers or promotions.
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