Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (170bhp) Review: Sizing it up

What we like:

All-rounded capabilities

strong enough performance

high levels of perceived quality

What we dislike:

A tad too unadventurously styled for some

vague steering

firm ride on 19-inch alloys

Inside, the Q3 features a driving environment that is closer to the A1’s in design rather than bigger models like the Q5 or A4. The Q3 cabin though, features the wraparound large arc design feature that extends from one front door to the other, something in common with larger Audi models like the A6 and A8. As expected of an Audi, the Q3’s cabin comes with the high quality materials and switchgear. Perceived luxury in here is even better than in its closest competitor, the X1.

At the rear passengers will enjoy just about adequate amounts of accommodation. If we were to nitpick though, the Q3’s interior can do with a bit more rear legroom for passengers to be even more comfortable in.

The 460-litre boot has a flat floor and relatively well shaped and sized. Fold the rear seatbacks down and luggage capacity will increase to 1,365 litres. To further improve the Q3’s versatile nature, the list of optional extras includes a luggage compartment package and a load-through hatch among others.

The 170bhp model is obviously not as well equipped as the range topping 211bhp variant but it is still offered with standard kit like rear parking sensors, MMI screen with Bluetooth interface, Xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights and tail lamps, roof rails, panoramic glass roof, LED interior lighting package and so on.

The Q3 might be more compact and more affordable than the Q5 but it doesn’t feel at all lesser in all the key departments. With the arrival of the Q3, it seems that the BMW X1 is no longer the de facto urban compact SUV model in the market.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai