Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (211bhp) Review: Pint sized power

What we like:

Competent handling despite the SUV body. Excellent body control through the bends that is aided by Audi’s Quattro system.

What we dislike:

Steering weight too light in ‘Comfort’ mode and lacks sharpness.

The Q3 comes equipped with the Audi Drive Select feature that allows you to switch between ‘Efficiency’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Auto’ or ‘Dynamic’. And for the first time, the Q3 gets a standalone button that allows you to switch quickly between these modes at the touch of a button.

In ‘Efficiency’ mode, fuel consumption is reduced by playing down the boost in the engine, adjusting the transmission and climate control system. Additionally the Q3 comes with the engine start-stop feature as standard which will be active in this mode. Further adding to its efficiency is the engine declutching mode when coasting to reduce fuel consumption even more.

We found that in ‘Efficiency’ and ‘Comfort’ mode, the Q3 suffers from a very lightly weighted steering that doesn’t inspire much confidence.

However when put in ‘Dynamic’ mode, the steering weight does increase. Along with a sharper throttle and engine response. While steering weight has increased, the steering still isn’t as sharp as we would like.

That aside, the Q3 maintains great body control for something of its height and inspires us with the confidence to toss it into a turn much faster than normal. This we gather is compliments to the chassis it shares with the previous generation Mk V Golf.

We love this baby Audi for the fact that even with this SUV-esque body, driving dynamics have not been compromised despite the larger proportions. And despite its ‘entry-level’ status, it does not differ much in terms of quality and standard equipment available.

It remains a baby we can be proud of…

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline