Audi has officially entered the compact crossover fray with the stateside introduction of the Q3, a luxury SUV in a small package that is expected to compete with the BMW X1, Lexus NX 200t and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
The Q3 shares the PQ35 platform with the Volkswagen Tiguan and has been available in select overseas markets since 2011. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower (hp) and 207 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Ad Loading...
Fuel economy clocks in at 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. Adding Quattro all-wheel drive doesn’t affect the Q3’s combined fuel economy of 23 mpg, but that rating falls short of the marks set by the X1 (27), NX 200t (25) and GLA-Class (29).
The new SUV owes its good looks to the larger Q5, which slots in just above the Q3 in Audi’s lineup and has perfected the stately-but-not-too-boxy SUV design that is slowly overtaking the segment. The Q3 starts with the Q5’s yawning façade, big doors and big tires and saves space in the rear end — where the tires are set close to the corners and the angular cargo hold yields a paltry 16.7 cubic feet of storage.
The Q3 is available in Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. Both models can be equipped with all-wheel drive and include HID headlights and LED taillights, 18- or 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, heated and powered front seats and a 10-speaker stereo.
Prestige trim brings a Navigation package that is optional on Premium Plus editions and includes a 7-inch display powered by Audi’s knob- and voice-controlled MMI interface. Prestige also adds upgraded audio, stainless steel accents and a power liftgate. A Sport package, optional for both trims, adds sporty seats, paddle shifters and a selection of drive modes.
Critics have praised the Q3’s smooth, quiet ride and able handling — especially when equipped with all-wheel drive — while deducting points for body roll and a somewhat slow take-off speed.
Ad Loading...
The 2015 Audi Q3 is in showrooms now. The starting MSRP is $32,500 for the Premium Plus and $36,400 for the Prestige; all-wheel drive adds $2,100 to the sticker price for both models.
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.
48% of field service leaders are investing in AI to manage customer communication and self-service. Get the latest on how fleets are using AI and thinking about the future.
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
