Audi Q3 - TopCarNews

Audi Q3 (2018 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Audi Q3 is a mid-sized SUV/crossover, available as both a conventional SUV and a more sleekly-styled Q3 Sportback version. The current model is the second generation and was launched in 2018.

The Q3’s Expert Rating puts it firmly in the midfield of small-to-medium SUVs. As of January 2022, its overall rating of 68% (based on 34 reviews) is slightly behind the BMW X1, but falls a long way short of the class-leading Volvo XC40 and Range Rover Evoque.

The Q3 has received generally good, rather than great, reviews from the UK motoring media. Most titles have praised its quality and technology systems, however it has been criticised for not being as enjoyable to drive or as comfortable as the best cars in its class.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £30,615 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2018Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: Q3 35 TFSI S Line“The latest Q3 feels a resoundingly good product, both inside and out.”
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Auto Express

Score: 9 / 10“The Audi Q3 is a BMW X1 rival that has bags of style, impressive tech and makes a great all-rounder.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback 35 TDIScore: 6 / 10“It’s agile enough for a car of this type, and while the steering is light, even front-wheel drive models like ours demonstrate plentiful grip on greasy roads.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“From an objective point of view, it’s hard to justify the price premium that the Sportback carries over the standard Q3. However, the extra style it adds – without significantly compromising practicality – means that this is one of the most convincing coupe SUVs yet.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 9 / 10“The Audi Q3 is a BMW X1 rival that has bags of style, impressive tech and makes a great all-rounder.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7.4 / 10“Eye-catching design, backed up by a high-quality interior, make it one of the most desirable and well-rounded models in the segment. Good passenger space and a generous boot add to its appeal, as does its wide range of engines.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Audi Q3 is a small premium SUV with an eye-catching design, backed up by a high-quality interior, making it a desirable and well-rounded machine. Good passenger space and a generous boot add to its appeal, as does its wide range of engines.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Sportback range reviewScore: 7 / 10“Make no mistake, despite our lukewarm feelings towards this pricey top-spec engine choice, the Q3 Sportback is a wholly competitive product and complements the standard Q3 well.”
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Model reviewed: Q3 45 TFSI quattroScore: 8 / 10“A welcome injection of extra power brings the Q3 more in line with the lofty expectations placed on it by the introduction of the Q2 and Audi’s repositioning of it as a more premium offering.”
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Model reviewed: 35 TFSI S LineScore: 7 / 10“Although refined, slick and pretty economical when left to amble along, the 35 TFSI doesn’t give this car much of a turn of pace, nor the sense of versatility you might be looking for in premium-branded family transport.”
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Model reviewed: SUV range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Second-generation Audi Q3 remains a good car but is rough around the edges when it comes to engine and gearbox.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: Q3 45 TFSI e Black Edition S-TronicScore: 7 / 10“An easy PHEV operation, with impressive refinement, but rivals have bigger boots.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Sportback Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“Material and build quality are hard to fault, while there’s plenty of tactile delight, with squidgy slush-mouldings, glossy surfaces and even fillets of Alcantara to caress.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6 / 10“When rivals like the jazzy BMW X2 and even the first-generation Range Rover Evoque are so much better to drive and the Volvo XC40 does such a better job of being alternatively cool and supremely comfortable, the Q3 by comparison is just so… vanilla.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SportbackScore: 9 / 10“Audi has certainly upped the appeal of its Q3 Sportback — adding an extra sense of style without compromising on practicality. Levels of equipment continue to be generous, and fit-and-finish comes in at a very high standard. On top of all that, it’s actually quite fun to drive too.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.2 / 10“The latest Audi Q3 is smart outside, clever inside and a pleasure to travel in.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Q3 Sportback rangeScore: 7 / 10“The Audi Q3 Sportback is a more stylish alternative to your average boxy SUV, although others are more fun to drive and have more room for passengers.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q3 is an upmarket compact SUV that delivers owners loads of high-tech features and lots of cabin space. It’s not that enjoyable to drive, however.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic S line Sportback“Certainly a niche addition, but the development of the coupe-SUV combination continues, with Audi adding to its broad portfolio to meet seemingly every requirement.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8.2 / 10“The Audi Q3 scores well for running costs, interior quality, standard equipment and the driving experience, although emissions aren’t always up with the best.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“All models are reasonably well equipped, with Audi’s MMI touch infotainment system, a basic set of digital instrument dials, 18-inch wheels and LED headlights standard.”
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Model reviewed: Q3 45 TFSIScore: 8 / 10“Quick and chuckable… for an SUV.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 35 TFSI petrol automatic S lineScore: 8 / 10“The new Audi Q3 now has a lot more visual character than the last model, while the interior remains a quality place to be and it’s refined overall.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Sportback rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q3 Sportback is far from flawless, with a harsh ride and limited rear headroom compared to the standard model. But we know that many people will live with that for its stylish looks and impressive interior. It’s also cheap to run and, of course, has that Audi badge on the grille…”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q3 is the archetypal compact SUV. Blessed with a premium badge, but with almost no off-road talent, it’s an incredibly popular car.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8.8 / 10“Compact SUV combines up-to-date tech, practicality and a dose of style”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Q3 Sportback“The Audi Q3 Sportback is clever, spacious, great to look at — and aimed at parents that still have sex”
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Model reviewed: Q3 35 TFSI 1.5-litre petrol automatic“Inside and out, this robust, chunky, high-quality sports utility vehicle has swelled and is now sizeable enough to bully others in the segment.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic 35 TFSI S LineScore: 6 / 10“Solid, comfortable, safe and slick, the new Q3 is exactly what you’d expect of it, although less upmarket rivals are more practical. This 1.5-litre petrol engine should be avoided, too, as it’s noisy, slow and a little on the thirsty side; although with a different engine this could be a sensible and classy, if slightly dull, family SUV pick.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7 / 10“A very competitive posh crossover, but it fumbles some of Audi’s traditional strengths.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q3 is practical, has plenty of tech and is decent to drive. However, the Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC40 are both classier inside, more comfortable and, ultimately, are better all-rounders.”
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Model reviewed: SportbackScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q3 Sportback is roomy enough for most families, and decent to drive.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Sportback range“The Audi Q3 Sportback offers a boost in style and street presence compared with its standard Q3 sibling, while there’s little penalty to pay in cabin practicality or even boot space. However, the Q3 Sportback is heavy and thirsty and carries a price premium over the standard Q3.”
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Model reviewed: SUV range“Audi’s second-generation Q3 majors on spaciousness and has a plethora of technology on board. It’s comfortable and good to drive, as well as being very safe. Overall, it’s an excellent contender in a very competitive market.” Rated a BEST BUY.
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018

95%

ADULT OCCUPANT

86%

CHILD OCCUPANT

76%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

85%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

More safety recognition

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Audi Q3 has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

If the Q3 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

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