The Audi Q3 SUV is a popular model in South Africa – so much so that it accounted for over 13% of the brand’s total vehicle sales in the country for 2020, according to the annual NAAMSA market report.
The newest model was unveiled in September of 2020, and with it came a redesign inside and out.
It is sold as Audi’s first compact crossover, and the Audi Q3 35 TFSI model can be had for R629,500.
This is not a small amount of money, as a second-hand Q7 can be purchased for around the same price.
To find out what you get, we have highlighted the main features of the Q3 35 TFSI below.
Convenience
As standard, every Q3 rolling off the line is fitted with leather seats which can hold five occupants, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and Audi’s MMI radio plus.
The instrument cluster is angled slightly towards the driver’s seat, while two displays on the dash and instrument panel bring the interior into the 21st century.
The infotainment display on the dash spans 8.8-inches, and enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and voice recognition.
In the instrument cluster, a fully-digital 12.3-inch screen is fitted, which changes its look depending on the driving mode.
It also shows entertainment and navigation in addition to the normal speed and rev readouts.
Moving around the cabin you will find chrome and gloss-black detailing, and a two-zone automatic climate control system keeps the occupants cool.
Lastly, two cup holders, an electronic parking brake, and ambient lighting were added as a finishing touch.
As far as safety systems go, the Q3 is adequately equipped.
It features hill hold and descent assist, cruise control with a speed limiter, electronic stability control, ABS, and side and front airbags.
Its compact dimensions allow a comfortable 550 litres of luggage capacity, too, which can be extended to 1,525 litres with the seats flattened.
Looks
The new Q3 follows the design language of the updated Audis that are emerging lately.
Up front, a singleframe grille encased in chrome strips is installed, and flanked by two large air intakes.
All the exterior lights are LEDs, and the front receives a headlamp washer system, range control headlights, light and rain sensors, and separate daytime running lights.
At the back, dynamic indicators and a black plastic rear bumper completes the look.
Pre-installed roof rails with plastic wheel arch trims and load edge protection gives the Q3 its crossover styling, and 17-inch cast aluminium wheels dance across the dirt and tar.
The compact crossover lives up to its name as it stands at 1,616mm at its tallest point; 2,024mm wide including the mirrors; and 4,484mm long from bumper to bumper.
Power
Two drivetrain options are available across the Q3 line-up, with the more powerful version only being available in the 40 TFSI models – which cost R691,000 and up.
The baseline vehicle, at a lower price, is fitted with a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that is mated to Audi’s six-speed S-tronic transmission.
This engine produces a power output of 110kW and 250Nm of torque, and pushes the crossover to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds.
A combined fuel consumption of 5.8l/100km is claimed, while top speed maxes out at 207km/h.
Audi Q3 – Photos
Keyword: The cheapest new Audi Q3 – What you get for R629,000