The primary-generation Audi Q3 made its means into the US in 2015, as consumers turned their curiosity to subcompact luxurious SUVs. Bother was, it began promoting in Europe in 2011, so by the point it arrived right here, it wasn’t precisely new, main it to really feel like considerably of an afterthought. That is set to vary with the arrival of the second-generation Q3, which is able to go on sale within the US subsequent 12 months. It is higher suited to compete, and with a phase that is even hungrier than it was, I feel it will go over properly.
A enjoyable look, by German requirements
The Q3’s exterior is way sharper than earlier than, with some critical aspect sculpting above the wheels and a few slick LED working lights up entrance. Sadly, Audi confirms that my tester’s two-tone decrease panels might be body-colored within the US. Lame.
The subcompact SUV phase calls for some lighthearted angle, and the 2019 Q3 delivers in a single fascinating means. Automobiles optioned with the brilliant pulse orange paint job additionally obtain a splash of microfiber colour on the dashboard and door-panel armrests. Audi of America remains to be figuring out packaging for US-spec fashions, so it might not come Stateside, however I actually hope it does. The Volvo XC40 has a complete carpet in practically the identical hue, in spite of everything.
In any other case, the cabin may be very comfy. The bodily switches really feel costly, the seats are soft and the dashboard’s form is much much less bland than it was earlier than. The one factor that weirds me out is the headlight swap, which is now a single on-off button as a substitute of a dial. Although, if that retains individuals from driving at evening with simply the working lights on, I will maintain my mouth shut.
The entire shebang feels a bit larger than earlier than, and it’s — it is Three.Eight inches longer, though the peak is about the identical. That further size brings advantages out again, the place cargo capability grows by practically 50 %. Rear-seat passengers will not neglect they’re in a subcompact SUV, however at 6 toes tall, I am surprisingly comfy due to a regular sliding and reclining second row.
Potent powertrain, poised chassis
The second-generation Q3 is available in a half-dozen flavors in Europe, however within the US, we’ll get our selection of two outputs from a 2.Zero-liter I4 gasoline engine. The bottom engine presents 184 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, however there’s additionally a variant providing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet, which you would possibly acknowledge from the VW Golf GTI. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed computerized transmission will each be customary.
Sadly, my tester is a Euro-spec automobile, so whereas it has the identical higher-output engine that we’ll ultimately get within the US, it comes mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. I discover this transmission too reluctant to shift on the proper time, even within the sportiest mode, however the engine is a peach, singing at simply the precise quantity because it depends on its ample torque to push me up via the Tyrolean Alps. Based mostly on prior expertise with Audi’s eight-speeds, I count on the US-spec Q3’s computerized to provide that further pep I need in its step.
As for the chassis, the Q3 feels far more composed than it did earlier than. Even with the adaptive suspension in its cushiest mode, the Q3 stays practically devoid of physique roll because it soaks up bumps within the street. Stiffen it up, and it performs like a GTI in designer heels. And that is what I like essentially the most about this new Q3 — it feels much less like an SUV and extra like a hatchback. But, when it comes time to stay household life and inventory it with children and groceries, it will nonetheless do this, too.
The one true bummer that I expertise is wind noise, which pops up as I creep towards freeway speeds and could be barely annoying when it goes on for lengthy stretches of time.
Audi would not slap brilliant colours everywhere in the factor if it drove like a burlap sack full of tapioca pudding. It seems enjoyable, and the driving dynamics really feel a lot the identical means.
Audi
Tech-rich
There are two gauge clusters and two infotainment screens on provide. The lower-end providing wields a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster with fastened digital gauges flanking an adjustable middle portion and an Eight.Eight-inch infotainment display. Spend some cash, although, and that grows to a 12.Three-inch Digital Cockpit totally animated gauge cluster and a suitably giant 10.1-inch infotainment system.
My tester has the bigger setup, and it offers me principally all the knowledge I may ever need regardless of the place my eyes wander. However I do not even want to maneuver my head to have a look at the infotainment display, since Digital Cockpit takes practically each very important perform, together with navigation, cellphone and audio, and slaps it within the gauge cluster. And since Digital Cockpit’s controls are on the steering wheel, my palms by no means have to wander. It is one in every of, if not essentially the most succesful and usable gauge clusters on sale.
The infotainment is identical model of MMI that made its debut on the much-more-expensive A6, A7, A8 and Q8 fashions. It is loads quick, loads fairly and whereas it lacks the digitized local weather controls of its dearer brethren, it nonetheless feels extra premium than another providing within the phase. It is much less complicated than Volvo’s Sensus Join, that is for positive. Of the 2 USB ports up entrance, one is USB-C, which is nice should you respect quick cellphone charging.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are alongside for the trip, too, as a result of it is all however a requirement lately. An optionally available connection package deal may even add a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, as is wi-fi cellphone charging that acts as a sign booster, utilizing the automobile’s personal antenna to (hopefully) enhance your cellphone’s reception within the cabin. It is intelligent stuff.
The cabin seems dearer than it ought to, which is a pleasant contact in a less expensive (however very, very aggressive) phase.
Audi
Right down to brass tacks
Clearly, I will want time with a correct US-spec Q3 to offer my full opinion on it, however primarily based on my abbreviated expertise with this tester, the Q3 launches itself to the highest of the pile in a phase stuffed with hungry consumers. Its tech and driving dynamics really feel superior to the Volvo XC40, and it seems significantly better than the BMW X2 (though, to be honest, that is not onerous). Keen consumers must wait a while to select one up, however endurance is a advantage.
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