by Cheryl Eldridge and wire reports
The Audi Q3 SUV really reminded me of the Thanksgiving season.
I am grateful for having the ability to test drive a new car each week, and review it on a weekly basis since 2004. I really enjoyed the surprise especially since it’s the most festive time of the year.
If you’re looking for comfort and convenience at a nice price, then the Q3 is for you.
Not only is the interior nice, but the exterior puts the icing on the cake.
The 2015 Audi Q3 is a small luxury crossover available in two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige. Both are available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive (“Quattro”).
Standard features on the Premium Plus include 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, LED running lights, automatic headlights and wipers, roof rails, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats (with four-way lumbar), heated front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio, a CD player and an iPod/USB input.
Optional for the Q3 Premium Plus is the MMI Navigation Plus package, which includes Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface) controller, a 7-inch display screen and a navigation system with voice controls. You can also get the Driver Assistance package, which adds front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and blind spot monitoring.
The Prestige includes the above and further adds a power liftgate, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors, an upgraded 14-speaker Bose audio system, Audi Connect (enhanced Web-based navigation, information and WiFi hot spot) and stainless steel door and tailgate sills plates.
Other available features for the Q3 include 19-inch wheels and a Sport package (adjustable drive modes for steering and transmission, paddle shifters and front sport seats).
Every 2015 Audi Q3 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine good for 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, and buyers can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
The front-wheel-drive Q3 earns an EPA fuel economy estimate of 23 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway), and the AWD version also rates 23 mpg combined (20/28).
In Edmunds testing, a Q3 Quattro sprinted to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds. This is an adequate time and I love it!
On the safety side, standard safety equipment for the 2015 Audi Q3 includes stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The optional Driver Assistance package features front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and a blind spot monitoring system.
During Edmunds braking testing, an all-wheel-drive Q3 came to a stop from 60 mph in 122 feet, about average for the segment.
Even though this is the most affordable Audi SUV, the cabin doesn’t skimp when it comes to using the same high-quality materials and excellent build quality that are seen in pretty much every modern Audi. The cockpit’s design theme looks more sports car than sport-utility, as it features a center stack canted toward the driver along with large primary instruments and various metallic accents.
Most of the Q3’s controls are fairly straightforward, but the climate controls are located inconveniently low on the center stack, in front of the gear selector. Also, the multifunction control knob for the MMI system (on navigation-equipped cars) has said knob located on the dash, rather than on the center console like most other systems, which isn’t as convenient and takes a bit of getting used to.
Although the front and rear seats are plenty comfortable thanks to their firm, well-shaped cushions, the rear compartment is rather tight for taller folks. At 31.1 inches, rear legroom is considerably less than the 37.4 inches the Q5 provides, for example. Cargo capacity is a mixed bag. Behind the rear seats, there are 16.7 cubic feet of available space, which is about 8 cubes shy of what a BMW X1 provides. Fold down those seats, however, and the Q3 provides 48 cubic feet, which is about average.
Until next week, drive safe and buckle up, it’s the law.
