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Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI Quattro 2012 review

EXPERT RATING
8

Q3 is shaping up as a profitable one for Audi. The vehicle marks Audi's entry into the fastest growing segment of the Australian market - compact SUVs grew by 25 per cent last year - the Q3 may be late but it has the goods - and go - to give potential BMW X1 buyers cause to cross-shop and turn heads away from everything from Volkswagen Tiguans to Range Rover Evoques.

VALUE

Compare the BMW X1 with the Audi Q3 and there's generally only a couple of grand difference in pricing. That puts the purchase squarely down to styling, features and badge credibility.

Audi manages to get the first punch in by teaming a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with a manual gearbox to achieve a $44,800 starting price for a prestige SUV with 103kW/320Nm and fuel use of just 5.2 litres/100km, while BMW wins at the top end with the 150kW/400Nm twin-turbo mill that uses just 6.3 litres/100km. 

High-end audio systems, dual-zone airconditioning, Bluetooth and cruise control are standard fare on both vehicles.

TECHNOLOGY

The electronic wizardry is in the options list but it still shows how quickly smart features now flow through a marque's line-up. Tick a box and lane departure and blind spot warning systems are loaded up.

A park assist feature will also steer the car into a vacant space, though the driver is still responsible for using the accelerator/brake. The "drive select" software is worth $350 and lets drivers choose four modes, from efficiency to dynamic.

DESIGN

Buy the Q3 and all the neighbours will know it's an Audi - the family DNA runs true inside and out. The vertical grille that identifies all Audi Q models dominates the front, while the slim horizontal rear lights closely resemble the Q5's rear. Side-on, it is the sportiest-looking of the Q range, with what chief external designer Achim Badstuebner calls a coupe-style look. 

He admits it compromises rear head space but says the compact prestige segment still calls for a premium on style and this was one compromise the designers won on. The interior looks good and the front seats hold their occupants well despite the flat look.

SAFETY

This is a high-rider without threatening to succumb to gravity and topple over. Actually, it's more a mid-height drive and that helps with the sporty look. 

It rides on the same platform as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Golf - neither of which are known as bad-handling vehicles. Audi endows that platform with a suspension that rolls over potholes and patches without a shudder.

Press on and it minimises body lean and only a rare kickback through the steering wheel betrays you are hitting decent sized ridges at pace. Six airbags and an advanced ABS/ESC system earned it a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

DRIVING

The Q3 puts a smile on your face. The commanding ride height is going to find favour given it has little affect on handling well past the extent SUV drivers expect their vehicles to perform.

The base front-wheel drive turbodiesel has a 0-100km/h time of 9.9 seconds and a much more practical mid-range urge that is easily found via the six-speed manual. The engines only get better from there - and pick up the reassurance of Audi's all-wheel drive system. 

Wind noise is all-but unheard at highway speeds but choosing the 18-inch rims over the standard 17s will increase tyre roar on coarse chip surfaces. It is typically well built, though one of the five test cars had a rattle where the aircon controls module joined the dash. Frustrating, but it gives the dealer something to do at the next service.

VERDICT

The Q3 may be late to the party but it should prove to be a leading light. Its style and handling will resonate with modern urban types and the basic kit is worth the expense. An added bonus is the Audi also has more off-road capability than the 30-somethings, young couples and empty nesters expected to be its main buyers are ever likely to use.

Audi Q3

Price: $44,800-$56,000
Warranty: Three years/unlimited km
Resale: N/A
Service intervals: 15,000km
Safety: Six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, TC
Crash Rating: Five-stars
Engines: 103kW/320Nm 2.0-turbodiesel four-cylinder, 130kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel,
125kW/280Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol, 155kW/300Nm 2.0 turbo petrol
Transmission: Six-speed manual, seven-speed auto, front-wheel and all-wheel drive
Body: Five-door wagon
Dimensions: 4385mm (L), 1608mm (H), 1831mm (W), 2603mm (WB), 1571mm/1575mm tracks front/rear
Weight: From 1445kg
Fuel use: 5.2L/100km, 137g/km CO2 (103kW); 5.9L/100km, 156g/km CO2 (130kW), 7.3L/100km,
174g/km CO2 (125kW), 7.7L/100km, 179g/km CO2 (155kW)

Pricing guides

$16,900
Based on 33 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$11,979
Highest Price
$21,800

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
2.0 TDI 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN $12,320 – 16,500 2012 Audi Q3 2012 2.0 TDI Pricing and Specs
2.0 TFSI Quattro (125kW) 2.0L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO $14,960 – 19,690 2012 Audi Q3 2012 2.0 TFSI Quattro (125kW) Pricing and Specs
2.0 TDI Quattro (130kW) 2.0L, Diesel, 7 SP AUTO $17,050 – 21,890 2012 Audi Q3 2012 2.0 TDI Quattro (130kW) Pricing and Specs
2.0 TFSI Quattro (155kW) 2.0L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO $16,170 – 20,680 2012 Audi Q3 2012 2.0 TFSI Quattro (155kW) Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
8
Craig Duff
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$11,979

Lowest price, based on 28 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.