Audi Reviews

A top-seller in France, Germany and in the UK, Audi Q4 e-tron volumes have never quite made an impact Down Under.It's not exactly hard to work out why.First introduced back in 2021 in Europe, Audi Australia waited until 2024 before it rolled the Q4 e-tron SUV and swoopier Sportback variant out locally. When it arrived, the premium all-electric compact SUV attempted to woo buyers with its stylish looks and upmarket cabin but its high price ruled out a challenge to the high-grade Tesla Model Ys that still account for most EV sales.Originally ripe for a replacement in 2027, Audi has recently admitted delays to the next-generation platform that should underpin the sequel to the small EV have meant that its current Q4 e-tron will have to soldier on until 2030.Later this year, the Q4 e-tron will be joined by the new A2 e-tron, yet another small crossover that is similar in size but be positioned under the entry Audi SUV.To keep the Q4 fresh, Audi will continually update Q4 e-tron from now on, with faster and cheaper variants already in the pipeline but the latest facelift is one of the biggest model upgrades yet carried out to any Audi, says its maker.Not that many will spot the body-coloured single-frame grille, revised lower bumper design, or even the fresh digital LED headlamps.At the rear, another new bumper and rear OLED tail-lights smarten up the Q4, but it's inside where designers and engineers blew the development budget.Climb in and you're now greeted by the same 'digital stage' hardware as the bigger, pricier Q6 e-tron.You'll love the new 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster that lives behind a single piece of glass alongside a 12.8-inch multimedia setup, and admire how smooth and intuitive all the tech is and appreciate the augmented reality head-up display.For the first time there's even the option of a 12-inch passenger display, which is unheard of in its class, Audi says.Sadly, you'll probably hate that designers have deleted the physical controls for the climate control, but to help compensate, there's a new round steering wheel that replaces the old car's squared-off tiller, and it features proper buttons and rotary controllers to help control some of the tech without having to dive into sub-menus.All the new tech runs the brand's latest Android Automotive operating system that introduces a ChatGPT-powered personal assistant.Under the skin, engineers have added a vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability, that allow owners to charge laptops, or an e-bike via a power socket in the rear boot, plus a vehicle-to-home (V2H) feature that can see the Q4 e-tron sell energy back to the grid, power your home, or be topped up using solar.In a bid to boost efficiency, the Audi Q4 e-tron is among the first VW Group vehicles to come with its latest APP350 e-motor that is lighter, features less internal friction and is blended with a trick silicon carbide inverter, new power electronics and fresh software that slashes energy use by 10 per cent.For now, it powers a new 150kW entry version that is paired with a 59kWh battery that provides for a 440km range for the wagon shape and an 8.1 second 0-100km/h sprint.A better bet for Australians is the Q4 e-tron Performance that misses out on the eco-donk but gets a single 210kW rear-mounted e-motor and a larger 77kWh battery for the longer 592km range that is combined with a brisk 6.6-second 0-100km/h dash.Also available will be the fast all-wheel-drive Q4 e-tron Performance that produces 250kW and sees the small Q4 e-tron launch from 0-100km/h in just 5.4 seconds, although the distance it can travel on a single charge falls to 554km.When it comes to charging speeds, the entry and mid-spec Q4 e-tron can only be topped up at 160-165kW, while the all-wheel-drive flagship can now handle a top-up of up to 185kW.All take around 27 minutes for a 10-80 per cent top-up, which means the Q4 e-tron is about to be humbled by the inbound Mercedes-Benz GLA that arrives later this year, which should match the bigger GLB's maximum 320kW rate and 16-minute recharge.At least the Q4 e-tron is quicker than the older BMW iX1 that takes more than 29 minutes (130kW) but that car is also set to be superseded by a new model late next year.The good news is, when it comes to its 4.6m-long footprint, Audi says the Q4 e-tron still leads the small electric SUV class for interior space, with a surprising amount of rear leg- and headroom and a large 515-litre boot in the SUV/wagon versions.As part of the cabin overhaul there's said to be up to 25 litres of storage within, including a large 4.7-litre Jumbo Box between the driver and passenger.Dual air-cooled wireless charging pads have been added, which sit ahead of two new and improved cupholders.Behind the wheel, engineers have not been tempted to inject any extra spice to the driving experience. That means the Q4 e-tron still offers a smooth, quiet and refined driving experience, with low levels of wind, tyre and road noise.The two cars we drove rode on 20-inch alloy wheels, but it was the single-motor 210kW version delivering better levels of ride quality, compared to the quicker 250kW all-wheel-drive quattro version.Efficiency also seemed impressive with the single-motor version averaging a better-than-claimed 14.8kWh/100km on a mixture of driving.What's missing is the Audi is neither fun or engaging in a way we expect the next BMW iX1 to be as it will share much with the excellent iX3.Audi Australia has yet to confirm official pricing or spec for the Q4 e-tron, but the German brand has announced that all models will come with more kit than before. That includes standard sport seats, the Digital Stage dash, the dual inductive chargers we mentioned earlier, ambient lighting and a new air conditioner that can work while parked.Extras will include matrix LED front lamps, the passenger display, the augmented reality head-up display, three-zone climate control, adaptive dampers, a heated front windscreen, acoustic glass, a panoramic sunroof and a powerful Sonos sound system.Back in 2021 the Q4 e-tron was awarded the full five stars for safety thanks to up to seven airbags and a long list of driver assist tech, although that rating will be up for review as soon as next year.Like every other Audi, the updated Q4 e-tron should come with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, with a further eight-year/160,000km protection for the high-voltage batteries.The Q4 e-tron gets capped-price servicing package, with service intervals primed to be every 24 months or 30,000km.There's no word on pricing yet, but expect a big adjustment over the current car, which is priced from $84,900 (plus on-roads) for the most basic wagon and stretches to $107,900 for the quickest all-wheel-drive Sportback quattro.

The Audi Q3 195kW quattro is the current flagship of the new range.The 150kW is priced from $81,900 for the SUV and $84,400 for the Sportback and comes with adaptive LED headlights, ambient interior lighting, keyless entry and ignition, leather-appointed upholstery, a 10-speaker sound system as well as adaptive dampers and 19-inch alloy wheels.Powered by a 2.0L turbo-petrol four-cylinder, producing 195kW/400Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with quattro (all-wheel drive), it is the most powerful member of the current Q3 range.But the extra power brings extra fuel consumption, with the 195kW quattro rated at a relatively thirsty 8.1L/100km.Audi claims this is the safest Q3 ever, with more safety equipment than before to ensure it meets modern customer demands.There’s a 360-degree camera set-up, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and a host of other active safety features. But perhaps more importantly than just having these systems, they are locally tested and calibrated for local conditions.The Q3 is covered by Audi Australia’s standard five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. This includes five-years of roadside assistance too.

The Audi Q3 150kW quattro is the mid-range model of the new small SUV range.The 150kW is priced from $70,200 for the SUV and $72,700 for the Sportback and comes with adaptive LED headlights, ambient interior lighting, keyless entry and ignition, leather-appointed upholstery, a 10-speaker sound system as well as adaptive dampers and 19-inch alloy wheels.This model is powered by a 2.0L turbo-petrol four-cylinder, producing 150kW/320Nm. It is paried to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with quattro (all-wheel drive).Fuel economy for the 150kW quattro is a claimed 7.3L/100km.Audi claims this is the safest Q3 ever, with more safety equipment than before to ensure it meets modern customer demands.There’s a 360-degree camera set-up, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and a host of other active safety features. But perhaps more importantly than just having these systems, they are locally tested and calibrated for local conditions.The Q3 is covered by Audi Australia’s standard five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. This includes five-years of roadside assistance too.

The entry-level model in the new-for-2026 Audi Q3 range is now known simply as the 110kW.It is priced from $61,600 for the SUV and $64,600 for the Sportback variant.Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, ambient interior lighting, keyless entry and ignition, leather-appointed upholstery and a 10-speaker sound system.It is powered by a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid, turbocharged petrol engine, which makes 110kW/250Nm and sends all that performance to the road via the front wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.Fuel economy is rated at 5.8L/100km for the 110kW model.Audi claims this is the safest Q3 ever, with more safety equipment than before to ensure it meets modern customer demands.There’s a 360-degree camera set-up, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and a host of other active safety features. But perhaps more importantly than just having these systems, they are locally tested and calibrated for local conditions.The Q3 is covered by Audi Australia’s standard five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. This includes five-years of roadside assistance too.

The new, third-generation Audi Q3 arrives with big expectations. It’s the best-selling model for the German brand in Australia, so it needs to retain all the elements that have made it a sales hit while trying to expand its appeal. We drive the new Q3 110kW, 150kW and 195kW models to see if Audi has done enough to keep its small SUV ahead of rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo and more.

When I say this is a rare review, I’m talking about the kind of rare that means you can’t even buy the car you’re reading about. In Australia, there are only 22 Audi RS6 Avant GTs. A couple of days to live with one should reveal how special this car feels, and result in at least one example of the rarity being driven good and proper.

It takes a brave carmaker to launch a new sedan variant into the market, given Australia’s obsession with SUVs.Kudos to Audi for expanding its A3 small sedan and hatch line-up with a new grade that sits at the top of the tree, before you get into S3 and RS3 performance car territory.The key difference with this new grade - called the A3 TFSI quattro 150kW S line - is an upgrade from the 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol unit found in the A3 35TFSI, to a punchy 150kW four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.You also get an extra helping of standard gear, different wheel designs and more premium options.The new TFSI 150kW grade is offered in Sportback hatch guise for $62,800, before on-road costs, and the sedan we tested from $65,800.Focusing on the sedan, that price is an $8000 bump from the entry-grade 35TFSI. On the flipside, it represents a $16,000 saving compared with the spicy S3 sedan, and you get a nice dollop of performance with the 150kW engine. More on that later.If you’re considering other small premium sedans, there are really only two - the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe in 220 M Sport guise at $63,400 and the Mercedes-Benz A250 4Matic from $75,400. However, Mercedes recently dropped the A-Class sedan from its line-up so you’d be looking at whatever’s left in dealer stock.The Audi is $2400 dearer than the BMW. Their performance figures are similar, although the Audi gets 20Nm more torque and it’s one second quicker to 100km/h. Standard gear wise they line up pretty well.Equipment highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, S line styling, keyless entry and start, heated electric folding, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, three-zone air-con, ‘MMI navigation plus’, digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10-speaker audio and a solid list of standard safety gear.Our test car came fitted with a panoramic sunroof ($2000), metallic paint ($1350), black exterior styling package ($1200) and the 'Premium plus package' ($1990) that adds a head-up display, privacy glass and Sonos sound system. That brings the price to $72,340.The current-generation Audi A3 landed in Australia in early 2022 but it benefited from a mid-life facelift in early 2025.Whether you opt for a sedan or hatch will depend on your own preferences and needs. I prefer the hatch design but the sedan tested here is handsome, if a little conservative. The optional black exterior styling package adds a sinister vibe. It’s sleek enough and the current Audi lighting design looks good, but it’s not breaking any rules.The A3’s interior is a mixed bag. The leather-appointed front sports seats look schmick and offer excellent support and comfort, while the three-spoke ‘S’ perforated leather steering wheel looks and feels perfect.I’m not sold on Audi’s current interior design. Angling the multimedia and central controls towards the driver is a good thing, but it creates this pointy centre element to the dash that results in a feeling of being hemmed in as a front passenger. The air vents have an appealing shape but there’s a lack of cohesion to the overall layout.The console design is functional with two cupholders, a small central bin, wireless charger and two USB-C ports, but the electronic park brake lives on a different panel to the gear shifter. BMW’s current set-up of having everything housed in the same section feels more considered.Audi gets a massive tick for keeping physical controls and buttons. The air-conditioning controls are housed conveniently just under the central screen and they are easy to use. Below that are buttons for hazard lights, the 'Drive Select' drive modes, auto parking and the idle stop function. Thank goodness you don’t have to trawl through a series of sub-menus to turn that off.The 10.1-inch multimedia screen looks small by today’s standards, but the system is mostly logical and easy to navigate. When Apple CarPlay is active, the Apple menu is displayed on the right of the screen, next to Audi’s in-house menu. It doesn’t take much to accidentally press the far right screen and end up in the wrong menu.Audi’s 12.3-inch ‘Virtual cockpit’ digital driver display is excellent and has for many years been one of the best in the business.One final gripe from the driver’s seat is the cruise control stalk on the steering column. It feels like an afterthought and it’s hard to see. Surely those controls would fit on the steering wheel?Rear-seat legroom is decent without being generous and there’s more than enough headroom for this 183cm (6.0') tall reviewer. Space across is okay but you wouldn’t want three adults back there.There are two more USB-C ports in the rear plus adjustable lower air vents and two map pockets. A fold-down centre armrest features two cupholders, while only narrow bottles will fit in the rear doors.The boot can swallow 425 litres and that increases when you lower the 40/20/40 split-fold rear seats. The boot is long but has a high floor. There’s a temporary spare wheel hiding under that floor.On the road is where the little Audi sedan shines. For the most part.The new grade is powered by VW Group’s excellent 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 150kW of power and 320Nm of torque. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and drives all four wheels via Audi’s 'quattro' all-wheel drive set-up.There’s a lot to like about this powertrain, including the engine note. It sounds pitch perfect when pushed.Turbo lag is evident on take off and sometimes it’s more noticeable than others. But when you accelerate already on the move, it picks up speed rapidly. It’s so responsive.Sure, it’s not as punchy as an S3 or RS3, but for a non-performance grade, this 150kW A3 is plenty quick.Steering response is excellent. The A3 changes direction without hesitation, which is something of an Audi trait.The brakes are strong and the seven-speed transmission changes gears at just the right moment, although if you switch from 'Comfort' to 'Dynamic' mode, the transmission occasionally holds gears a little too long.Dynamic mode also improves response and makes the engine note a little shoutier.The A3 150kW TFSI sedan offers loads of grip which comes in handy in corners. It remains flat in tight bends and feels infinitely chuckable.The payoff is the ride quality which is firm, meaning you feel potholes, road joins and everything in between. It’s not busy, however. And it’s not so sharp that it’s a turnoff. Simply something to be aware of if you value comfort above all else.The grippy but low-profile Nexen 225/40/R18 tyres are partly to blame for this, as is the sportier suspension tune.It’s not the quietest cabin with some exterior noise like coarse chip road surfaces making their presence felt.On the plus side, the advanced driver assist tech is unobtrusive for the most part.My final fuel economy figure according to the trip computer was 7.7 litres per 100km, which is more than the 6.6L/100km official claim. In fairness, I could’ve reduced that figure if the A3 wasn’t so much fun to drive.

The Audi Q5 Sportback has seen a much-needed update but does it make it a top-tier competitor in its segment?

Remember the humble family station wagon? Audi has just launched a plug-in hybrid version of its A5 Avant in Australia. It has introduced it in the liftback body style too with up to 100km of electric range.

Audi's latest Sportback SUV has arrived and it's a swoopy take on the Q6 e-tron. Will it be enough to take on the new BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC electric?