

Like other Audis, the Q3 interior is tech-focused and has a rather architectural design with lots of sharp angles. What are the Q3’s interior and in-car technology like? A wireless phone charger replaces Audi’s “phone box with signal booster.” New 18-inch wheels grace the 40 TFSI model and new, optional 20-inch wheels come with the summer tires that are part of the Black Optic Sport package on the 45 TFSI.
#Audi q3 driving impression full#
Full LED headlights are now standard across the board. Updates for 2023 are light-touch in nature. Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? The Q3 has its pluses, but it’s far from leading the way in this segment. You'd also be smart to check out the luxurious Mazda CX-5 or CX-50. Many of these downsides sway us in favor of other small luxury SUVs, including the Volvo XC40 and both the GLA and GLB from Mercedes-Benz. Interior tech may be a plus, but there are some odd ergonomics and interior quality is a disappointment with a lot of cheap-feeling plastics that seem more Volkswagen than Audi. Plus, it offers less cargo space than most competitors (not to mention similarly priced small SUVs from non-luxury makers). Fuel economy versus its competition is notably down. Its base model 40 TFSI is downright slow with an 8.7-second 0-60 mph time. The Q3 is largely dreary to drive and suffers from very disconnected throttle and steering response. However, a lot of this great styling and flashy tech is covering for other substandard attributes. A big dose of Audi’s fantastic tech is brought down into this little car, too, which means you get to enjoy many of the niceties seen on Audi’s bigger models. You could even mistake it for some of Audi’s larger and more expensive SUVs. Design is a high point, as this little crossover totally looks the part of a luxury vehicle with its flashy LED lighting, sharp lines and modern Audi styling.

The 2023 Audi Q3 is the cheapest four-ringed SUV money can buy, but it makes a great first impression as an Audi. It is faster, roomier, and more fun to drive than the Audi, while maintaining all the upmarket cachet that comes with a premium badge on the hood.Pros: Very stylish a nicely equipped value solid tech all around Cons: Some cheap-feeling interior materials less cargo space than rivals boring to drive below-average fuel economy The brand-new X1 is arguably the class act, improving on its forebear in every way. Power for reliability, so it isn't a bad purchase - we just think you can get better in the segment.
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The Audi Q3 gets a good safety review from the NHTSA and a 76 out of 100 score from J.D. Drive it in isolation, and you'd be perfectly happy this is obviously the case with many a commuter, considering this remains one of the brand's best-selling models. Some cabin plastics might not be top-notch, but overall, the interior pulls off a convincing impression of premiumness. The somewhat low-mounted infotainment screen isn't ideal, but the standard digital gauge cluster is great to have.

With formidable rivals from Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, the 2023 Q3 does tend to slip down the ranks as an also-ran, even though it doesn't do anything obviously wrong.
#Audi q3 driving impression driver#
It is more than enough to keep a smile on the face of an Audi driver moving up from an A3 to the high-riding life, though.Īll the talk about being good enough might not be, well, good enough in this cutthroat class. The Audi Q3's competitors are fearsome, however, and its generally good blend of abilities might not be enough to topple class leaders like the new, redesigned X1, the suave Volvo XC40, or the classy Mercedes GLA. Ride and handling strike a good balance and the Q3 manages to be comfortable enough while maintaining pleasing agility and never feeling like it's going to trip over itself. Even the 228-hp variant, while adequate, won't challenge an X1 in a straight line and suffers a little lag in its initial responses. It's also faster, with the Audi's base 184-horsepower engine failing to make much of an impression. A BMW X1 is roomier inside than the Q3, and has a more spacious trunk. The styling has a scaled-down Q8 look, which is a good thing, and it's solidly screwed together from premium materials if you're looking for plenty of space, you're shopping in the wrong segment, though. The 2023 Audi Q3 gives you precisely what you would expect from a compact luxury crossover built by the Ingolstadt-based brand.
