- Frugal turbo-diesel engines
- Willing turbocharged petrol engines
- Impressive, nimble dynamics
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Double clutch transmission (‘S tronic’) can be jerky on take-off
- Limited rear seat and boot space
Audi 8U.I Q3 (2012-14)
Overview
Released in March 2012, the Audi 8U Q3 was a five-door, compact SUV. Manufactured in Martorell, Spain, the Audi Q3 range initially consisted of front-wheel drive 103TDI and all-wheel drive 130TDI, 125TFSI and 155TFSI variants. The range, however, was subsequently expanded with an all-wheel drive 103TDI variant (September 2013) and front-wheel drive 110TFSI variant (February 2014). All models, however, had Audi’s ‘Start-Stop’ system which could shut down the engine when the vehicle was stationary to conserve fuel.
Dimensions and suspensionSharing its platform with the Volkswagen 5N Tiguan , the Audi 8U Q3 had the same length wheelbase (at 2603 mm), but was 42 mm shorter (4385 mm), 22 mm wider (1831 mm) and 96 mm lower (1590 mm); ground clearance was also 25 mm lower at 170 mm. The Audi 8U Q3 had MacPherson strut front suspension – with the lower wishbones made of forged aluminium – and four-link, independent rear suspension. quattro AWD systemThe Haldex all-wheel system for the Audi Q3 utilised an electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch. In normal driving, the vast majority of the engine’s torque was directed to the front wheels. However, if front wheel traction decreased, the clutch could progressively transfer torque to the rear axle by forcing the packages of the clutch plates together. Furthermore, if a wheel on one of the axles were to slip, it could be braked by the electronic differential lock (EDL) to effectively transfer torque to the opposing wheel. Safety equipmentStandard safety equipment for the Audi 8U Q3 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The electronic stability control system included trailer stabilization and a dry braking function which periodically cleaned the brake discs of moisture and dirt to prevent brake fade in wet conditions. Furthermore, front wheel drive models had an electronic limited slip differential which, when cornering, enabled the inside front wheel to be braked and thereby transfer excess torque to the outside (or opposing) wheel. Euro NCAP testingIn Euro NCAP testing , an Audi Q3 – fitted with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine – received a five star safety rating which included a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 85 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal impact test, the passenger compartment remained stable and protection for the front occupants was generally good; Audi also demonstrated that occupants of different sizes and in different seating positions would be provided with a similar level of occupant protection. Furthermore, maximum points were awarded in the side impact test and protection of the chest was rated as adequate in the pole test. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.15 out of 37. Features: Q3 110TFSI, 103TDI and 125TFSIStandard features for the Audi Q3 included 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker ‘Concert’ sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod) and Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather trim, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, height adjustable front seats, 12 volt power outlets, roof rails and an immobiliser. Features: Q3 130TDI and 155TFSIThe Audi Q3 130TDI and 155TFSI were distinguished by their 17-inch five-arm ‘Trias’ alloy wheels and ‘High gloss package’ which included aluminium door and boot sills, right roof rails and mouldings, and aluminium inserts and inlays. September 2013: Audi Q3 updateIn September 2013, standard features were extended to include the ‘Audi Music Interface’ and a ‘Storage and Luggage’ compartment package. Related links
Review: Audi 8U.II Q3 (2015-18)            OverviewManufactured from November 2014 and officially released in Australia in June 2015, the Audi 8U Series II (8U.II) Q3 could be identified by its ‘3D effect’ single-frame grille with thicker silver edging, more angular front bumper, new headlights with thicker reflective edges and LED tail-lights. Inside, the 8U.II Q3 had a new three-spoke steering wheel and additional ‘aluminium effect’ detailing. As per the table below, the Audi 8U.II Q3 was powered by Euro 6 emissions compliant engines. Significantly, the 1.4 TFSI CoD (cylinder on demand) engine could deactivate two cylinders at low to moderate loads and engine speeds to reduce fuel consumption; this engine was previously introduced in the 8V A3. For the 8U.II Q3, a torque vectoring system was introduced which would apply brake torque to the inner wheels when cornering; if power was being applied, this would have the effect of increasing torque to the outer wheels. The effect of this torque redistribution was to reduce understeer and provide more precise turn-in when cornering.
Safety equipmentCompared to its 8U.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Audi 8U.II Q3 was unchanged. As an extra cost option ($2490 at launch), the ‘Assistance package’ included Audi side assist, active lane assist, high-beam assist, hill hold assist, hill descent control, power folding door mirrors, heating and auto-dimming functions for the driver’s side mirror, and a kerb view function for the passenger side mirror. Features: Q3 1.4 TFSI CoD and 2.0 TDI ultraStandard features for the Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI CoD and 2.0 TDI ultra included 17-inch alloy wheels with a space-saver spare wheel, an 80 watt sound system with five speakers, an MP3-compatible CD player, MMI (Multi Media Interface) with a 6.5-inch colour display, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather appointed upholstery, cruise control, ‘xenon plus’ headlights with LED daytime running lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, power mirrors, floor mats, matt black roof rails, a trip computer and an immobiliser. Features: Q3 2.0 TFSI Sport and 2.0 TDI SportCompared to the 1.4 TFSI CoD and 2.0 TDI ultra, the Q3 2.0 TFSI Sport and 2.0 TDI Sport were further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, ‘Milano’ leather upholstery, front sports seats and an auto-dimming interior mirror. Visually, the Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI Sport and 2.0 TDI Sport could be identified by their body-coloured bumpers and ‘high gloss’ package which included aluminium inlay door sill trims, stainless steel luggage loading sill protector, anodised aluminium roof rails and window trims, and ‘aluminium satellite’ interior inlays. Technik packageAs an extra-cost option, the Audi 8U.II Q3 was available with a Technik package which included:
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