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The Audi Q3 illustrates how quickly the US auto market has changed.
The main makers of the brand first decided to keep the original model (arrived in 2011) out of the United States because of its small footprint. "Nobody will buy it," they argued. Audi made a flip-flop in 2013 testing the water with an American Q3. In 2018, the second-generation Q3 is likely to become one of Audi's bestsellers. How is it going for growth?
We will have to wait until mid-2019 for the all-new Q3 to arrive in the US showrooms. Audi will not release pricing information until the date of sale of the model is close, but it is reasonable to expect that it will start in the $ 30,000 range. The rivals Volvo, Lexus, Cadilllac, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz and BMW face each other in this space and everyone plays for dungeons; it's the university league.
All grown
Seeing the second-generation Q3 in metal for the first time was like meeting a high school buddy you have not seen in a decade. It's always easy to recognize as an Audi – and, because of its size, as Q3 – but it's all grown up. It's bigger and more confident.
The front part borrows clues of style like an octagonal grid with a thick frame and vertical slats of the flagship Q8. Flared wings inspired by the Quattro coupe add character by giving the Q3 a more aggressive look than its predecessor. At the back, the taillights are now separated by the hatch rather than fully integrated. The changes come together to create a more mature Q3; we hope you can say as much of your lost 11 for a long timee class class history boyfriend.
The Audi Q3 2019 has the best infotainment system of the segment on a long shot.
It takes a tape measure to say that the Q3 has gone up by almost four inches. Three of them are located between the axles, so the extra sheet directly benefits the passengers. The wheelbase extension has given designers the freedom to fit the Q3 to a rear bench seat that slides about six inches. Push it back when you need more space for your legs; move it to the front when you need a bigger trunk.
The Q3 confirms Audi's reputation for the construction of quality and thoughtful interiors. The materials feel and look good and we like the silver trim that surrounds the touchscreen echoes the shape of the grid. As a driver, you'll enjoy having everything you need at your fingertips, including the volume knob. As a passenger, you'll be fascinated by the backlit Quattro emblem on the dashboard, which, like a lava lamp in the car, shines in the same color as the ambient light. Chief Designer Matt Baggley told us that his team had developed a brand new feature for Q3.
The smartest is
Audi has entrusted Q3 with the task of introducing a simpler and simpler variant of the MMI Touch Response infotainment system that is found in larger models like A6 and L & # 39; 39 A7. We praised the system in the past for its intuitive smartphone-like side and high-quality graphics, and we often complained about the ease with which it was possible to leave fingerprints on the screen. This version uses exactly the same 10.1-inch screen as found in Audi's most expensive cars, but drops the lower screen. It's a good compromise. we have never failed to have the second screen to push.
The configuration of Q3 does not seem as sophisticated as that of the Q8, certainly, but it remains for a long time the best infotainment system of the segment. If you can use a smartphone or tablet, you will have no problem using it – do not forget to put a microfiber cloth in the glove compartment. The Volvo system is also good, but it is not as easy to use as Audi. Lexus and Mercedes-Benz have both chosen not to offer a touch screen and have chosen the most delicate route that leads to a touch pad or a dial.
Be assured if you do not like the Audi infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard. And to help passengers stay connected while on the move, Audi has integrated a USB-C charger with signal amplifier into the center console. This is the norm too.
Q3 is not available with traditional analog instrumentation. It comes standard with digital gauges and Audi rewards buyers who are exploring the upper echelons of the cutout hierarchy with a configurable virtual cockpit. Inaugurated in 2014 by the third-generation TT, the virtual cockpit technology is designed by Audi for a wide color display that displays a variety of information, including navigation directions, support options and parameters of the car.
The driver can navigate through the different menus using the three-spoke steering wheel buttons. The virtual cockpit meets two criteria: convenience and security. Let us explain it. By placing navigation directions directly in the driver's line of sight, you reduce driver distractions and a screen is easier to read than a head-up display, which is often sensitive to glare. The Volvo XC40 is equipped with similar technology.
Antarctic
Audi offers the 2019 Q3 with a single engine available in two adjustment states. This is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine designed to produce 184 horsepower between 4,200 and 6,700 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 4,200 rpm. Power increases at the point where the torque decreases. It's the basic engine. Buyers who want more power can order a pumped version of the four turbo that places 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. torque under the driver's foot. Again, the torque curve has the shape of an Antarctic iceberg: tall, long and flat.
In typical Teutonic fashion, the 2019 Audi Q3 is stable, precise and easy to drive.
Both engines go through an eight-speed automatic transmission; note that we drove a European-grade car equipped with a seven-speed automatic and dual-clutch system. The all-weather Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, regardless of the turbo 4 that occupies the place behind the grille.
There is no doubt that the Q3 of a 1990 Ford Bronco looks more like an SUV than the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The front seats put the passengers relatively high and the thin pillars of the roof help to clear a good view of the road. Our test took place in the Italian Alps, where sharp turns and blind spots are shoveled. We therefore appreciated each grain of visibility that Q3 offered us.
The alpine route allowed us to simultaneously experience the maneuverability and performance qualities of the 228 horsepower model. The steering system is better weighted than the Q3 of last generation and it is quite accurate.
Our test car has come with progressive direction, which aims to offer the best of both worlds. At one end of the spectrum, it is light enough to make sharp turns, three or four points. As the pace accelerates, it becomes more direct and heavier to pull more dynamism in the third quarter. It's not a sports car, Audi makes the TT zippy if you want to get one, but it's more interesting to drive than the UX and the XC40.
The low-end torque largely keeps the delay of the turbo. The Q3's 2.0-liter engine, which is linked to the engine of other Audi models, looks like the TT engine above, as soon as the turbo starts. It does not pin you to the back or the back of the seat, but it is happy to move quickly if necessary. The seven-speed dual-clutch of our test car has had fast shifts, but we must not forget that the American model will receive an eight-speed automatic transmission. We will have to wait for the third quarter on US soil to fully evaluate its powertrain. It's promising, though. And we do not think that the market-specific transmission will change the fact that the four turbo is surprisingly quiet at moderate and high speeds.
There is nothing unpredictable in the way Q3 behaves. In typical Teutonic mode, it is stable, precise and easy to drive. The suspension tilts towards performance and far from comfort, which creates a relatively firm ride. The configuration allows body roll control while leaving more road imperfections through the cab than a softer air. You gain a little, you lose a little. We found the right brakes in all the situations where we used them.
We did not spend enough time driving Q3 to measure actual fuel economy. He will likely be using less fuel than his predecessor, who reported 23 miles per gallon in a combined cycle, but we do not expect him to become the most efficient car in his competitive game. Buyers whose main concern is to spend less on fuel should look into the Lexus UX, which is offered with an optional gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. Volvo will add a hybrid powertrain to the XC40 options list in the near future. It is too early to say if Audi will hybridize the Q3.
Peace of mind
The Audi Q3 is equipped as standard with two front, front and side curtain airbags, as well as traction and stability control systems. The list of standard features also includes rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlamps, lane departure warning and collision warning with automatic braking.
Although Audi has not yet released warranty information, we expect that, like all new cars in the brand, the Q3 will have four-year or 50,000-mile coverage, whichever comes first. The brand will also include a 12-year corrosion warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance for four years, and cover the first scheduled service.
The challengers
Audi has launched the Q3 in one of the most ruthless market segments. The stakes are higher than ever. Many motorists on the market for a compact premium crossover are luxury car buyers for the first time, so a positive experience with the brand could turn them into loyal customers for life. Making a negative first impression will send buyers crossing the street to the competition at the time of the upgrade.
Competitors in this segment include the BMW X1, which is more family-friendly than ever before, the Cadillac XT4, which is one of the coolest alternatives around, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which has exceeded its target and has need a major overhaul. Other options include the elegant Volvo XC40 and high technology Lexus UX. Both models are intelligently offered via a subscription service (called Care by Volvo and Lexus Complete Lease respectively), a business model that Audi is starting to consider as an alternative to buying or renting Netflix type.
How DT would configure this car
We can not explain how to configure the Q3 2019 without seeing the list of Audi's standard and optional features. We liked the virtual cockpit of our optional test car, and we were pleasantly surprised by the clear tones provided by the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Conclusion
The Q3 is no longer an afterthought in America. Audi has recognized the importance of the compact crossover segment and has made every effort to make its entry a success. The German firm has created a van with an elegant appearance, pleasant to drive and spacious enough to make a trip on the road. The segment's leading infotainment system and its high-end interior reinforce the appeal of the Q3.
Buyers will get more consistent driving (and a more funky style) while shopping at Volvo or Lexus, but what they will gain in comfort will lose in driving engagement.
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