Audi Q3 35 TFSI S Tronic S Line, our road test – Road test

Audi Q3 35 TFSI S Tronic S Line, our road test – Road test

More, more attractive, more high tech: new Listen Q3 grows, but above all matures and has a strong appearance both inside and out. On the other hand, in order to compete in one of the hottest market segments - the compact SUV segment - you must not allow weaknesses.

Available data appears to have improved across the board. Compared to the old model, the new Listen Q3 grows by 10 cm in length (reaches 449) and 8 on a step. Translated: More room for rear passengers who like a pull-out couch and more liters for the trunk, which now boasts 530 liters (over 1.500 with the bottom down) is truly remarkable.

Il design it's a matter of taste, but Q3 she is objectively more sculpted and masculine than the first model, more rounded and shy. Nods to the Q8's big sister - especially a bit of a coupe in the back - and to the E-Tron make it even more "premium". Thus, the rear sides are wide and rounded, and overall it is more sporty and angrier.

It's even better on the inside: the driver's section is different from the passenger section with geometric shapes that carve out the spaces and a black line that crosses the dashboard and turns on the navigator. The huge black touchscreen is susceptible to dust and fingerprints, but it's comfortable and above all intuitive to use.

However, the ergonomics are thought out to the smallest detail, each button is where it should be, and the design is clean and modern. It is working.

To whom is it addressed

For those looking for comfort and driving pleasure, but with luxury and class.

First kilometers with the Audi Q3

The first thing that catches your eye is ease of control, the second is silence. IN 1.5 h.p. 150 TFSI engine has the advantage of being linear, smooth and silent, while you turn the bottom of the tachometer.

Il automatic transmission with dual clutch very experienced in engine management, disengages gears as soon as possible to reap the benefits torque 250 Nm (already available at 1.500 rpm) and to keep me low consumption... Which means they are not very low: in the city, they travel about 12 km / L, mixing the state and the highway that you get to. 14-15 km / l. That's not bad for a turbocharged 1,5-liter petrol engine, especially given the size of the car, but the diesel is certainly less thirsty.

However, this engine is undoubtedly more enjoyable. There is food, but you hardly notice it, the delivery is so linear and without holes. It is incredibly quiet on the track, also thanks to the very precise soundproofing. It forces you to travel long distances, while the light steering and soft shock absorbers provide a high level of comfort in any situation.

The new Audi Q3 is almost exhausting, but its aura of perfection and filtered driving is soothing, especially for those who drive a car every day, especially in traffic jams.

Driving dynamics

There was a time when Audi they were discriminated against for cornering, but now it's a long way off. L 'Listen Q3 it is a machine that allows you to control yourself. It's not exactly sporty, but it's precise and sturdy, with a tail that follows your actions and amazing agility. The steering is precise (albeit light and filtered even in "Dynamic" mode), while suspensions they control weight shift well without leaving too much room to roll.

In this case, the engine is well distributed over the entire rev range, aided by a short gear ratio that allows you to use every single power.

It won't be exciting (I don't even want to), but it's definitely not bad when the road winds. It is much more agile than the previous Audi Q3 and is arguably the most balanced in its segment.

What does it say about you

You like to be noticed, but you don't want to give up practicality. You live in the city and love out-of-town travel, but above all, you have a passion for luxury and technology.

How much is it

As for the German language prize we are accustomed to certain prices, even very far from those listed, since the equipment needs to be enriched (and this is not cheap). Audi Q3 in our test S-Line Edition with gearbox 7-speed automatic, what price list goes 43.200 euro, but when set up correctly - without exaggeration - reach 50.000 euros. There are a lot of them, but they also match the performance of competitors.

As standard, we find the S-Line exterior, digital instrument cluster, cruise control, a black dash that crosses the dashboard and includes a navigator screen, line-departure warning, 19-inch wheels and a retractable seat.

Competitors

Direct competitors of the Audi Q3 are the German BMW X1 and Mercedes GLC; there are also Jaguar XE who wish.