The Audi Q3 is currently Audi’s smallest crossover. Based on the Volkswagen Tiguan and debuting for the 2012 model year, the Q3 made a splash with three TFSi gasoline engines and three TDI diesel engines for consumption in world markets. Now for 2015, Audi is finally bringing the Q3 stateside, though it will only be offered with its range-topping 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder making 200 horsepower. Of course Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system will be optional, sending power to all four wheels for better handling. Those Q3s without quattro will be front-wheel-drive. A six-speed automatic transmission will be the only option for those wanting to buy a U.S.-spec Q3.

Audi is also revamping its Q3 for 2015 with a revised exterior look that is far more edgy and sporty than before, along with. Active suspension dampers are now present with driver-selectable modes for a tailored feel. Those outside the U.S. will enjoy the added power Audi gave the RS Q3, boosting its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder an extra 30 horsepower and 22 pound-feet of torque, giving it a total of 340 horses and 332 pound-feet.

Aimed directly at the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the Audi Q3 offers pint sized SUV functionality in a somewhat sporty package that’s easy to park.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Audi Q3.

2016 Audi Q3

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Audi Q3
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 120
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Spy Shots

September 25, 2014 - Facelift Audi Q3 continues to strip

June 26, 2014

The batch of spy shots we received in our inbox reveals some of the changes operated on the upcoming Q3. The most notable modification is the front grille, which will feature horizontal slats instead of the vertical bars seen on the current model. The switch makes the Q3 look both wider and sportier when compared to the pre-facelift crossover. Additionally, the front end will also gain larger air intakes and revised headlamps in line with the rest of the Audi range.

Changes are kept to a minimum around back, where a set of new taillights will come to replace the current units. The rear bumper appears to have gained a more pronounced shape, but the swirly camouflage is thick enough to hide all the details. The side sills are slightly different too, but nothing seems out of the ordinary.

There's no info as far as powertrains are concerned, but expect for the U.S.-spec, 2.0-liter TSFI engine to generate in excess of 200 horsepower. In its current form, the four-banger is rated at exactly 200 ponies and 207 pound-feet of torque.

Exterior

The 2015 Q3 features a number of visual updates that make it more angular and attractive than the more rounded version of before. The front grille sees much of those updates, with a new chrome ring that connects to both headlights. More aggressive, five-sided lower air intakes below the headlights give the Q3 a grimaced, angered look.

Out back, the Q3 gets redesigned sequential taillights that add a nice touch of glitz. A sportier lower fascia adds even more detail. New wheels help the 2015 differentiate itself even more from the previous models.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

14.4 Ft

Width

6.0 Ft

Height

5.2 Ft

Wheelbase

8.5 Ft


Side-by-side comparison

Interior

The interior of the Q3 is typical Audi – fine materials with spectacular fit and finish. Audi supplies plenty of physical buttons for the most used controls like the radio and HAVC system. Audi’s MMI system is present, with a flip-up screen in the dashboard and the controller down below on the center console.

Dual analog gauges give engine and ground speeds while an information screen gives other important info such as mileage, tripometer, radio station info, and mpg readouts. Passenger comfort will likely be high of the Q3’s priority list. The front bucket seats get power-adjustability while the rear seats will fold flat for extra cargo room.

Drivetrain

U.S.-spec Q3s will only come with one powertrain option – the direct-injected, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The unit makes a respectable 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque and can only be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Customers do get the option of choosing front- or all-wheel-drive.

Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system will surely be a popular option for more northern customers who need the extra grip for wintery conditions.

While Audi hasn’t announced any news regarding the RS Q3’s entry into the U.S., the automaker has promised in the past that more RS-branded vehicles would be headed this way. If this were the case for the RS Q3, we would see Audi’s 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder come this way. Making 340 horses and 332 pound-feet of torque, the RS Q3 would make a great addition to the lineup.

Prices

The 2015 Audi Q3 will come to the States in two trim levels: the Premium Plus and the Prestige. Prices start at $32,500 for the Premium Plus and jump to $36,400 for the more equipped Prestige.

Competitors

Conclusion

The BMW X1 started the luxury, compact-crossover niche in 2009. It still has the market nearly to itself, especially in the United States, but that's about to change as soon as the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA find their way to North American dealers. Meanwhile, the crossover is set to receive many changes next year, including a brand-new platform with a front-wheel-drive configuration.

The new, U.S.-spec X1 will arrive only in its xDrive guise, meaning no front-wheel drive for us. Engine-wise, expect the Bimmer to come with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine in its range-topping trim, with nearly 300 horsepower at its disposal. Visually, the upcoming X1 won't be radically different, although BMW->ke178's trend in fitting its new models with wider kidney grilles and narrower headlamps is likely to affect this crossover.

Mercedes GLA

The GLA is one of the newest Mercedes-Benz models on the market and the company's first venture into the compact-crossover segment. Obviously prettier than the X1, the GLA promises to give its German rival a good run for its money in the United States by means of a turbocharged, 2.0-liter engine rated at 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The crossover will become available Stateside in both 4MATIC and front-wheel-drive guises, although the latter won't hit showrooms until next year. Mercedes-Benz->ke187 claims the all-wheel-drive version can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 145 mph.

Conclusion

With the crossover craze alive and well here in the U.S., the Q3 will likely do rather well; especially considering its smart looks, powerful engine, all-wheel-drive capability, and room for five. Oh, and of course there’s the luxury brand identity Audi enjoys. With a reasonable starting price in the low to mid-$30,000 range, the Q3 is sure to be a strong hit.