By PETER ANDERSON
Audi’s Q3 wasn’t the first but it set the standard for the compact premium SUV.
While neither too high nor too low, too small or too big, it took Volkswagen’s platform-sharing strategy to provide the better-heeled with a four-ringed player where something like a VW Tiguan (or a Mazda CX-3) just wouldn’t do.
With the end in sight for the first-gen Q3, and a pair of new contenders in BMW’s second-gen X1 and Mercedes’ GLA, the final refresh has a lot riding on it.
The all-quattro diesel line up starts at $47,990 and rises to $56,900 for the Sport we drove.
This buys an eight-speaker stereo with Bluetooth, dual-zone climate-control, reversing camera with sensors front and rear, cruise control, selectable driving mode, bi-xenon headlights, keyless entry and start, leather trim, power windows and mirrors, auto wipers, roof rails and sports seats.
Our car also had $1150 metallic paint, $2990 Technik package (MMI navigation plus, auto parking, upgraded sound) and the $2490 Assistance package (side assist, lane departure warning, hill hold and hill descent control and clever mirrors).
We were also spoiled with both the interior and exterior S-Line packages ($5600 all up) which includes handsome five-spoke 18-inch alloys and partial Alcantara trim.
All these options takes the Q3 TDI Sport to $69,130.
The Q3 has been timeless from day one.
Unlike the blinged-out, chunky (and slightly vulgar) Q7 that preceded it, the Q3 is a much more studied design.
It manages to impart the high-rider SUV look without actually being particularly high.
The short overhangs at either end also ensure it drives like the hatchback on which it’s based, with just a bit of extra lean in the corners.
There’s very little jewellery or extra flash and it’s all the better for it.
Inside is classic Audi from a few years back – good materials with just a couple of curious choices like the big switches for the climate control that would be better off being normal buttons.
The lower half of the console looks lifted from a VW Polo which is a bit of a shame.
There’s plenty of room and storage inside, with a good-sized boot with a flat floor that’s level with the bumper so you can just slide your gear in and out.
Six airbags, ABS, brake assist, traction and stability controls add up to five ANCAP stars.
Audi’s earlier MMI continues on in the Q3, mounted on the centre stack where you would probably prefer the air-con controls were.
It still does a decent job of playing tunes and controlling the sat-nav, but isn’t as feature-packed as later versions.
The display is a fold-up screen which is starting to show its age, with jaggy graphics and a slight under-endowment in the inches department.
Under the bonnet is Volkswagen Group’s suddenly-infamous 2.0 turbo-diesel engine. The four-cylinder TDI is good for 135 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. This engine is currently not on sale in Australia.
Mated to the seven-speed twin-clutch (called S-tronic when it’s in an Audi).
When we drove the Q3 TDI the engine had an official fuel figure of 5.4 L/100km when tested on the combined cycle. We saw 7.2 L/100km in mostly city driving.
In this configuration, 0-100 km/h clocks in at 7.9 seconds.
With figures seemingly close between the petrol and TDI, they couldn’t be more different to drive.
The 380 Nm torque figure for the diesel more than offsets the weight gain and makes the TDI the one to have if you’re often-loaded up or spend a lot of time on the highway.
It’s a belter for overtaking, with a flex of the ankle sending the gearbox down two or three gears before launching straight past whatever you’re tackling.
It’s a fairly flexible engine but it, and the dual-clutch auto, can make Q3 a bit jerky when waking up at the lights from stop-start, especially to a rude awakening involving anything more than about a quarter-throttle.
Once you learn a bit of anticipation and give it the respect it’s due (reduce pressure on the brake pedal), that particular problem largely goes away.
One of the best things about the Q3 is the ride – it doesn’t seem to matter if it’s running on a set of 17-inch wheels with baggy(ish) tyres or a set of 19s with the tyres painted on, it never seems flustered.
As the wheel size increases it does get a bit firmer, but the quiet but sharp steering makes up for that, as does the excellent body control.
With all-wheel drive grip, it’s also a secure-feeling car in most conditions you’ll encounter in urban Australia.
Audi Q3 is a proper all-rounder which helps explain why our roads carry so many of them.
There’s so little to fault in the Q3 that one wonders if there’s any point in replacing it.
Of course, a bit of seat time in a BMW X1 or Merc GLA will answer that question (hint: they’ve got more stuff inside) and the general upping-of-the-game from not just Germany but Japan and Korea.
But if you want something restrained, classy and good to drive without being overtly SUV-ey, the Audi Q3 is the right place to be.
For more information contact Audi Barry Bourke, 755 Princes Highway, Berwick. Phone 9707 2222.
