The current generation Q3 has been around since 2019 and is reaching its twilight years now. Despite this, they're a fairly common sight on our roads, and for good reason. Two new variants were added to the line-up recently, namely the Urban and Black Edition models with 35 TDI and 40 TFSI engines available.
Related: Audi Q3 35 TFSI Black Edition (2024) Review
These editions, as Audi states, are a means to offer as much value as possible with tailor-made packages with features to suit the typical Q3 customer base. Not only this, but Audi Financial Services provides finance options to make these vehicles a stronger value proposition in the form of guaranteed future value.
We had the Q3 in 35 TDI Urban Edition trim.
Pros
- Aces the compact SUV formula gracefully
- Another testament to the potential of diesel engines
Cons
- On paper, compared to its competition, it looks as though it's lacking feature-wise
- Dated in some respects
Styling
The Urban Edition aims to be more subtle than the Black Edition in terms of styling. The Q3 in this trim has the familiar crossover and Audi styling cues. The hexagonal front grille with large openings, grey body cladding, and the leanly sculpted design language you tend to see with Audi vehicles nowadays. Sharp body creases, small smatterings of chrome to break away from the darker plastics and design cues similar to the A3 hatchback are there. 18-inch double-arm wheels with a detailed design are wrapped with some relatively thick, high-profile Hankook rubber, working together to complement the raised ground clearance. One would argue this is typical crossover styling cues, but this is where the Q3 wins at its design. It's easily noticeable as an Audi on the road and has a good-looking design that presents executively. Has it aged gracefully? We believe so, and the bright Progressive Red Metallic that our test car was finished in stands out certainly.
Space and Comfort
Regarding comfort, the Q3 has utilised the space aspect quite generously. There is ample head, leg and shoulder roof for this writer's average frame. The seats are finished in a combo of leather and leatherette with a firmer feel to the cushion foam. Around the cabin, at least in the Urban Edition, the colour swatch errs to a darker greyscale tone. The cabin features a good execution of soft-touch materials and minimal hard plastic. However, you can spec the Q3 with either tan or beige leather to brighten things up. However, the colour swatch in this spec balances with the polygonal-shaped interior elements like the bezels that house the infotainment, HVAC and more.
It's especially appreciated how driver-centric the cabin is, with the infotainment screen being ever so slightly tilted towards the driver and other controls like the drive controls below the HVAC controls. With the structure of the centre stack, this is where the Q3 starts to show its age, whereas newer Audi models would favour more digital operation and are more minimalist. Despite this, the tech is still easy to operate, and the switchgear feels premium with satisfying clicks from button presses and rotary dial swings. The Urban Edition also features a Panoramic Sunroof, which was welcome in the current weather at the time of writing. The Comfort key system also makes vehicle entry convenient without the key having to leave your pocket.
Managing infotainment duties is the MMI Radio Plus paired with the Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster. The MMI system is Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay enabled, and there's a partition in the centre stack to house the wireless charger and twin USB-C ports for smartphone charging and connectivity. You also have a 12V outlet and two USB ports in the rear. Rear passengers, particularly tech-savvy teenagers and adults, will be sorted. The rearview camera could be of better quality, but the system is pleasant enough to use with some potent speakers. Placement of the USB-C could do with better wire management if you're an Android user who needs Android Auto. Despite this niggle, the storage compartments for the Q3 are aplenty, and the cupholders can manage to hold even the biggest of cups for that morning work commute that needs a warm beverage. Regarding boot space, you have 530-1525 litres of boot space to play with, which makes loading things easier with the electronic tailgate. The cabin for the Q3 is one of its strongest features; though it's driver-centric, the other occupants aren't left out, and it still fulfils its purpose as a family SUV.
Performance
The diesel engine on offer here is a peach. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel lump makes 110kW /340Nm and is paired with Audi's S-Tronic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to deliver that power to the front wheels. What struck this writer is the smoothness of the powerplant and gearbox. On one hand, the setup is composed and frugal; when you need to get on it, everything responds accordingly. In some traffic situations, you need to dial in a bit of throttle for the transmission to engage, but it's a minor inconvenience.
The Drive
The Q3 rides well. The higher 55-profile width tyres assist nicely with the well-tuned secondary ride. The primary ride takes some harsher undulations in the road more firmly, but the ride in the Q3 is properly sorted. NVH is minimal, as you'd expect from German Luxury vehicles, and is partly due to the smooth powertrain. There's minimal wind noise on the highway, and naturally, the Q3 laps up the open road with ease.
Fuel Consumption
The 35 TDI trim's fuel consumption is rated at 6.4 L/100km, and we managed in the upper 7s with primarily urban usage. The claimed range is rated at 903km from the 58-litre tank.
Safety
Per the ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) assessment, the Audi Q3 scored 5 stars. You can find the following notable standard safety equipment in this trim:
- 6 airbags
- Rearview camera
- Parking system plus
- ISOFIX on the outer rear benches and front passenger seat
- Parking sensors front and rear
Price
The Q3 range comes with the Audi Freeway Plan, a standard 5-year/100 000km service and maintenance plan.
| Model | Price |
| Audi Q3 35TFSI | from R740 100 |
| Audi Q3 35TFSI Advanced | from R760 100 |
| Audi Q3 Sportback 35TFSI | from R765 700 |
| Audi Q3 35TDI | from R776 300 |
| Audi Q3 Sportback 35TDI | from R801 900 |
| Audi Q3 35TFSI Urban Edition | from R818 620 |
| Audi Q3 40TFSI quattro S line | from R830 300 |
| Audi Q3 Sportback 35TFSI Urban Edition | from R844 220 |
| Audi Q3 35TDI Urban Edition | from R854 820 |
| Audi Q3 Sportback 40TFSI quattro S line | from R855 900 |
| Audi Q3 35TFSI Black Edition | from R879 050 |
| Audi Q3 Sportback 35TDI Urban Edition | from R880 420 |
| Audi Q3 Sportback 35TFSI Black Edition | from R904 650 |
| Audi Q3 35TDI Black Edition | from R921 250 |
| Audi Q3 Sportback 35TDI Black Edition | from R946 850 |
*The pricing stated here was correct when published and is subject to change without further notice.
Rivals
- BMW X1
- Alfa Romeo Tonale
- MINI Countryman
- Volvo EX30
- Lexus UX
- Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Verdict
Regarding premium crossovers, the Q3 has got the brief down. It's debatable that, on paper, the Audi doesn't offer much feature-wise when compared to the onslaught of Chinese competitor vehicles entering the South African market offering more for much less. However, in this instance, they lack what vehicles like the Q3 have regarding the foundations of a good premium product. The Audi's powertrain calibration, fuss-free tech, solid ergonomics, refinement and frugality combine to create a wonderfully balanced premium SUV. The TDI engine is another testament that diesel engines still have it and can go further (pun intended). Yes, the Q3 is starting to get long in the tooth, but it's still a wonderful thing to drive!
