What’s around to give a Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-5 or BMW X3 a scare? Audi have their answer in the Audi Q3. Built for the same market sector as the X3 and CX-7, the Audi Q3 offers AWD, higher ground clearance and, perhaps, a little more status than the other two. If you’re after a class act but need to stick to a budget, you can’t go past the excellent Mazda CX-7. BMW’s X3 is super competent, especially on the tarmac. But if you can afford a few extra dollars, of the three, the Audi Q3 is arguably the more exotic and flashy machine to drive.

Look at any of the new Audi models, and you’re quick to note just how nice they look. Better build quality and engineering make driving an Audi a special experience. The Audi Q3 is a sporty beast. You could easily pass it off as a Coupe with a higher ride –such are the beautiful flowing lines and the progressive styling. Dominating the face of the Q3 is the unmistakable large grille that keeps this one in the Audi family. Sleek lines and large air intakes hint at how well this car can get along, too.

Enter into the luxurious Audi world, and inside the Audi Q3 is a remarkable level of refinement and comfort. Underway, the Q3 cabin is well muted, and everything feels perfectly placed and superbly put together. Even the audio system is clarity to behold. There is an optional pop-up multimedia screen that provides in-car information and links to the Q3’s extensive communications technology. Ergonomically excellent, the curved dash design flows superbly and places the switchgear perfectly. Power windows, climate air conditioning, heated seats, electronic front seats, rain sensing wipers, parking assist, a comprehensive safety list and sculptured leather seats provide the very best in auto-driving entertainment and luxury. The optional panoramic glass sunroof is big and provides a gentle way of experiencing the outside environment with the roof being able to slide back and forwards.

The commendably spacious interior of the Audi Q3 provides comfortable seating for all passengers, with plenty of space in the luggage compartment for carrying sporting and lifestyle equipment. The Q3’s standard luggage volume is a useful 460 litres, while folding down the divided rear seats increases the luggage area to 1365 litres. Spacious, and built with practicality in mind, the Audi Q3 is a very likable car to spend a few hours inside.

Effective traction is found via a sophisticated, and very competent, AWD quattro system. The hydraulic multi-disc clutch of the permanent all-wheel drive diverts the forces from the front to the rear axle at lightning speed – just as your driving demands. With a wading depth of 500 mm and a ground clearance of 185 mm, the Audi Q3 allows you to tackle light off-road duties and ford the streams to get you to that wild place and beyond. If off-roading isn’t your thing, then the FWD models will be the perfect choice. You’ll save a bit in fuel running costs, too.

Under the hood are a range of engine choices. One of them will fit the bill for you. They are great engines, with few rivals. The Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI offers 125 kW and 155 kW. The Q3 2.0 TFSI 125 kW generates a maximum torque of 280 Nm, which remains constant from between 1700 to 4200 rpm. The combined fuel consumption figure of 7.3 litres/100 km is nothing to snigger at, either. But, you need more power? The more powerful TFSI version boasts 155 kW and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. Responsive power enables the Audi Q3 155 kW model to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in around 6.9 seconds. There are no problems for this vehicle to reach 230 km/h – just make sure it’s legal. Combined with quattro permanent all-wheel-drive and a sharp shifting seven-speed S tronic transmission, this model is a delightful performer.

The 2.0 TDI, 103 kW engine has a front-wheel-drive set-up in conjunction with a six-speed manual transmission. Its consumption of less than 5.2 l/100 km provides superior efficiency. The more powerful TDI model with 130 kW is equipped with the permanent all-wheel-drive quattro system and a superb seven-speed S tronic transmission, as standard. This engine variant reaches its maximum torque of 380 Nm at an engine speed of just 1750 rpm. The Audi Q3 TDI, with 130 kW, accelerates to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds. It also runs right past 200 clicks to reach a top speed of 212 km/h (where permissible).

Don’t settle for second best. The Audi Q3 is one of the best in its class, and looks the “bee’s knees”, too. You will enjoy. The Audi Q3 offers a great way to get you around Australia in all the comfort and style you’ll need.

The current model series includes the:

• Q3 TFSI 125 kW
• Q3 TFSI 155 kW
• Q3 TDI 103 kW
• Q3 TDI 130 kW

For any more information on the Audi Q3 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Audi dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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