The 2019 Q3 adds almost 30 horsepower for this year, as well as two more ratios in the transmission. The 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder now makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-feet of torque. All this torque means that the Q3 should feel lively in everyday driving, making freeway merging and 2-lane passing a breeze. The 2019 Q3 makes all-wheel drive standard on all trims.
The Audi Q3 comes in three basic trims Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. There is also an available S-line exterior styling package that includes unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts and badging, along with slick 19-inch wheels, though this package is required should buyers be looking to purchase the top of the line Prestige trim.
Even the entry-level Premium trim comes nicely equipped, and includes LED headlights and taillights, high gloss aluminum window surrounds and roof rails, 18-inch wheels, a multifunction steering wheel with controls for the radio and cruise control system, a large, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and Audi's smartphone interface with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Q3 also comes standard with Audi's Pre Sense Forward Collision Warning System which uses a camera to monitor the area in front of the vehicle, warning the driver if it detects an impending impact. The system will also pre-tension the seatbelts and begin closing the windows and sunroof should it detect a collision about to happen.
There is a veritable plethora of technology and interior luxury available on the Q3 through higher trim levels and options. A Sport Interior Package comes with upgraded S-line seats trimmed in leather with contrasting stitching, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and optionally orange Alcantara inserts throughout the cabin. Audi's Virtual Cockpit system is available on the Q3, which replaces the 10.25-inch instrument display with a larger 12.3-inch screen which can be configured to display the speedometer and tachometer overlayed across a large map displaying navigational info, making finding one's way around an unfamiliar city much easier. An optional Bang & Olufsen sound system features 15 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier with 680-watts of power. On the safety front, Audi also offers the Q3 with a side assist system, a lane departure warning system which will subtly help steer the Q3 to keep it within its lane, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, a rear cross traffic assist system, parking sensors, a parking assist system that can essentially parallel park the car on its own and a top view camera system for help maneuvering in tight situations.
Standard All-wheel Drive
Affordable Base Price
Torquey Engine
Stylish Exterior
Comfortable And Well-designed Interior
Available Technology
The Audi Q3 gets a full redesign for the 2019 model year. The Q3 grows a little bit, offering a more spacious interior and a little more comfort. However, the SUV is still relatively compact, meaning it's right at home in the city. Styling on the new Q3 is clean and functional with just a little bit of that signature Audi flair, and the Q3 is packed full of the latest automotive technology.
The Audi Q3 is one of the least expensive vehicles in the Audi lineup. It has a base price of under $35,000, while providing owners with a competent, sporty SUV with a fair amount of luxury. The competition includes all manner of small SUVs, but the Q3 competes directly with the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. While BMW tends to concentrate on the sportiness of their cars, Mercedes generally leans a little bit more towards the luxury side of things. The new Q3 offers a delightful compromise between the two, concentrating the most on new technology while maintaining a sporty feel to go along with its cleaner styling lines.