Overview
2022 Audi Q3 : A Compact Luxury SUV That Delivers Style, Performance, And Comfort
Looking every bit like its larger siblings, the 2022 Q3 is the smallest Audi SUV, but it offers much the same experience. It looks expensive on the outside and its cabin is lined with many of the same fine materials and technology features that you'll find on the more expensive Q5, Q7, and Q8 crossovers. Rear seat space isn't as generous, of course, and to keep costs down there's some subtle cost-cutting inside. To make up for it, the Q3 offers a slightly more youthful ambiance and its chassis delivers a more agile feeling than the larger Audi SUVs do, putting it right in step with key rivals such as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-class.
What's New for 2022?
The most affordable Q3 model gains new standard equipment for 2022, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and new aluminum interior trim. The Convenience package is new this year as well and includes eight-way power front seats with memory for the driver, auto-dimming exterior mirrors that fold, and an integrated garage door opener. Premium Plus trims get a new 360-degree camera system and a brown wood trim is now optional on the Premium model.
Audi Q3 35 TFSI Details
Price Used Price From Dealer $51,300
Trade-In Value $44,600
Series F3 MY22
Body Style four-door wagon
Release date 01/07/2021
Discontinued date -
Drive type FWD
VIN plate location Driver Side Inner Guard
Compliance plate location Pass Side Lower A-Pillar
VIN Example WAUZZZF31K1000697
Country of origin Germany
Segment Small SUV
Safety ANCAP rating 5 stars
Number of doors 4
Seating capacity 5
Audi Q3 35 TFSI Engine Specifications
Type TURBO DIRECT F/INJ
Size 1395cc, 1.4L
Power @ RPM 110kW @ 5000rpm (147.5 hp)
Torque @ RPM 250Nm @ 1500rpm (184.4 lb-ft)
Cylinders turbocharged four-cylinder
Number of Valves 16
Valves DUAL OVERHEAD CAM
Euro Rating EURO 6
Compression ratio 10.00
Power/weight ratio 71.2kw/tonne
Bore/stroke 74.5mm × 80mm (2.9in × 3.1in)
Audi Q3 35 TFSI Drivetrain and Wheels
Transmission Six-speed Auto Dual Clutch
Drive type front wheel drive
Steering type ELECTRMECHANICAL POWER STEERING
Turning circle 11.8m (38.7 ft)
Brake (front) type DISC - VENTILATED
Brake (rear) type DISC
Front tyre & wheel size 235/55 R18 - 7x18
Rear tyre & wheel size 235/55 R18 - 7x18
Front suspension type Macpherson strut
Rear suspension type 4 links
Audi Q3 35 TFSI Fuel Specifications
Fuel type PREMIUM UNLEADED PETROL
Fuel tank capacity 58L
Fuel consumption (combined average) 7.2L / 100km
Fuel consumption city (average) 9.4L / 100km
Fuel consumption highway (average) 5.9L / 100km
Vehicle range 805.6km (500.6 miles)
Emission standard EURO 6
CO2 emissions (combined) 164g / 100km
CO2 emissions (city) 212g / 100km
CO2 emissions (highway) 134g / 100km
Audi Q3 35 TFSI Dimensions
Length 4485mm (176.6 inches)
Width 849mm (72.8 inches)
Height 1640mm (64.6 inches)
Wheelbase 2677mm (105.4 inches)
Front track 1582mm (62.3 inches)
Rear track 1585mm (62.4 inches)
Ground clearance 191mm (7.5 inches)
Unladen weight 1545kg (3406.1 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Mass 2055kg (4530.5 lbs)
Audi Q3 35 TFSI Towing Capacity
Braked towing capacity 1800kg (3968.3 lbs)
Unbraked towing capacity 750kg (1653.5 lbs)
Audi Q3 35 TFSI Warranty
Warranty length 36 months
Warranty distance Unlimited km
Audi Q3 35 TFSI Servicing
Service interval (km) 15,000 km
Service interval (months) 12 months
Audi Q3 35 TFSI Options
Standard Features
Engine Immobiliser
Seatbelts - Lap/Sash for All Seats
Dual Front Airbags Package
Anti-lock Braking
Brake Assist
Rear Centre Armrest
Multi Function Control Screen
Leather Steering Wheel
Spare Wheel - Space Saver/Temporary
Rear Air Vents
Warning Triangle
Dusk Sensing Headlights
Adjustable Front Seats - Manual
Voice Recognition System
Front Footwell Lights
Inlays
Cup Holders - Front and Rear
Seatbelts - Pre-tensioners Front Seats
Wireless Phone Charge
Auto Climate Control with Dual Temp Zones
Door Handle Courtesy Lights
Pedestrian Recognition
WiFi Hotspot
Apple Car Play
Anti-Slip Regulation
Electronic Stability Control
Cloth Headlining
Digital Audio Broadcast Radio +
First-Aid Kit
Split Fold Rear Seat
Electric Parking Brake
Leather Accented Upholstery
Rain Sensing Wipers
Front Centre Armrest
18 Inch Alloy Wheels
Seatbelts - Reminder for All Seats
Navigation System
Android Auto
Sunvisors with Vanity Mirrors & Illumination
Multi Function Steering Wheel
Speed Sensitive Power Steering
Tyre Pressure Loss Warning System
Floor Mats - Front & Rear
Sound System with 6 Speakers
Multi Function Display
Ambient Interior Lighting
Curtain Airbags
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Electronic Differential Lock
Extra USB Socket/s
Traffic Jam Assist
Smartphone Pack
Convenience Pack
Bench Seat Rear
Side Airbags - Front Seats side
Forward Collision Mitigation
Rain Sensor
Attention Assist
Connect Plus
Rear Footwell Lights
Google Services
Cyclist Recognition
Centre Console Storage
Selective Catalytic Reduction
Door Courtesy Lights
Torque Vectoring Control
Virtual Cockpit
Audi Pre-sense
Assistance Services
Colour Composition MIB3 Media Platform
Security Services
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Q3 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes either 184- or 228-hp; either way it comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. In our time behind the wheel of a Q3 with the more potent of the two engines, we noted that the engine provided ample power, but our test vehicle wasn't as quick as some rivals, and we noticed a delay between our right foot's action and the engine's response (read: turbo lag). Still, its transmission shifted smoothly during normal operation and provided sportier reactions when shifted into S mode. Thankfully, its suspension damped out all but the harshest road imperfections. Direct steering with a light-to-the-touch feel gives the Q3 a sense of agility. The little SUV also moves with the same grace as its larger siblings when pitched down a twisty section of road.
Performance
How does the Q3 drive? The Q3 is more interested in delivering comfort than thrills. Our test Q3 with the 45 TFSI powertrain reached 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is slightly slower than average for a luxury subcompact SUV. The eight-speed automatic transmission can also be a little slow to react when you're leaving from a stop.
The Q3 is more energetic from a handling standpoint. It has responsive steering and stays composed when driving through high-speed curves. Altogether, everyday driving is crisp and comfortable, but if driving pleasure is important, you're better off with a BMW X1.
Comfort
How comfortable is the Q3? The Q3's ride quality is firm but not overly stiff. Bumps can be felt through the cabin, but the Q3 quickly dispatches with them and doesn't make any excessive body motions. It's also pretty quiet since there's little outside noise, either from the tires or wind.
The front seats provide eight-way adjustment so you can find the perfect position and four-way power lumbar adjustment for long trips. The controls are clearly labeled and well within reach. The seat heaters take a few minutes to warm up and never get as hot as others in the class
Interior
How’s the interior? The Q3 has an accessible seating position that will meet the needs of most buyers. There's plenty of headroom up front and enough room for two adults to be comfortable in back. It's also pretty easy to see out of the Q3 thanks to big windows and a short hood.
The optional 10.1-inch touchscreen is responsive to the touch and offers a helpful clicking noise to let you know the command is registered. The buttons on the steering wheel and center console are clearly labeled.
Technology
How’s the tech? With the optional MMI navigation feature, the Q3 can operate Apple CarPlay wirelessly. It sometimes takes a minute to activate upon starting the car, but it's ultimately convenient. Navigation is simple to input and control, but the real star is the map itself, which offers a beautiful three-dimensional view.
All of the Q3's active driver safety features work well, but it can be tricky to get used to all the buttons and knobs required. Adaptive cruise control is mostly helpful, but if traffic abruptly slows, it sometimes brakes too late and prompts the driver to take over.
Storage
How’s the storage? The Q3 does the most with its limited cargo dimensions. There's a flat load floor and small compartments on either side to secure small bags, plus a security shade that can be removed to provide more space if needed.
A wireless charging pad and small grip between the cupholders are clever ways to store smartphones, but that's about it in the way of small-item storage. The rear door openings are wide enough that you can easily lean in and set up rear-facing car seats. The car seat anchors are simple to access, and there are three back anchors for overhead security.
Fuel Economy
How’s the fuel economy? The Q3 we tested had an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined, putting it near the bottom of its class since most entries rank in the mid-to-high 20s. The Q3 outperformed its rating on our 115-mile evaluation route, achieving 26.8 mpg. But in city driving or heavy traffic, it routinely failed to reach 20 mpg. Overall, we suspect you'll be able to match the EPA's estimate, even if it's not particularly great for the class.
Value
Is the Q3 a good value? No gaps, creaks or cheap plastics here. The surfaces inside the Q3 are tastefully put together and great to the touch, if a little bland. The S line spices things up with natural wood and matte inlays. The Q3 is priced similarly to others in the class such as the BMW X2 and Cadillac XT4. Audi's warranties are about average for a luxury automaker.
Wildcard
You choose Audi because you know what to expect. The Q3 has a driving feel and styling language that are consistent with the brand yet wholly distinctive from other luxury automakers. The Q3 holds few surprises. But solid build quality, great infotainment and small personalized touches such as available ambient lighting give the crossover a hint of panache.
2022 Audi Q3 First Impressions
What is the Q3?
The Q3 has been a smart way to get behind the wheel of an Audi without blowing up your budget. It combines most of the goodness of the larger Q5 SUV — similar tech, convenience and safety features — in a smaller and less expensive luxury package.
Blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors now come standard. Previously these were only available in the optional Convenience package. For 2022, the Q3's Convenience package adds memory functions for the power-adjustable driver's seat and side mirrors. The Q3 also gets some fresh style options, such as an aluminum interior trim package and new natural wood inlays for the Premium trim level. Finally, the top Premium Plus trim now offers a 360-degree camera view.
The rest of the Q3 is pretty much unchanged. You'll like that it's roomy for its size and has a smooth and quiet ride on the highway. The 2022 Audi Q3 comes with feature upgrades that should help it keep pace with its BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA rivals. Audi's latest infotainment system, MIB 3, comes standard and promises faster response times, expanded satellite radio content, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices, and more nuanced voice command controls.\
Driving the Audi Q3 Turbo Petrol Automatic
Powering the Audi Q3 is this punchy 2.0-litre (40 TFSI) turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 187 BHP and 320 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission with Audi’s Quattro AWD system:
This 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine in the 187 BHP tune is shared with the Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Kodiaq, Skoda Octavia, Skoda Superb, Audi A4, etc. The same engine is available in a higher state of tune (241 BHP & 370 Nm) internationally, and a lot of owners would've appreciated the powerful tune in the Q3. But as of now, we must do good with 187 BHP. The performance of this engine is strong and with the torque available from low revs, the 2.0 is quite tractable and enjoyable at all speeds. That said, it is disappointing that Audi hasn't made its durable, efficient & powerful 2.0 TDI engine BS6-compliant. That puts the Q3 at a disadvantage as there are many diesel lovers in the premium segments. Plus, that 2.0 diesel was a workhorse for high-mileage customers in a way that the 2.0 TFSI can never be. Important to note that the cars in direct competition (BMW X1 & Mercedes Benz GLA) have a diesel engine in their lineup.
In the city,
the 2.0 motor's healthy bottom end helps you get around effortlessly. The throttle response is good and the Q3 moves smoothly. Add to that, the direct injection and turbocharger ensure that the engine isn't lethargic at low RPMs. There's always more than enough power on tap to accelerate or overtake quickly. The minimal turbo lag just makes it that much more responsive. While the dual-clutch S tronic gearbox is super smooth 99% of the time, it can get jerky at crawling speeds in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Drive with a light foot and the gearbox moves up the ratios quickly. It is eager to reach higher gears and you will see it upshift under 2,000 rpm. Impressively though, you won't feel these shifts as the transition is very smooth. The Q3’s steering is light at city speeds and the car shrinks further in size while driving. You will enjoy driving it in the city.
Out on the highway is when things go from good to great! You'll find yourself addicted to flooring the throttle whenever there's an empty stretch of road. Outright performance is excellent and the strong mid-range takes care of all the overtaking you need to do. The downshifts are quick and the gearbox responds well to throttle inputs, especially in "Dynamic" mode.
The engine revs beautifully to ~6,200 rpm and importantly, sounds lovely and sporty while doing so. While this is enjoyable, we would have liked to see 6,500 - 6,700 rpm to play with as this rpm level is way too low (some diesels rev to 5,500 rpm!). In terms of cruisability, the Q3 can run at triple-digit speeds all day long without breaking into a sweat. The engine spins at a relaxed ~1,700 rpm at 100 km/h and ~2,000 rpm at 120 km/h. And touring you must do - this car is built for long-distance road trips. In summary, the 2.0 TFSI is a jewel of a motor that will keep you happy at low revs & high, and in the city
as well as on the highway.
The Q3 uses a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and has a wet clutch setup. We have reservations regarding the long-term reliability of any VW / Skoda / Audi dual-clutch and strongly recommend getting that extended warranty. The first 500 customers of the Audi Q3 are being offered a 5-year extended warranty and a 3-year / 50,000 km comprehensive service package.
Cruising around in D mode,
one won't even notice the gears being shifted. They are damn smooth. The kick-down response time is quick and you will never feel that the gearbox is hunting for gears either. It's in the right ratio almost all the time. When you are in the mood to drive the car aggressively - engage 'Dynamic' mode. This puts the car in 'high alert' mode and its senses are heightened. The dual-clutch transmission holds onto gears longer before upshifting and you'll also notice that the gearbox is eager to downshift at the slightest of throttle inputs. People with a heavy foot will love S mode for sure. However, in the city where traffic is heavy, S mode can get jerky.
Paddle shifters have been provided and you will enjoy using them with this turbo-petrol. The response time is quick and they are fun to use on a twisty section of road. Tap the left paddle for a downshift and you'll notice the ECU blipping the throttle to match the revs, which is quite satisfying & addictive. There's a good amount of engine braking available too. But again, with such a combination, the paddle shifters would've been a lot more fun if the engine offered 500 - 1,000 more revs to play with.
The Q3’s dual-clutch
S tronic features an "S" mode that changes the gearbox's shift points. The gearbox holds onto the gears longer too. One can engage the manual mode by moving the gear lever to the left into the Tiptronic gate, or by clicking on any of the plastic paddles. Tiptronic works in both "D" & "S" modes. The response time in Tiptronic is decent and the S tronic holds on to gears. One can use this mode to keep the engine in its powerband, which can be useful for overtaking manoeuvres.
Apart from the gearbox's "S" mode, the Q3 has a host of driving modes, which change the parameters of the engine, gearbox, steering, ESP, and air-con. There are a total of five drive modes to choose from: Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Offroad. The Q3 gets a dedicated ‘Drive Select’ button below the gear lever to select the drive mode.
Comfort mode
As the name suggests, everything is in the most comfortable setting in this mode - the engine map and steering. Use this for everyday driving in your city.
Dynamic mode: Engage Dynamic mode and the gearbox also shifts to ‘S’ mode. The downshifts are much quicker, and you'll feel the throttle to be sharper. The engine feels more responsive in Dynamic mode for sure. This is the mode for when you're in the 'mood' for fun. For regular city driving, this mode can feel peaky. The steering feels heavier than the other modes.
Efficiency mode: The climate control doesn't work as hard in efficiency mode - it still cools the cabin sufficiently though. Power delivery is lazier, with the throttle response dulled a bit. Overall, because the engine is reasonably powerful, the efficiency mode is still usable. It doesn't feel too sluggish and there is sufficient grunt on tap to keep you cruising at higher speeds. When it comes to quick overtaking, you will need Dynamic or Comfort modes.
Auto mode
This is the mode where you let the car decide what’s best for you. It’ll adjust characteristics based on your throttle inputs.
Offroad: As the name suggests, this should be engaged when you’re not on the road. It provides better accelerator sensitivity in these conditions. Also, the traction control is switched off when this mode is engaged
Ride Comfort
The Q3 uses a MacPherson strut suspension up front and a multi-link setup at the rear. The suspension feels firm for Indian conditions; as you would expect in a luxury car. But unlike the Tiguan, this suspension tune isn’t very uncomfortable and is quite livable. At low speeds, the Q3 absorbs small bumps nicely and not much of it is felt in the cabin. You do have to be careful with the large potholes as you will hear a noticeable ‘thud’. Over a rough patch of road, there would be a lot of side-to-side movement in the cabin.
Out on the highways, the ride quality is good too. On a smooth expressway road, you and your passengers will be munching miles quite comfortably. Vertical movement is well controlled i.e., the suspension is firm enough to prevent the body from bouncing too much on undulating roads. However, road imperfections and even rumble strips are felt sharply in the cabin.
Note that the Q3 doesn’t get the adaptive dampers like the Skoda Kodiaq. What you get is Audi’s ‘Comfort Suspension'. And while this does a good job, having the ‘Dynamic’ dampers (Adjustable firmness according to drive modes) would’ve given that added flexibility to Q3’s ride comfort.
The recommended tyre pressure is 33 PSI and that’s perfect for day-to-day driving. Not to forget that this is a luxury car and you cannot take on rough roads as you would in say a Duster. It has the typical German car characteristics to it and the suspension tune has an underlying layer of firmness to it. But first-time luxury car buyers will appreciate the ride comfort in the Q3.
Handling & Dynamics
The good thing about this suspension tune is its high-speed behaviour. The car feels very solid and very planted. The car's high-speed stability is excellent, and it feels damn composed at triple-digit speeds. The Q3 masks silly speeds with ease.
When on some twisty roads, you will appreciate the kind of grip you get from the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. You can hold the line quite easily and carry more speed into the corner. The Michelin Primacy 4 tyres on our test car did well when cornering hard. You can change directions from one bend to another without much drama and the car feels composed throughout. There’s some body roll felt under hard cornering, but it’s never excessive. Having adaptive dampers would’ve made some difference here in ‘Dynamic’ mode. All in all, the car’s dynamics are typically German and complement the 2.0 TFSI engine very well.
Steering
While the electric power steering is accurate and weighs up at highway speeds (although not as much as enthusiasts would like), it offers very little feel and feedback. On the positive side, it's light at city & parking speeds. It also comes with something called progressive steering which will be immensely appreciated at parking speeds. What happens is that the steering ratio becomes increasingly direct with increasing steering angle. In simple words, the car understands that you are going lock to lock in a parking lot and reduces the number of turns. You can go from full left lock to full right lock in just 2 turns of the steering wheel! Super clever and efficient too. This, along with the delightful smooth gearshifts, smaller turning radius, and relatively urban-friendly dimensions makes the Q3 easier to drive in the city.
Braking
Disc brakes all around are pretty much a standard in this segment. The brakes are top-class. The car had no problems stopping in a straight line, even when we slammed on the brake pedal at speed. However, I did get the feeling that the brakes are too sensitive to pedal pressure and this can take some getting used to
2022 Q3 Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic:
4 Years
50,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
4 Years
50,000 Miles
Corrosion:
12 Years
Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance:
4 Years
Unlimited MilesVerdict: Is the 2022 Audi Q3 A Good SUV?
Forming an opinion on the Q3 is actually pretty easy. Firstly, it looks better than ever. We love the trapezoidal grille and sleek LED headlights, and with the S line kit on board, it looks aggressive yet stylish. On the road, and equipped with the 45 TFSI engine, the Q3 is a satisfying little SUV to drive. It is beautifully damped and shows top-class refinement on the road. The powerplant isn't mind-blowing, but if you expect the turbo lag and don't have any desire to burn rubber, it'll be more than adequate for city driving and the day-to-day hustle. Although the Q3 fails to offer as much cargo space as rivals such as the BMW X1, the cabin is comfortable and classy. Starting at around $35k, the Q3 is well-priced for what it has to offer. It's a great package which you can't help but like.
2022 Audi Q3 vs Audi Q5
One size up, the Audi Q5 is still on the smaller end of the crossover spectrum but competes with cars such as the BMW X3, meaning there is certainly more space on offer as opposed to the Q3. The Q5 has been one of Audi's most popular Q models thanks to a great balance of size, power, and luxury. Under the hood of the Q5, you will find a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. A pricier plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 is also available. Power is, as in the Q3, sent to all four wheels. The Q5 might be the larger car, but performance is impressive, and the Q5 doesn't struggle to get up to speed - it manages the dash to 60 mph in only 5.7 seconds. On the road, the Q5 feels great, and the optional adaptive suspension means that this car can be even more comfortable than the Q3. Gas mileage figures are a solid 23/28/25 mpg city/highway/combined, which is an improvement over the 45 TFSI powertrain in the Q3. As though we needed more convincing, the Q5 is obviously more spacious both for passengers and for cargo. Still, we feel the Q3 has the more updated cabin. Starting at $44,100, the Q5 is more than $9k dearer than the Q3. If you didn't need the additional space or performance, we reckon you'd be happy with the Q3. But, if you have the budget, stretch for the Q5.
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