New Audi products should start arriving in dealerships around the time of this writing. There are just a couple of small cosmetic changes between the 2015 and 2016 models. The grille of the 2016 models has a little more aluminum bulk, making it more stylish, more aggressive looking with a discernible flair, and brighter and more elegant in tone.
A little weight has been shaved off as well.
The rear lights are designed somewhat differently and it can now house the available Dynamic Turn Indicator. Other than that, things are basically about the same. But the same look is still awfully good!
The Q3 2.0T comes in two basic trims. The Premium Plus and the Prestige have the same design, powertrain, and chassis. Exterior and interior measurements are identical. The difference lies exclusively in feature upgrades and tech selections.
In fact, the literature treats Prestige as more of an options package rather than a separate trim. So the package will be included in the descriptive content of the vehicle and the price for those features.
Premium price is $35,800, while the Prestige package adds an additional $4,900 to the price. This Prestige package includes Audi side assist, Bose Surround Sound, MMI navigation plus, color driver information system, several exterior appearance upgrades, power folding side mirrors, power tail gate, plus full LED taillights, and headlights.
Also available are other less expensive packages like Sport Package and Driver Assist Package for around $500.
The Q3 is all about ride and the feel you get from driving it. This new Audi is lean and precise from shaving a few pounds off, as mentioned earlier.
The suspension has been precisely engineered, allowing the Q3 to take corners with ease. This crossover is about luxury, created by a cadre of committed craftsmen. Leather surfaces wrapping contour seats provides refinement which is most refreshing.
An example of how a creative design can affect convenience can be found in the exterior side mirrors with small sills to channel water along their upper edge, helping to keep your view unobstructed. The windshield molding with channeling allow rain water to efficiently run off instead of returning to the windshield wiper path. Light and rain sensors are standard on the Q3.
Now this vehicle is loaded with technology, such as the available advanced MMI navigation plus system, electro-mechanical speed-sensitive power steering, and Audi music interface with iPod connectivity.
The standard sound system features AM/FM/CD/MP3, SD card reader for MP3 file playback, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio that brings you over 150 channels of music, talk, sports, and news.
And finally the Audi drive select system which adjust the vehicle’s steering and throttle response with the utmost of ease. The auto mode is the best of both worlds. It automatically adjusts for a balance of comfort and responsiveness based on your driving style and road conditions.
The comfort mode is perfect for the long highway stretches. The setting optimizes steering and throttle response for an easy ride.
The dynamic mode provides tighter steering and more responsive throttle, giving this setting an aggressive and focused performance.
The 60/40 split folding rear seats allow you a generous amount of cargo space. You get 48.2 cu ft of storage space with the rear seat folded.
Dual-zone automatic climate control gives the driver and passenger the ability to dial in their ideal temperature. My wife likes the temperature very cool and her temperament encourages me to place mine on cool as well.
Audi Q3 is powered by a 2.0 L TFSI 4-cylinder engine which produces a maximum of 200 hp at 6,000 rpm and 207 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission.
Fuel economy is 23-city/28-highway/23-combined.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected]
Safety Features
Driver and front passenger airbags, front thorax side airbags, and head curtain air bags.
Electronic Stability Control
Anti-lock Braking System with EBD
Hill descent assist
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase: 102.3-inch
Length: 177.6-inch
Height: 62.6-inch
Overall width with mirrors: 79.5-inch
Warranty
4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty
1-year/5,000-mile First schedule maintenance is free
12-year Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation
4-year Roadside Assistance
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