2016 Audi Q3
New for 2016
The Q3 gets an exterior-styling refresh for 2016, along with some added equipment and other tweaks.
It's the Litttle Things...
With all-wheel drive, extra space, and confidence-inspiring tall driving positions, crossovers have a lot to offer. Unfortunately, those benefits often come with higher fuel costs, clumsy handling, and parking headaches.
The 2016 Audi Q3 is a different kind of crossover. It’s the smallest utility vehicle Audi offers in the U.S., and that smaller size imbues it with more-lively handling, and allows for greater fuel efficiency than previous crossovers. But the Q3 also boasts available quattro® all-wheel drive and a spacious interior, making it a crossover through and through. Good things really do come in small packages.
Powertrains and Performance
It may be the smallest member of the Audi crossover family, but the Q3 still packs plenty of performance. It’s offered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive, or Audi’s famous quattro® all-wheel drive.
With front-wheel drive, the Q3 will do 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, while the all-wheel drive version takes 8.2 seconds. Both configurations have a top track speed of 130 mph. With its compact size and the willing turbo engine, the Q3 will do its best impression of an Audi rally car, and provide a lively driving experience that’s more like a sport compact than a traditional utility vehicle.
The Q3’s compact size and fairly low curb weight also help it achieve impressive fuel economy. The EPA rates the front-wheel drive Q3 at 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway).* The quattro® all-wheel drive version gets the same combined and city figures, but loses one mpg in the highway category.
Features and Trims
The 2016 Audi Q3 is a five-door, five-seat crossover. It’s offered in two trim levels with a generous amount of standard equipment, starting at $33,700.**
Standard features on the Q3 Premium Plus model include 19-inch alloy wheels, Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, a rear spoiler, dual-zone automatic climate control, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, leather seating surfaces, 12-way heated power front seats, voice control, and the Audi Advanced Key with remote engine start and stop.
The Q3 Prestige includes all of the applicable standard equipment from the Premium Plus, as well as some features that are optional on that model. That includes Audi’s MMI® Plus infotainment system with navigation, Audi Connect® service with six-month subscription, 14-speaker Bose® surround sound system, an S Line appearance package, and a power tailgate.
In addition, Audi also offers a Sport Package for both models that includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles, sport seats, and the Audi Drive Select control system. A black cloth headliner and different decorative inlays can also be selected.
Design
The 2016 Audi Q3 features styling elements from Audi’s other crossovers, scaled down for its smaller size. The design eschews traditional utility-vehicle boxiness for a more car-like shape, including a somewhat coupe-like roofline, and aggressively swept D-pillar. Like other current Audi models, it’s handsome without being gaudy.
For 2016, the Q3 gets a mild styling update, with a new grille, headlights and other elements of the front fascia. The revised look brings it closer to the redesigned Q7 Audi unveiled last year, and likely represents the face of Audi utility vehicles for the next few years. Prestige models are livened up by sporty S Line exterior trim, including a model-specific 19-inch wheel design.
Audi has won plenty of praise for its well-designed interiors, and the Q3 is no exception. Like the exterior, it’s pleasing to look at because of its simplicity. Available Balsamic Brown Walnut Wood and Aluminum Satellite inlays complement the leather seating surfaces, and a standard three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and leather-wrapped shifter add a touch of sportiness.
Of course, a crossover has to do more than just look good. It may look small on the outside, but the Q3 features a generous 40.0 inches of front and 31.1 inches of rear legroom, and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat that makes cargo hauling more convenient. The Q3 has 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear bench up, and 48.2 cubic feet with it folded.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Audi Q3 includes anti-lock brakes, stability control with “Offroad” mode, traction control, hill descent assist, and front, front-thorax side, and Sideguard head curtain airbags. The airbags are also linked to a power central locking system that automatically unlocks the doors if they deploy.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Audi Q3 offers everything you could want in a luxury crossover, but in a smaller, more manageable package.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at Audi Silver Spring to schedule a test drive.
*All fuel economy figures are EPA estimates. unless otherwise noted. Your mileage will vary. See www.fueleconomy.gov for more information.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices and do not include destination charges, taxes, titles, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
Image: Audi