Audi’s all-new Q3 seriously impressed us when it arrived late in 2019, it steered better and felt more premium than its predecessor, but the single 35TFSI engine choice limited its appeal somewhat.
Thankfully, after the attractive Q3 Sportback launched earlier this year, Audi garnished the wagon-bodied Q3 with the option of a more powerful 40TFSI powertrain.
It’s a move that will broaden the Q3’s appeal against more powerful competitors like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Of course, less premium competitors are offering similar oomph for fewer dollars – Volkswagen’s T-Roc springs to mind.
One of the most tasteful SUVs out there.
But we know Audi’s cabin and digital cockpit to be excellent, and the Q3 40TFSI doesn’t command a considerable premium over the similarly powered T-Roc at $53,900 (driveaway pricing TBA).
The engine in question is a two-litre turbocharged unit, a familiar face in the VW group, in 40TFSI guise it produces a healthy 132kW of power and 320Nm of twisting force.
Not an insignificant jump over the 35TFSI’s turbocharged 1.4-litre lump that puts out 110kW and 250Nm that made the Q3 feel a touch undergunned.
The 40 TFSI gets Quattro, too.
Moreover, the 40 TFSI engine is graced with an all-wheel-drive system to divvy up power, it’s front-biased but will happily shuffle power in low-grip situations. There’s a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox, too.
Audi did a great job penning the Q3; the flared body-lines look excellent especially when paired with upper-trim S line variants.
The Q3 40 TFSI has a generous specification with 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, leather appointed interior and Audi’s class-leading virtual cockpit with wireless Apple CarPlay (though wired Android Auto).
Audi is killing the interior game at the moment.
Active safety features include rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning and hill-descent control, for if you ever want to take your Q3 bush.
In addition, the $53,900 (driveaway pricing TBA) 40 TFSI S line gets some spiffy Alcantara appointed heated seats with electric adjustment, larger 20-inch alloy wheels, S line exterior package – which looks great – as well as a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters.
There’s also a more generous 12.3-inch touchscreen display in the S line. That’s hooked up to a ten-speaker premium sound system, a must-have in our experience of the Q3.
This is the 40 TFSI – the S line gets bigger wheels.
Audi has also specified 360-degree camera system, park assist, lane-trace assist and adaptive cruise control for the range-topping S line model.
We wouldn’t be talking about a German car if there weren’t additional options available, of course. The ‘premium plus package’ sees the addition of a panoramic sunroof, a 15-speaker stereo, LED headlights and body-colour door mirrors, it’ll set you back an additional $3,900, though.
As for paint, the only non-cost-option is Ibis White, solid colours like the snazzy Pulse Orange add $600 to the price and pearl or metallic paints are an extra $1,250.
It’s definitely worth splashing for metallic paint.
The addition of a more potent powertrain to the Q3 line-up, not to mention all-wheel-drive, makes the Q3 an even tastier proposition for not a whole lot more money.
2020 Audi Q3 Pricing
Q3 35 TFSI $46,400 ($51,709 driveaway)
Q3 35 TFSI S line $46,400 ($55,384 driveaway)
Q3 40 TFSI Quattro $53,900 (driveaway pricing TBA)
Q3 40 TFSI S line Quattro $59,400 (driveaway pricing TBA)
Premium Plus Package $3,900
