Master Of Heart: Detailed Test Of The Crossover Audi Q3

In the fat pre-crisis times, the small Q3 was a favorite of women and the best-selling Audi car in Russia. More importantly, it overtook all the other premium compact crossovers. But the public's favorite was getting old, losing charisma and relevance, and then - and positions in the sales ranking. And the replacement had to wait too long: the first crossovers of the new generation reached Russia only at the end of 2019

Audi Q3 2,375,000 - 3,005,000 ₽ Editor's Choice: Audi Q3 35 TFSI Advance, 2.0, AMT, 150 HP for 2 494 000 ₽ Rating: 4.0 out of 5 Pluses

• Controllability
• Practicality
• Design

Minuses

• Rigid suspension
• Weak motor
• Poor standard equipment

Ownership cost per year with a mileage of 17,500 km: OSAGO 11,992 ₽ CASCO 71,880 ₽ Maintenance for the year 13,310 ₽ Transport tax 5250 ₽ Fuel 86,362 ₽ Total 188 794 ₽

* The cost of policies and tax are calculated for a driver over 22 years old and with more than 4 years of experience living in Moscow

Will the fresh Audi Q3 change the balance of power, will it be able to repeat the successes of its predecessor? On the one hand, there are few reasons for optimism. It is already clear that we are again plunged into a large-scale crisis, shredding all hopes for growth. In addition, the past financial cataclysm paradoxically changed the demand paradigm: now large premium crossovers are more popular than small ones. Everyone, not just Audi.

On the other hand, the new corporate style clearly suits the crossover. In the second generation, it became brighter - and not only in red. By the way, there are paint options for every taste, including the individual Audi exclusive palette, just pay. Not every competitor can boast of this. But more importantly, the shape of the car has become more prominent and more harmonious - "Ku-third" no longer looks like a handbag on wheels. It now looks more like a scale model of the Audi Q8. And we tried to figure out the rest of its advantages and disadvantages using the example of the front-wheel drive version of the Audi Q3 35 TFSI - a test car with a rich set of options costs as much 3 688 136 rubles.

Interior

The interior of Q3 has changed following the appearance, and it is also easy to read the relationship with its big brothers. The design of the former rounded interior, which had turned almost retro in eight years, gravitated towards minimalism. And here you feel like in the cockpit of an airplane - although there are no more buttons, like the scales on the dashboard. But the driver is surrounded by a massive front panel with corners and kinks, a deployed center console and a high door sill. Almost a cockpit, where everything is under the ru … But no, not everything. Until the only non-touch control knob "music" you have to reach, lifting your back from the chair. But the rest of the driver's seat ergonomics is impeccable. As well as the quality of the interior as a whole.

Practicality

The new Audi Q3 is larger than most of its competitors. And even a little wider than the Volkswagen Tiguan, on the platform of which it is built. At the same time, the "ku-third" got the elements that add practicality to the car - a two-level floor in the trunk and a back-and-forth sofa with a backrest, adjustable in tilt angle. Moreover, it is three-section, which is much more convenient than scanty ski hatches.

However, do not expect Tiguan's spaciousness and capacity from the Audi Q3. The trunk here is smaller, but it won't be possible to increase it much at the expense of the cabin - the tall passengers in the back don't have a lot of knee room. Although for the owners of the past Q3, progress will be obvious, because the wheelbase of the car has increased by 7 centimeters at once, and the total length by ten.

Technique and reliability

It seems that the Audi Q3 is the latest model of the Volkswagen concern to finally move to the MQB platform. Of those for whom it made sense. The rest are already changing generations and preparing to become electric vehicles or at least hybrids. In general, we can say that the design of the new crossover is distinguished by healthy conservatism.

As is customary on the MQB platform, the Audi Q3 has many chassis options - sporty, comfortable, and also with adaptive dampers. But all this is not about us. In Russia, the crossover has no choice of suspension, and the S line package has been cut down to sports seats and decorative trim. The only thing that can seriously affect the car's handling is the choice of the steering mechanism - conventional or with a progressive rail (for a surcharge of 20,800 rubles). Thank you for leaving a long list of electronic assistants, from adaptive cruise control with Audi pre sense to all-round cameras and car parking. Some in standard equipment, others as options.

And the rich European list of units is completely irrelevant for us. They were considered too demanding on the quality of fuel, and for Russia the Q3 was left with old engines. But the choice is also meager - either the 35 TFSI version with front-wheel drive, as we have on the test, or the 40 TFSI quattro all-wheel drive car. In the first case, there is a 150-horsepower 1.4 turbo engine under the hood, in the second - a two-liter supercharged engine with a capacity of 180 hp. Both - only with robotic DSG boxes.

The design, which has been known for a long time, in fact, allows us to speculate about the future reliability of the novelty with a great deal of optimism. The "younger" motor, which will surely become the most popular, changed a generation a few years ago - and now there are a minimum of problems with it. The stretching timing chain was replaced with a belt, increased oil consumption from the rule turned into an exception, only a whimsical cooling system remained, in which thermostats or a pump could fail prematurely.

The two-liter unit, which Volkswagen and Skoda use in large quantities, requires a more careful attitude, but German engineers are gradually "cutting out" characteristic jambs from its design. The chain now lasts longer than 100-120 thousand km; thanks to the combined fuel injection, the piston rings are less prone to sticking, and the turbocharging has also become more reliable.

For crossovers, VW AG prefers to use DSG robots with wet clutches, even with base engines and front-wheel drive. "Ku-third", which is difficult to imagine forcing a muddy primer, this adds a margin of safety - such boxes are more expensive and heavier, but they also have a higher resource.

Riding

However, only the "car drivers" with great experience will be able to feel and determine on the go which version of the DSG the car has. That on the Audi Q3, that on the Octavia with the same engine, but with a "dry" robot, the sensations from the operation of the boxes are about the same. Gears are shifted gently, sometimes imperceptibly, and with measured driving - quite timely. Although in the comfort modes (here it replaces Eco) and auto the transmission tends to the higher stages. Which is also typical for all DSGs, without exception.

Therefore, having raised the pace, the engine and the gearbox already want to cheer up with the dynamic mode - then their responses are guaranteed to keep up with the wishes of the driver. However, the dynamics of acceleration pleases only in urban modes, but where the speed limits are less severe, everything is not so blissful. The cheerfulness that the Octavia conquered is no longer here. There are no complaints about the turbo engine, it tries for all its 250 Nm of torque, developed already from 1500 rpm, and the dynamic mode ensures that they will not drop below.

But the crossover itself is almost 300 kilograms heavier than the Czech liftback! Plus large and massive wheels that need to be spun, plus additional aerodynamic resistance of a tall body … In general, in the case of the Audi Q3, you should seriously think about whether to pay extra for a more powerful power unit. And four-wheel drive will not be superfluous.

After all, the chassis of the new Q3 is perfectly tuned. There is almost no crossover in the character of this crossover - at least, Audi is perceived as an even more lively and agile car than the Tiguan, which we kind of praised for its passenger habits. Why is there Tiguan - the Q3 is more interesting and reckless to drive than the correct Octavia to ache. The crossover, of course, rolls harder, but responds just as quickly and accurately to the steering wheel. The test car was progressive and well worth the money.Even in steep turns, the steering angle remains comfortable and moderate, and the steering effort is natural. But most importantly, the Audi Q3 is not dispassionate when cornering. On the contrary, he turns with pleasure, and if you add traction on the arc, he recklessly seeks to go inside the bend. And this is the front wheel drive version. What will happen when the car has all the wheels leading?

It is only important to keep this generator of driving happiness within the framework of trajectory driving. Because the front-wheel drive "Ku-third" does not like sliding. More precisely, the stabilization system does not like them. As soon as you turn the steering wheel harder or harder, the electronics hit the brakes, like a cadet in a driving school. And this alarmism comes out sideways on the "elk test": the front wheel clamped to lock does not allow the driver to quickly return the car to his lane! It is interesting that in the menu of the onboard computer there is an item for disabling stabilization, but in fact this does not happen - the system does not weaken the control one iota. Perhaps this is some kind of glitch of a specific car. But we do not recommend you to check this on your car and on a regular road.

A few words about comfort. It is there - exactly in the amount that the VAG team of engineers considers acceptable. This means that Q3, following its brethren, encounters joints and bumps with tangible blows at the slightest overspeed, it also does not know the concept of "swing", and it is also sensitive to minor road irregularities. Still, with optional wheels with a diameter of 19 inches! If in your area the asphalt is not ah, you should prefer the option of an inch, or even two more modest.

Equipment

As we have already mentioned, the choice of power units for the Audi Q3 in Russia is not rich. But it's great that there is no discrimination in equipment between them - the same configurations, the same list of options and price tags for them. Even the "no version designation" item in the configurator is enabled by default - probably so that no one would be offended.

In the simplest configuration, front-wheel drive Q3 35 TFSI is worth 2,375,000 rublesand all-wheel drive Q3 40 TFSI quattro – 320 thousand more expensive… These will be cars with LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, six airbags, a digital instrument cluster, air conditioning, fabric upholstery and the simplest seats with mechanical adjustments.

The next level of equipment is called Advance – 2 494 000 and 2 815 000 rubles accordingly. Added to the equipment are cruise control, parking sensors front and rear, dual-zone climate control with heated steering wheel and an electric tailgate.

Further "level up" is pure aesthetics - levels Design and Sport only change the appearance of the body, each in its own way. The color of the grille, the design of the air intakes and the front spoiler, the door sills… Plus 18-inch wheels. Only for Design you need to pay extra 100,000 rubles, and for Sport - already 190,000 rubles.

So the price of the compact Audi Q3 is over three million. But this is only the beginning, as there is a long list of possible options further. You can take it in bulk - in the form of S line, Sport Selection or Design Style packages for 117,200, 158,000 or 100,000 rubles. In different variations, they add sports seats, a combined interior trim (in the top configuration - with Alcantara or genuine leather) and a bunch of decorative details.

Or retail - you can choose a steering wheel, upholstery of seats and headlining, decorative strips in the cabin, add keyless entry, wireless charging for a smartphone, adaptive cruise control, a car park, all-round visibility, side airbags for rear passengers. For a more advanced dashboard, they ask for up to 31,200 rubles, for Bang & Olufsen - 58,600 rubles, and the most expensive option in the Audi Q3 is navigation for 125,800 rubles! Even matrix LED headlights are cheaper: 118,000 rubles. And, as for us, it is much more useful. You also need to pay extra for the choice of driving modes Audi drive select, progressive steering rack, 19-inch wheels …

As a result, if you buy an Audi Q3 under the “all inclusive” system, you will have to pay about 4.3 million rubles. But in a reasonably sufficient configuration, you can pay a million less even with all-wheel drive.

Competitors

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Сегодня это самый свежий соперник Audi Q3 - автомобиль второго поколения дебютировал в декабре, и сейчас на него уже принимают заказы. У Мерседеса тоже две версии: GL200 (1.3Т, 163 л.с., передний привод) или GL250 (2.0T, 224 л.с., полный привод). GLкомпактнее, чем Q3, но у него больше колёсная база - поэтому он проигрывает около 100 литров в объёме багажника, однако может оказаться просторнее для пассажиров. Цены начинаются с 2 790 000 рублей, а опции стоят ещё дороже, чем у Audi " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Volvo XC40

У шведского автомобиля уже четыре двигателя на выбор - бензиновые (190 и 249 л.с.) или дизельные (150 и 190 л.с.). Пара ведущих колёс может быть только у самого слабого из них, большинство комплектаций - полноприводные. Цены начинаются с 2 418 000 рублей, доплата за полный привод - ещё 177 000 рублей. Как показало наше очное сравнение, Volvo не уступает Audi в удобстве, качестве отделки и вместимости. При этом XC40 комфортнее, но не такой азартный в езде." style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

BMW X1

BMW Х1 тоже предлагают с наклейкой «new», хотя это только рестайлинг. Машина немного изменилась внешне, но конструкция образца 2015 года осталась прежней. В России предлагают три её версии: 140-сильную переднеприводную (18i sDrive), 192-сильную полноприводную (20i xDrive) и дизельную 18d xDrive мощностью 150 л.с. BMW привлекателен драйверским шасси, а ещё - хорошими ценами: прайс стартует с 2 150 000 рублей за машину с уже неплохим оснащением. Полный привод доступен начиная с 2,5 миллионов рублей" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Mini Countryman

У британского компактного кроссовера расклад по силовым агрегатам такой же, как у соплатформенного Х1: базовый бензиновый мотор (136 л.с.) с передним приводом, дизель (150 л.с.) и версия Cooper S (192 л.с.) - с полным. Но выглядит Countryman ярче, а цены на автомобиль немного ниже - от 1 925 000 рублей. Впрочем, это будет версия с «механикой», за две педали придётся доплатить ещё 127 000 рублей. Однако полноприводные модификации у Mini всё равно самые выгодные - дизельную можно купить по цене переднеприводного Q3" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Lexus UX

Японский автомобиль может быть или переднеприводным - со 150-сильным атмосферником и вариатором - или гибридом, у которого задние колёса крутит электромотор. В этом случае суммарная отдача силового агрегата составит 178 л.с. Как показал наш тест, UX играет в своей лиге, где стиль и дизайн превыше удобства и универсальности. И продаётся маленький Lexus хуже остальных. Не в последнюю очередь из-за цен, только начинающихся с 2 432 000 рублей. Хотя сейчас можно получить официальную скидку аж в 330–350 тысяч - но для этого придётся сдать какой-нибудь старый автомобиль в трейд-ин" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Output

The result of this test is pretty straightforward. Audi Q3 in the second generation has become more interesting both externally and technically. By and large, it is devoid of serious flaws, and those that exist are more than overlap with the merits of the crossover. First of all, in the eyes of the driver, for whom the car is more than just a means of transportation.

But the problem is that the Audi Q3, like its competitors, does not exist in a vacuum. And the realities of today say that the market prospects for the third-quarter are not very important - no matter how perfect it may be. What is the point of buying a small crossover for 3.5-4 million, from which not today or tomorrow they will begin to take a tax on luxury, if for about the same money there are larger Audi Q5, BMW X3 and further down the list? And the client, who scrapped 2.5-3 million for a front-wheel drive and almost "empty" Q3, beckons from the gates of a neighboring Volkswagen Tiguan dealer - maybe not so beautiful, but even more practical. And he rides well. And for the same money it will be already in the top configuration, with a 220-horsepower engine and all-wheel drive.

So the Audi Q3 is, first of all, a choice with the heart, for a wife, girlfriend or for yourself, no less beloved. But having made this choice, you will hardly have to regret it.