2024 Audi Q3 - Quiet interior, balanced ride-and-handling equation

2024 Audi Q3 - Quiet interior, balanced ride-and-handling equation

Overview
The least expensive SUV in the Audi lineup, the 2024 Q3 offers a petite take on the trademark design ethos that populates the entire Audi lineup. Indeed, its exterior shape looks every bit like a seven-tenths version of its Q5 sibling, and that characteristic extends to the interior, build quality, and driving personality. All-wheel drive is standard as is adaptive cruise assist; it complements the digital gauge display, touchscreen infotainment, and a host of driver assists to keep the Q3's tech-quotient class-competitive. Motivation comes from VW/Audi’s ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is tuned for 184 horsepower in the Q3 40 and 228 in the Q3 45. Though the Q3 is not the most powerful or agile SUV in its class (the bonkers and limited production RS Q3 isn’t sold in the U.S.), it’s not exactly a downer either. Driver inputs are obeyed without delay, and both engines are responsive, though the 45 ups the pace considerably. While the Q3’s cabin isn’t as spacious or as practical as the BMW X1’s and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class looks more svelte, the Q3 delivers Audi’s trademark blend of handling, ride comfort and subtle familial style.

What's New for 2024?
The big news for 2024 is the inclusion of Adaptive Cruise Assist—adaptive cruise control—as standard equipment. Buyers who select the Convenience package will notice Homelink functionality (a garage door opener that can turn on lights) is now integrated into the rear-view mirror, and that wireless phone charging is also available. In the exterior finish department, Arkona White replaces Ibis White, Progressive Red metallic replaces Tango Red metallic and Turbo Blue is removed from the pallet.

Pricing and Which One to Buy
Premium 40 $38,195
Premium 45 $40,595
Premium Plus 40 $40,995
Premium Plus 45 $43,395

This is an easy one. With a fuel economy penalty of just 1 mpg for the more powerful engine, and a few additional features like an overhead view camera and hands-free tailgate the Premium Plus 45 is our recommended pick. We’d also select the Black Optic package, which brings sport front seats with “S” embossing and contrast stitching, 19-inch wheels with a matte titanium finish, black roof rails, and high-gloss black exterior elements.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2024 Q3 comes with one turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder tuned in two strengths: it makes 181 horsepower and 221 foot-pounds of torque in the Q3 40 and 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet in the Q3 45. An eight-speed automatic shuttles output to all four wheels via the standard quattro all-wheel drive system. Neither version of the Q3 is class-leading quick; the best zero-sixty we could extract was 7.3 seconds when we tested the Q3 45 a few years back. Still, the transmission shifts smoothly and provides a Sport mode as well as the option for manual operation. Steering, although direct, is light on feel. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than performance, but a hardcore suspension would be entirely out of place here. As it sits, the chassis and engine are well-mated for a pleasant and sometimes frisky driving experience.

https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/q3

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