Audi Q3 35 TFSI 2020 Review

The 2020 Audi Q3 35 TFSI hits the Australian market eight years into the badge’s history. And this second-generation brings with it updates in the form of better tech, savvy styling and a mature design that sees it align better with Audi’s eight-strong SUV line-up.

The Audi Q3 35 TFSI’s compact SUV body-style is a case of not too big, not too small. As such it competes with the familiar rivals such as the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

In recent years, its Audi Q2 sibling has been gaining pace on the aging Q3 offering. But the second-generation Audi Q3 is set to bring fresh life and new interest.

The entry-level Q3 is limited to one engine and two models, the 35 TFSI and the 35 TFSI Launch Edition. The Q3’s 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (110kw/250Nm) is paired to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in both models.

The Q3 40 TFSI gives you a taste of Audi’s 2.0-litre engine or you can hold out for the hotshoe Audi RS Q3 due in Oz later this year.

Switch to the 2020 Audi Q3 Sportback for yet another take on the growing Q3 offering.

The Audi Q3 35 TFSI is priced from $46,400 (plus ORCs) and from $52,750 (plus ORCs) for the Q3 TFSI Launch Edition.

The difference between the two is equipment. The headlines included in the optioned up Launch Edition are 360 degree camera, heated and electric wing mirrors with auto dipping, paint matched bumpers, black roof rails, a premium 10-speaker sound system, electric adjust heated front seats, aluminium inlay details, LED interior lighting package, privacy glass and black exterior styling cues.

The value is definitely there if you can stump up the extra cash.

Alternatively, a variety of option packages available on the standard Q3 35 TFSI will get you most of that gear, at a price.

The Comfort Package ($2600) optioned on our test vehicle adds heated electric adjust front seats with lumbar support, auto dimming rear view mirror heated and folding wing mirror with auto dipping and adaptive cruise control. The Style Package ($1900) and Parking Package ($900) will get you the rest. And a metallic paint job will set you back $1250.

The dull 18-inch alloys on our press vehicle can also be remedied through the abovementioned Style Package.

Brand-new Mercedes-Benz GLB aside, the 2020 Audi Q3 35 TFSI is the newest offering in the prestige small SUV segment. It’s brimming with the latest technology and creature comforts from Audi’s extensive list of goodies.

Indeed, the Q3 delivers some of the best tech in the business right now, executed near perfectly.

The 10.1-inch screen is home to infotainment and navigation services including weather, fuel prices, a Wi-Fi hotspot and Google services. Then there’s Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto connectivity. Working in tandem with the virtual cockpit instrument panel (standard on Q3), the screens are the hero of the cabin and will constantly reinforce your choice to go prestige.

The moving feast that is the small SUV segment means that being the newest to market won’t hold up for too long. So why else buy the Audi Q3? Balance. The Audi Q3 brings a great sense of balance where handling and comfort are concerned and it feels bang-on fit for purpose.

The Audi Q3 has never been sold to us as a performance SUV (the pricey Audi RS Q3 fits that bill) but it handles nicely and the engine has satisfactory pep when you need it.

It’s perfect for around town. Sometimes, equipment, ease of use and every day practicalities win the race and it’s here that the Q3 shines brightly.

The 2020 Audi Q3 35 TFSI offers the ride height and crossover body style Australians crave. Add a prestige badge and, for many, it’s a done deal.

But small SUVs suffer pros and cons. Small (think agile, economical) often brings limitations where space and flexibility are required. The updated Audi Q3 however has grown, in character and proportions and it is now a noticeable and useful size up from the Q2. In its latest generation it is edging closer to the Q5 sibling and is just 179mm shorter and only 37mm narrower.

A generous boot (530 litres) and a sliding second row (15-cm movement) expand the new Q3’s boot capacity to 675 litres and welcomes larger items if necessary. Split and flip the 40:20:40 seats for even greater space and flexibility.

The second row is properly fit for two adults and three kids can be accommodated fuss-free.

Dual air vents, charge points and storage spots are a nod to family-friendly journeys.

Safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane departure and lane change warning, rear cross traffic alert, tyre pressure indicator, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Overall, the Audi Q3 is well very equipped, with standard inclusions (think virtual cockpit) that we’ve often paid extra for through gritted teeth.

Above all this, however, the Audi Q3 nails the practicality brief. Whether you’re packing bikes, baby seats, prams or excess baggage, the Q3 will cope.

The second-generation, larger and more refined Audi Q3 is set to be a crowd pleaser -- it’s only real obstacle is the strength of its competition.

A prestige small SUV that delivers generous equipment levels as standard, feels like a rare treat. With your pencil and checklist in hand, we think the 2020 Audi Q3 35 TFSI will tick a lot of boxes.

How much does the 2020 Audi Q3 35 TFSI cost?
Price: $46,400 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 7.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 164g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP)