Audi Q3 impresses “in all relevant disciplines”

Used car check
Audi Q3 impresses “in all relevant disciplines”

Since its model launch in 2011, the Audi Q3 compact SUV has become a bestseller. Its TÜV record is also convincing. However, even used, the car is usually not available cheaply.

Is it still compact? Given that it is now four and a half meters long and has a beefy overall appearance, this remains at the discretion of the viewer. One thing is certain: The Audi Q3 is technically based on the platform that VW's compact SUV Tiguan also uses. The “Auto Bild TÜV Report 2025” describes the Audi as an “exquisite version” of the Wolfsburg car.

In addition, the Q3 was able to “impress in all relevant disciplines” during the general vehicle inspection (HU). The catch for those interested in a used car: the model is very stable in price.

Model history

The first public test balloon of a jacked-up Audi A3 was released as a Cross Coupé quattro design study at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. And as the Q3, the series version launched on the market in 2011 was to become one of the most popular Audis.

In 2015, facelifted models went on sale for the first time: The slight facelift included, among other things, design retouches on the body and fuel consumption optimization on the engines. The second model generation of the compact SUV was introduced in autumn 2018 – with an extended wheelbase and sliding rear seat. This means that the Q3 should be more family-friendly after criticism of the spatial concept. The third Q3 generation is in the starting blocks for 2025; Pictures of the Erlkönig are circulating online.

Body and variants

Higher structure than a conventional model, that is the main feature typical of the class, which is also followed by the five-door Q3. The dimensions of at least the second edition of the model, on the other hand, scratch the class boundary and can hardly be called “compact”. Since 2019, however, there has been a choice, because the Sportback hatchback version has been built since then. The Q3 is also available as a sports version RS, which was further increased in power for the facelift.

Dimensions (according to ADAC)

• 1st generation: 4.39 meters x 1.83 meters x 1.59 meters (L x W x H), trunk volume: 460 to 1365 liters
• 2nd generation: 4.48 to 4.51 meters x 1.85 meters x 1.59 to 1.60 meters (L x W x H), trunk volume: 530 to 1525 liters
• Sportback: 4.50 meters x 1.84 meters x 1.57 meters (L x W x H), trunk volume: 530 to 1400 liters

Strengthen

All Q3s have a sporty style and the car is never underpowered. According to the report, the steering and drive shafts of the HU are top notch, the chassis is mostly solid, and the lighting system is “flawless”. The inspectors also found little to complain about the brakes and exhaust system.

Weaken

The remaining criticism of the chassis relates to the springs and dampers, which in the first series have received above-average complaint rates from vehicles over seven years old. For specimens of this age, interested parties should also pay attention to axle suspensions. Frequently worn brake discs are an issue not only with the first generation, but interestingly also with the first HU.

Breakdown behavior

In the ADAC breakdown statistics, models from the years 2012 to 2017 that were first registered are at the top – “very reliable,” writes the club. Q3 models from 2018 to 2021, which only rank in “good” places, are leaving some ground. The Audi therefore does not have typical quirks in the sense of statistically noticeable breakdowns.

engines
1st generation

• Petrol engine (Four and five cylinders, front and all-wheel drive): 92 kW/125 hp to 270 kW/367 hp
• Diesel (Four-cylinder, front- and all-wheel drive): 88 kW/120 hp to 135 kW/183 hp

2nd generation

• Petrol engine (Four and five cylinders, front and all-wheel drive): 110 kW/150 hp to 294 kW/400 hp
• Mild hybrid (Four-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 110 kW/150 hp
• Plug-in hybrid: System output 180 kW/245 HP (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive)
• Diesel (Four-cylinder, front- and all-wheel drive): 110 kW/150 hp to 147 kW/200 hp

Dealer sales value according to the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand (DAT) with statistically expected kilometers – three price examples

• Q3 Sportback 35 2.0 TDI base (6/2020); 110 kW/150 HP (four-cylinder); 68,000 kilometers; 25,955 euros
• RS Q3 2.5 TFSI quattro performance (6/2017); 270 kW/367 HP (five-cylinder); 86,000 kilometers; 33,720 euros
• Q3 1.4 TFSI (6/2014); 110 kW/150 HP (four-cylinder); 114,000 kilometers; 12,015 euros