Audi’s smallest crossover gets a major update.
New year, new looks. Actually, it’s more than just a simple facelift in store for the 2019 Audi Q3. You can still see its family heritage, but the changes go farther than just skin deep. In this video, TFL’s own Roman Mica heads out to Nashville, Tennessee to see how the new Q3 looks and drives. Beyond that, we figure out whether you should — or shouldn’t — buy one.
Let’s start with the styling. The 2019 Audi Q3 gets a distinctive update to its signature Singleframe grille, to match its larger siblings like the recently updated Q7 and flagship Q8. Instead of horizontal bars, Audi designed vertical chrome bars into the grille, they say to give the front end a more upright stance and appearance. Around the back, the overall shape is familiar from the old Q3. However, there are new standard LED tail lights, as well as more muscular shoulder lines running down the sides of the car.
Inside, the 2019 Audi Q3 gets an updated interior with Audi’s latest 8.8-inch MMI infotainment system. This is the entry-level Audi crossover, so there are no dual screens here (a larger 10.1-inch display is optional). However, you do still get handwriting recognition on the larger screen, as well as a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Audi’s second-generation 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit is available as an option, as is a Bang & Olufsen 3D stereo system. Three USB ports and one USB-C port come standard up front.
Audi made the new Q3 physically larger in every dimension from the old model. Designers stretched the wheelbase by 3.0 inches and the total length by 3.8 inches, for a total 105.5 inches and 176.6 inches respectively. The new model is also 0.7 inches wider (72.8 inches) and 1.5 inches taller (64.1 inches) than the previous generation.
The 2019 Audi Q3 has more cargo volume than before, as well. There are an additional two cubic feet of cargo room behind the first and second row with the seats in place. Fold the seats down, and you get 1.8 additional cubic feet of room. That said, Audi has also revamped the 60/40 split-folding seats to adjust forward and backward up to 5.9 inches, which can yield an additional five cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row.
Performance
Under the hood, the 2019 Audi Q3 gets a power boost from the previous generation. There’s a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, managing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That’s a healthy 28 horsepower more than before, but you also get 51 lb-ft more torque. That means a 0-60 time of 7.0 seconds, according to Audi, which is 1.2 seconds faster than the older model.
Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system comes standard on the new Q3.
Pricing
Audi will launch the 2019 Audi Q3 in five different variants. There is the standard Q3 quattro model, which comes in Premium and Premium Plus trims. The Premium is the lowest-priced Q3, starting at $34,700 before destination. That is an $1,800 bump over the old model, but that puts it right around the same price as a BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Step up to the S Line models, and there are three different trims. Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige are your options, and prices start from $36,000.
