11-01-2013:
Warranty on DSG extended to 5 years or 150,000 kilometres in Russia and China.
21-02-2014:
According to a reader who wanted to buy an Audi Q3 TDI 4x4 SE, for the 'off road package', Audi insists on replaces the SE 17x7J 235/55 wheels and tyres with 19x8.5J 255/40 wheels and tyres, which makes no sense at all for off-roading.
19-05-2014:
Failed manual transmission on new Q3 2.0 TFSI (swarf found inside), then failed centre bush of propshaft. All replaced under warranty.
09-02-2016:
Occasional juddering and "not driving properly" reported of 2014 Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI ACT S tronic. This has the 6-speed wet clutch DSG rather than the troublesome 7-speed dry clutch DSG. Dealer thought fault with the Active Cylinder Technology. Suggested a switch to Shell V-Power in the hope that might clear it up.
03-08-2016:
Complaint of faulty headlights on September 2015 Audi Q3 1.4 TSI. Owner immediately had issues with the full beam assist not working properly. It dazzled oncoming drivers and did not turn off in built up lit areas. So far the local Audi dealership has had the car for 6 months plus. Although the dealer supplied a loan car, it is not of equal specification. Owner spoke to Audi last week and they said they are no nearer to resolving the situation, than at the outset of the problem. The Audi factory in Spain has admitted that there is a fault connected to the car having high beam assist combined with the lane assist.
05-08-2016:
Sight hesitation on acceleration reported of 2014 Audi Q3 2.0 TDI 180 between 2,200rpm and 2,400rpm after the car has been left standing for a while. Suggests partial blockage of turbo oil feed pipe.
04-09-2016:
Report of reader being offered a satnav update for his Q3 by his Audi dealer at a cost of £582.
11-02-2017:
Report of 24,000 mile 2014 Audi Q3 2.0TDI suffering from notably worsening fuel economy since EA189 NOx emmissions fix: down from around 37mpg to around 34-35mpg. Also suffered a "rough" s-tronic transmission, which Audi replaced very readily FoC.
17-04-2017:
Report that Audi Q3 2.0TDI kept in Jersey was subjected to NOx emissions fix during a service in January 2017. Within six weeks had problems wth the stop/start engine (stops but doesn't automatically start). Owber had to switch off the start/stop function for every journey. Also, when switching the engine off, it seems to chug out rather than cut out cleanly like it used to (and does same if start/stop function is left on).
14-08-2017:
Owner found that clicking noise from the steering of his Audi Q3 could be eliminated simply by releasing the steering column adjustor and moving it up and down a few times.
03-10-2017:
Report of 2016 Q3 with Normal ignition key. Intermittent failure to start with driver display showing 'Key Not Recognised'. First 2 times, car started after 10 or so minutes, 3rd time no start at all. AA (for Audi Assist) confirmed fault, noted fault code but had to clear code to start car. Audi garage cannot find fault but AA serviceman suggested immobiliser or ECU fault.
16-10-2017:
Report of 2015 Audi Q3 needing new rear discs and pads at 18,000 miles due to corrosion of the rear discs. Car lives in a rural, hilly area where roads are salted twice daily in icy conditions.
01-12-2017:
Complaint of surface rust on suspension of 2013 Audi Q3 and that front and rear brake discs had to be replaced at 32,000 miles due to rust. (Actually, fairly normal on most cars.)
09-01-2018:
Report of clutch slave cylinder failng on 2013 Audi Q3 at 20,000 miles. No mention of engine or whether or not it was 4WD.
20-03-2018:
Report of clutch of 2014 Audi Q3 failing and sending part of it through the transmission casing, destroying the gearbox, at 49,000 miles. A replacement at Audi dealer cost over £4,000 of which Audi contributed £2,000. This is a known, but infrequent occurrence with other VAG models.
19-02-2019:
Report of engine of 12,000 mile December 2016 Audi Q3 quattro diesel s-tronic sounding like a tracxtor when stationary in Neutral. When in Drive and stationary the engine/gearbox combination really rattles. The noises become louder as the engine warms up. Suspect failing dual mass flywheel.
02-05-2019:
Report of 2015 Audi Q3 2.0TDI 184 in for 3rd service at Audi dealer at 31,110 miles. Dealer found leaking crankshaft end seal. Quoted £1,505 to repair. Wnen questiond, rapidly retracted to £374.
18-08-2019:
Report that satnav of 2016 Audi Q3 stopped working. Owner had taken out an extended warranty in November 2018. Audi charged just under £2,000 for new media unit, covered by the warranty, but then said the aerial had a fault. Quoted just under £1,000 for that. Warranty did not cover the aerial.
25-09-2019:
Report of leak from thernostat housing of fastidiously well maintained 2015 Audi Q3 2.0TFSI at 32,000 miles. Owner quoted £1,150.11 because replacing the thermostat housing also involved replacing the water pump and its seals.
03-05-3019:
Report of front suspension bushes of 2015 Audi Q3 requiring replacement at 18,000 miles.
April 2009
Audi Q3 revealed
More compact SUV than Q5, to compete with Range Rover Evoque, open for ordering in June 2011, first UK deliveries November 2011. The Q3 combines the raised ride height, elevated seating position and all-terrain agility of a classic sport utility with manageable city-friendly dimensions, advanced technology and the potential for 50-plus mpg fuel efficiency.
Length: 4,385mm. Width: 2,019mm (including mirrors). Height: 1,608mm
May 2011
Prices confirmed
Starting from £24,560 OTR and the finalization of equipment lists for all versions. Orders for the third Q-model in the series, which are the first Audi SUVs to offer a 54.3mpg (EC) front-wheel-drive variant taken from June 2011. Deliveries from November 2011.
Four engines initially be available, all combining direct fuel injection with turbo charging and all backed up by start-stop and energy recuperation systems - the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit in 170PS and 211PS forms and the 2.0-litre TDI with 140PS and 177PS. The 2.0-litre TDI 140PS unit will power the front-wheel-drive model only at launch, deliveries of which will start in December, shortly after the rest of the range.
All other engines linked to quattro all-wheel-drive, but regardless of the configuration secure handling is assured by the sophisticated Electronic Stability Program with electronic differential lock, which effectively regulates torque distribution by braking individual wheels when they start to slip.
The 2.0 TDI 140PS and 2.0 TFSI 170PS engines are linked to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while the 2.0 TDI 177PS and 2.0 TFSI 211PS units feature a new wet-clutch development of the seven-speed S tronic transmission.
If the optional Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system with its new efficiency mode is specified, the rapid-shifting twin-clutch transmission will disengage its active clutch each time the driver lifts off the throttle, allowing the Q3 to use the momentum already built up to ‘coast' without the need for engine input. When the efficiency mode is selected, the electronic climate control and cruise control systems also operate at the optimum level for minimal fuel consumption.
Inside the Q3 there is seating for up to five adults, an accommodating load bay offering up to 1,365 litres of capacity thanks to split/folding rear seats, and an impressive level of standard equipment across the SE and S line specification levels.
Externally the SE has 17-inch alloy wheels, contrasting exterior trim, chrome window trims, aluminium roof rails and rear parking sensors, and inside dual-zone climate control, a Concert audio system with 6.5-inch manually retractable colour display screen, Bluetooth interface, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and light and rain sensors. The Q3 will also come equipped with navigation preparation, enabling customers to ‘activate' navigation retrospectively by purchasing an SD card if required.
For a premium of £2,750 the Audi Q3 can be upgraded to the S line specification, which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements, and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights.
Options include ‘steerable beam' adaptive light technology for the xenon plus headlights, a high-beam assistant to intelligently illuminate the road ahead, the hard drive-based navigation system plus with seven-inch colour screen and 3D mapping and the side assist blind spot warning and lane assist lane departure warning driver aids.
Among the extras is a luggage compartment package, a front-passenger seat with a folding seat back, a reversible loadliner, a reversible mat, a load sill protector made of stainless steel, a load-through hatch in the rear seat backrest and a ski bag.
At a later date, it will become possible to link the MMI navigation plus system with the online Bluetooth car phone, which integrates a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Standard) module. This will enable the navigation system to make use of Google Earth images, and will enable the Q3 to double as a WLAN hotspot in which passengers can enjoy unrestricted internet connectivity on the road.
Pricing
SE model pricing
Engines
|
Drive
|
Power
|
Transmission
|
Recommended OTR
|
2.0TDI
|
front
|
140PS
|
6-speed Manual
|
£24,560.00
|
2.0TDI
|
quattro
|
177PS
|
7-speed S tronic
|
£28,460.00
|
2.0TFSI
|
quattro
|
170PS
|
6-speed Manual
|
£25,690.00
|
2.0TFSI
|
quattro
|
211PS
|
7-speed S tronic
|
£28,610.00
|
S line model pricing
Engines
|
Drive
|
Power
|
Transmission
|
Recommended OTR
|
2.0TDI
|
front
|
140PS
|
6-speed Manual
|
£27,310.00
|
2.0TDI
|
quattro
|
177PS
|
7-speed S tronic
|
£31,210.00
|
2.0TFSI
|
quattro
|
170PS
|
6-speed Manual
|
£28,440.00
|
2.0TFSI
|
quattro
|
211PS
|
7-speed S tronic
|
£31,360.00
|
July 2012
Slightly cheaper 4WD 140PS diesel added to Q3 range. Q3 2.0 TDI quattro 140PS now available priced from £26,510 OTR for the SE and £29,260 for the S line. Expected to account for up to 40% of total Q3 UK sales. 2.0-litre TDI engine delivers 140PS at 4,200rpm and 320Nm between 1,750 and 3,200rpm, 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds, 122mph top speed, combined MPG 49.6, CO2 149g/km. Six-speed manual gearbox, engine start-stop and recuperation technology.
SE has 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, Concert audio system with 6.5-inch manually retractable colour display screen, preparation for SD card navigation, Bluetooth interface, Audi Music Interface iPod connection and light and rain sensors. S line specification adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and LED rear tail lights.
March 2013
Audi Q3 RS launched
Has the same 2.5 litre chain cam 5 cylinder engine as the TT RS, but with less power. Black honeycomb grille insert, deeper front bumper, matt aluminum grille frame, and extensive colour coding of its new - and bespoke - bodykit.
The RS Q3 gets a three-mode seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch gearbox with launch control. Its driven through an electro-hydraulic Haldex style clutch four-wheel drive system, with variable torque split. Performance claims are impressive: 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds with a limited maximum speed of 155mph. On-sale date in the UK is autumn 2013, expected to start at around £40,000 - rising with a very long optional equipment list.
September 2013
Audi Q3 RS now on sale at £43,000. Characterful Audi 2.5-litre, five-cylinder chain cam TFSI engine linked exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. Producing its 310PS peak at between 5,200 and 6,700 rpm, and maximum torque of 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 5,200 rpm, it gives a gloriously distinctive five-cylinder rasp as it powers this pioneering RS Q model from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.
A standard Start-Stop-System, and a regulated oil pump that only supplies lubricant when needed, contribute to fuel economy that sets a new precedent for an RS model up to 32.1mpg was achieved in the ECDC lab tests, equating to CO2output of 206 g/km.
January 2014
1.4 TFSI added to Q3 range
The new 1.4 TFSI slots in at the entry point to the Q3 line-up as an alternative to the 140PS 2.0-litre TDI model and shares its exclusively front-wheel-driven configuration. Available in conjunction with SE and S line trim levels priced from £23,870 OTR, it offers peak power of 150PS, delivered between 5,000 and 6,000rpm, and maximum torque of 250Nm from 1,750 to 3,000rpm. It can channel these through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.
Paired with the slick-shifting manual transmission, the Q3 1.4 TFSI will reach 62mph from rest in 9.2 seconds (8.9 seconds for cars equipped with S tronic), and can carry on to a top speed of 126mph. Combined fuel economy stands at 47.9mpg, and emissions match the efficiency-focused 140PS version of the 2.0 TDI engine elsewhere in the range at 137g/km (145g/km for S tronic models).
Customers looking further up the Q3 range at quattro-equipped variants can also now choose a new S line Plus specification that slots into the line-up above the S line option and expands on its many benefits both inside and out. Available for all quattro-equipped 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI models, S line Plus specification carries a £2,350 premium over S line trim.
The new top-ranking specification boosts visual appeal by replacing the 18-inch S line wheel with a 19-inch ‘five segment spoke’ design, and by incorporating privacy glass extending from the B-pillar rearwards. It also includes a choice of seven metallic paint finishes - Ice silver, Samoa orange, Monsoon grey, Caribou brown, Platinum beige, Cobalt blue and Glacier white.
Inside, the standard S line cloth and leather combination upholstery is replaced by a perforated leather and Alcantara mix in S line Plus models, and they also benefit from the addition of cruise control, the Audi parking system plus and SD card-based satellite navigation via the 6.5-inch colour display.
The new Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI – UK OTR Pricing
Engine |
Trim |
Power |
Transmission |
OTR |
1.4 TFSI |
SE |
150PS |
Manual |
£23,870 |
1.4 TFSI |
S line |
150PS |
Manual |
£26,620 |
1.4 TFSI |
SE |
150PS |
S tronic |
£25,365 |
1.4 TFSI |
S line |
150PS |
S tronic |
£28,115 |
Audi Q3 S line plus models – UK OTR pricing
Engine |
Power |
Transmission |
OTR |
2.0 TFSI quattro |
170PS |
Six-speed manual |
£31,835.00 |
2.0 TFSI quattro |
170PS |
Seven-speed S tronic |
£33,365.00 |
2.0 TFSI quattro |
211PS |
Seven-speed S tronic |
£34,755.00 |
2.0 TDI quattro |
140PS |
Six-speed manual |
£32,140.00 |
2.0 TDI quattro |
140PS |
Seven-speed S tronic |
£33,655.00 |
2.0 TDI quattro |
177PS |
Six-speed manual |
£33,080.00 |
2.0 TDI quattro |
177PS |
Seven-speed S tronic |
£34,595.00 |
November 2014
Audi Q3 upgraded
New look, more equipment and a more efficient engine range. Prices from £25,340 OTR to £30,820 OTR. First UK deliveries in spring 2015. Styling enhancements inside and out, increased equipment levels – Xenon or all-weather LED headlamps as standard depending on version. New or updated engine range now including 1.4 TFSI CoD - fuel economy improvements of up to 13 per cent and power increases of up to 10PS
New 3D effect Singleframe grille, revised bumpers and new look alloy wheels. Full body-colour paint finish previously standard for S line versions and above also now extends to SE models. Headlights now feature xenon bulbs and LED daytime running lights as standard in SE versions, and these are complemented at the rear by reworked LED tail lights. S line and S line plus specification levels upgrade to all-weather LED headlights and dynamic ‘scrolling’ rear indicators which illuminate sequentially within two-tenths of a second from the inside out in the direction the driver intends to turn.
Two TDI clean diesel and three TFSI engines not only boast higher power outputs and improved fuel economy, but also CO 2 reductions of as much as 17 per cent and compliance with EU6 emissions regulations.
1.4-litre 150PS TFSI petrol engine with Cylinder-on-Demand and either manual or S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission gives front drive only Q3 1.4 TFSI a 0-60mph sprint time of 8.6 seconds and up to 50.4mpg in the ECDC tests.
Petrol 2.0-litre TFSI unit has power increased from 170PS to 180PS, manual or S tronic and all 2.0TFSIs are 4WD.
Two four-cylinder 2.0 TDI engines have 150PS and 184PS, up from 177PS. The 2.0-litre TDI SE with 150PS, manual transmission and 17-inch alloy wheels gives economy potential of up to 61.4mpg and emissions of just 119g/km.
The 2.0-litre 150PS TDI engine can work with either manual or S tronic transmission and is available as front wheel drive or four wheel drive. The 184PS is only available with 4WD.
Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system is now standard.
February 2016
Audi Q3 RS Performance model announced
Has 367PS and 465Nm. Slots in above 340PS RS Q3. 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, top speed 167mph. Open for UK orders late Feb 2016 priced from £49,175 OTR
Peak torque of 465 Nm is available between 1,625 and 5,550 rpm, helping the SUV to break through the 62mph barrier from rest in just 4.4 seconds (RS Q3 4.8) and to reach a top speed of 167mph (RS Q3 electronically limited to 155mph), yet the result of the combined consumption test is 32.8mpg, which corresponds to 203 grams CO 2 per km.
Seven-speed wet clutch high-torque transverse S tronic transmission with tight ratios that complement the engine’s performance characteristics can take care of extremely rapid shifts itself or leave the driver to change gears manually using the shift paddles on the standard RS multifunction steering wheel. When the Audi drive select dynamic handling system – a standard feature – is in its dynamic mode each gear change is accompanied by double-declutching.
Complementing quattro AWD is taut RS sport suspension which lowers the body by 20 millimetres compared with the standard Q3 and perfectly translates the propulsive power into incisive and rewarding handling. RS sport suspension plus with damper control is available as an option, and can adjust the dynamic parameters between Comfort, Auto and Dynamic settings via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.
RS-specific 20-inch ‘performance exclusive’ alloy wheels with a matt titanium finish which complements the exterior detailing are standard, and red calipers bearing the RS logo are visible within them. These are also available in black at no extra charge.
Equipment includes all-LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and tail lights, privacy glass, powered tailgate operation and the Audi advanced key system affording keyless entry and starting. Inside, features such as front seat heating, the Audi Music Interface channeled through the 180-watt Audi Sound System, satellite navigation and front and rear parking sensors ensure that the prodigious performance is delivered as comfortably and conveniently as Audi drivers rightfully expect.
October 2016
Audi Q3 Black Edition models introduced
The new top flight Q3 and the sharper, even better equipped versions that sit below it will become available later this month priced from £26,600 OTR, and will reach their first customers towards the end of the year.
As part of the programme of revisions the current Q3 specification structure, starting with SE, moving to S line Navigation and then on to S line plus, has shifted further upwards. At entry level, SE becomes Sport through the addition of SD navigation as standard and through styling enhancements that lend an even more purposeful air, including larger front air vents and a body-coloured front diffuser.
S line Navigation models become S line Edition by gaining standard interior features such as cruise control and the Audi Parking System Plus, and by adopting a new look for the front end, which now incorporates a distinctive horizontal strut spanning its full width, above which are air inlets with more pronounced surrounds and a new diamond-pattern mesh design. They flank a more eyecatching Single Frame grille with a new high gloss finish which is also shared by the air vents.
The main attraction in the range is now the Q3 Black Edition. Replacing the S line plus model, it gets metallic paint, privacy glass from the B pillar rearwards and a Bose sound system upgrade, plus the distinctive black treatment for many of its parts.
Under the skin, two TDI diesel and two TFSI petrol engines are available, depending on the chosen specification. The 1.4-litre TFSI with Cylinder-on-Demand technology brings 150PS and the option of either manual or S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission. It gives the exclusively front-wheel-driven Q3 1.4 TFSI a 0-62mph sprint time of as little as 8.9 seconds (S tronic), but also 51.4mpg capability (manual) based on the combined cycle test. Above it in the petrol line-up is a 2.0-litre TFSI unit with 180PS, which can be linked to either manual or S tronic transmission and works with quattro all-wheel-drive without exception.
Forming the diesel contingent are two four-cylinder, 2.0-litre TDIs with outputs of 150PS and 184PS. When linked to manual transmission and Sport specification with its 17-inch wheels, the 150PS version has the potential to return up to 62.8mpg with CO 2 output of just 117g/km.