The Q3's interior might seem rather stark when compared to other Audis higher up in the range, but that doesn't mean that the German automaker has cut costs on build quality. The dashboard layout is clean and simple but looks almost a bit too barren, but the controls are easy to find, and operation of the various knobs and buttons gives off a premium feel. The moonroof makes the cabin feel somewhat airier during the daytime, despite it actually limiting headroom. Forward visibility isn't great but is enough to enjoy the heightened ride. Rear visibility is somewhat more of an issue thanks to the small slanting rear window.
The Q3 has to make do with a very limited amount of interior space, and the first casualties are usually the backseat passengers. The driver and front seat passenger are well taken care of, and there's just enough head and leg space for six-footers, although some might complain about the moonroof taking up some valuable headroom real estate. The front seats are comfy, but the optional sports seats are in a league of their own and is an option worth looking at for new buyers. Back seat passengers won't be having a great time, especially taller ones. The Q3's 31.1-inches of rear legroom lags behind its competitors, as does its 37.4 inches of headroom. Urban couples and small families will be able to make the most of the cramped interior.
Audi Q3 Trims | 2.0T Premium | 2.0T Premium Plus | 2.0T Sport Premium | 2.0T Sport Premium Plus | 2.0T Premium quattro | 2.0T Premium Plus quattro | 2.0T Sport Premium quattro | 2.0T Sport Premium Plus quattro |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Headroom Front Seat | 36.9 in. | 36.9 in. | 36.9 in. | 36.9 in. | 36.9 in. | 36.9 in. | 36.9 in. | 36.9 in. |
Headroom Back Seat | 37.4 in. | 37.4 in. | 37.4 in. | 37.4 in. | 37.4 in. | 37.4 in. | 37.4 in. | 37.4 in. |
Legroom Front Seat | 40 in. | 40 in. | 40 in. | 40 in. | 40 in. | 40 in. | 40 in. | 40 in. |
Legroom Back Seat | 31.1 in. | 31.1 in. | 31.1 in. | 31.1 in. | 31.1 in. | 31.1 in. | 31.1 in. | 31.1 in. |
Shoulder Room Front | 55.8 in. | 55.8 in. | 55.8 in. | 55.8 in. | 55.8 in. | 55.8 in. | 55.8 in. | 55.8 in. |
Shoulder Room Rear | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. | 53.6 in. |
With the rear seats in the upright position, the Q3 offers a useful 16.7 cubic feet of space from the trunk floor to ceiling. That's a considerable amount bigger than what its sibling the A4 sedan has to offer (13 cubic feet) but is slightly less spacious than the Mercedes GLA's 17.2 cubic feet. The Q3 shows its practical side once the rear seats are folded down to reveal 43.6 cubic feet of space; enough for a week's worth of groceries or a small dog hammock. Small storage is sufficient, however, the glovebox and door pockets seem a bit slim.
The Q3 might be the baby of the Audi SUV family, but that doesn't mean that it has been left threadbare. The base model sits pretty with standard 18-inch alloy wheels and S-line exterior finishes, including a redesigned front bumper and side sills. LED daytime running lights freshen up the Q3's face even further. On the inside, the list of standard features keep piling on. Up front, you'll find ventilated and heated seats that can be adjusted in 12 different ways. Subtle features such as keyless start/stop and a rearview camera turn the Q3 into a car that will make the daily hustle that much easier. The Premium Plus takes things to the next level with blind spot monitoring, full LED head- and taillights and a power liftgate make it feel like a proper little luxury SUV.
The Q3's infotainment system fails to impress. There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, and users get the bare minimum in terms of streaming and connectivity. Sound is channeled through a crisp ten-speaker setup, and you'll be able to listen to the radio (both traditional and satellite). A single USB port and Bluetooth streaming come as standard. Optional extras in the infotainment department include a 14-speaker Bose audio system for the Premium Plus trim and Audi's MMI Navigation Plus package which includes an additional SD card slot, Audi connect with online services, Audi's MMI Navigation Plus system and compass, a 7-inch multi-function display screen and a voice activating system for audio input controls.