Audi q3 2011

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Which? Car review
Audi Q3 (2011-)
Nov 2011 Class: 4x4s/SUVs
New price: 23,865 - 35,755 Used price: From 15,895
On sale:
Performance:
Ride comfort:
handling:
Boot & Storage:
Safety:
Reliability:
Total score:
74%
Stylish and well built.

Impressive handling and performance.
Comfortable ride and cabin.
Premium price tag.
Huge and expensive options list.
Only average reliability.
Recommended models
in the range
Which? Car Top Choice Model

1.4T FSI SE 5dr
New price: 25,500
Used price: 20,000
Fastest Model
2.0T FSI [211] Quattro S Line Plus 5dr S
Tronic
New price: 34,595
Used price: 27,000
6.9 secs
0-62mph:
Most Efficient Model

2.0 TDI SE 5dr
New price: 26,955
Used price: 21,250
Combined fuel economy:
61.4 mpg
Cheapest Model to buy new

1.4T FSI SE 5dr
New price:
23,865
Overview
Audis Q3 is its smallest offering in the 4x4 market, but is it good enough to beat rivals such as
the Nissan Qashqai?
Please note that certain diesel-powered versions of this car built between 2009 and
2015 may be affected by the dieselgate emissions scandal. This means its engine may be
more polluting than official figures suggest and could be recalled sometime in 2016. For more
information, refer to our guide on how to check if your car is affected.
Audi has been making all-wheel-drive cars since the original Audi Quattro stunned the
rallying world in the early 1980s. Since then, the focus for 4x4s has moved to the now wellestablished sports utility vehicle, or SUV, market.
The Q3 is Audis first compact SUV, joining the mid-size Q5 and monster Q7 models in a
tough market where almost every carmaker is fighting for a share.
Theres a choice of proven VW-group engines, with 1.4 and 2.0-litre TFSI petrols and two
different power outputs of the 2.0TDI diesel.
Two transmissions are available: a six-speed manual and an S-tronic semi-auto (with either
six or seven speeds, depending on model). Another choice is either front-wheel drive or
Quattro 4x4.
In early 2015, a light facelift saw revisions to the Q3s styling, safety, efficiency, equipment
and power.
The Q3s main rivals are the BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque, and other competition
comes from the Q3s VW counterpart, the Tiguan, and Fords Kuga. This is a tough market to
compete in, but its also a fast-growing sector in the UK.
Cheapest Model to buy used

2.0 TDI SE 5dr
Used price:
15,895
Cheapest Model to Run (new)

1.4T FSI SE 5dr
New price: 23,865
Running costs: 13,692
(3 years/36,000 miles)
Owners View
A great car. Very practical
with a superb driving
position. Great in snow and
bad weather.
Which? Car review
Audi Q3 (2011-)
4x4s/SUVs
On the road
How we test
Despite the raised platform and hefty weight, the Q3 is a surprisingly impressive car to drive.
Some excellent engines offer strong performance, and theres the option of Audis Quattro
all-wheel-drive system.
Performance
The 177bhp diesel engine has no problem shifting the Q3s 1.5-tonne bulk. It can overtake
quickly thanks to swift mid-range acceleration (35mph to 62mph takes just 4.8 seconds). You
dont even have to wait for the automatic gearbox to drop a gear to accelerate rapidly the
engine produces an initial thrust at low revs, so the automatic gearbox can retain the gear but
accelerate freely using the torque of the engine.
That said, we think the 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel we tested in 2015 offers more than apt
performance - it accelerates well from low revs making it easy to drive in town and to keep up
with the flow of traffic on the motorway. There is a bit of engine drone at low revs that irons out
as you speed up, while there is a bit of steering wheel and pedal vibration at all times.
As for the 1.4 TFSI petrol engine, the 148bhp powerplant delivers sprightly performance
and lots of engine flexibility - the turbo makes accelerating from low revs better than youd
expect from a small petrol engine. Its also much smoother and quieter than the diesel options.
The six-speed manual gearbox is also extremely good, with fast changes and an easy
action.The seven-speed automatic gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly. In D (Drive), the revs
are kept to a minimum to improve fuel efficiency, which can produce some rumbling. Switch
to Efficiency mode and the clutch disengages when your foot is taken off the throttle, allowing
the car to cruise without engine power. This is OK in most urban situations, but on the
motorway there is a noticeable delay in response to acceleration after idle mode activates.
Model tested
diesel 2.0 (148bhp) manual 5-dr (2015)
diesel 2.0 (175bhp) automatic 5-dr 4x4 (2011)
petrol 1.4 (148bhp) manual 5-dr (2014)
Ride comfort
Acceleration (37-62mph)
5.8 secs
4.8 secs
5.5 secs
Rating
The standard suspension is pretty stiff, but offers satisfactory comfort. The pay-off of all this is
very little body roll in corners. S Line models get an even more rigid suspension setup along
with bigger wheels - this could get tiresomely crashy on long journeys, so we suggest you try
these versions on pothole-riddled roads before buying.
Two models weve tested had Audis optional adaptive damper control fitted. When you
use it in Auto mode, the dampers adapt to varying road and driving conditions. It does respond
rather harshly to rough tarmac and changes in surface, though. Slot the Q3 into Comfort
mode and the ride becomes softer, absorbing sharp, individual bumps such as potholes much
better. In Sport mode, the suspension stiffens up, resulting in a feeling of improved agility and
response, but compromising comfort somewhat.
Model tested
Performance
Rating
We use the sophisticated electronic timing

equipment to record standing-start and
in-gear acceleration, and repeat each test
several times.
Ride comfort
Ride comfort is assessed by our laboratory experts who have driven hundreds of
thousands of miles in a myriad of different
models.
Which? Car review
Audi Q3 (2011-)
4x4s/SUVs
On the road continued...
How we test
Handling
Handling
In Quattro form, the Q3 remains very stable, even with dramatic changes of direction. Grip is
excellent, and the Q3 sailed through our hazard-avoidance test safely and without any issues.
There was a slight hint of oversteer, but the standard stability control reacted quickly and
effectively to prevent any skidding. Traction control and the all-wheel-drive Quattro system
fitted to our test car also helped prevent any slip on low-grip surfaces.
However, in two-wheel drive form sudden swerves are more challenging. While the
stability control intervenes effectively, the transition from oversteer to severe understeer in our
hazard test proved hard to handle.
Optional adaptive damping makes the Q3 corner very well at high speeds. Only at
excessive cornering speed does the car begin to understeer. Theres also very little reaction if
you take your foot off the throttle mid-corner.
The steering feel also helps the Q3 feel safe on twisty stretches of road. The power
steering is geared quite low and its responsive and precise. At high speeds, it doesnt become
jumpy, always communicating a good feel ofthe road surface andwhat the wheels are doing.
In Dynamic mode, the power steering gives you less assistance, increasing the road feel in
faster corners.
Model tested
Rating
The brakes on the models weve tested proved responsive and incremental. Braking to a
standstill from 62mph took between 35m and 37.8m in our tests impressive for such a heavy
car. Even after repeating our test 10 times, the Q3s brakes didnt fade.
Braking distance (62-0mph)
35.0m
37.8m
36.0m
Rating
Refinement and noise
Surprisingly for a four-cylinder diesel, there is very limited vibration from under the bonnet of
the 2.0-litre engines. Even at cruising speed the revs are very low and, although there is some
droning, it isnt intrusive enough to be annoying.
At motorway cruising speeds the cabin noise is low, although wind noise is audible (but
never annoying). Road noise is well muted, too. For an even quieter experience, you can select
an optional insulated windscreen.
Workmanship as a whole is up to Audis normal high standards, although it is a little lacking
when you compare it with its bigger sibling, the Q5.
Model tested
Brakes
The Which? Car braking test measures

stopping distance from 62-0mph and is
repeated ten times in quick succession to
highlight any brake fade issues.
Refinement and noise
Brakes
Model tested
On-the-limit handling is explored well

away from public roads to ensure a fair
test. Our obstacle avoidance test is one of
the harshest tests in the industry..
Cruising noise
68dB
69dB
66dB
Rating
The Which? Car experts use a decibel

meter to record interior sound levels
at common UK motorway speeds, and
combine this with subjective assessments
to arrive at an overall score.
Which? Car review
Audi Q3 (2011-)
4x4s/SUVs
On the road continued...
How we test
Cabin and controls
Cabin and controls
Overall, the interior layout of the Q3 is easy and intuitive to operate, with most controls placed
logically and within reach. The main functions are clear and easy to understand without
requiring too much getting used to.
The height and reach-adjustable steering wheel allows you to move it into the optimum
position, and the gear lever and pedals are also well placed.
The on-board computer displays all the relevant information, along with an efficiency
programme showing the condition of the battery and additional power requirements.
Model tested
Rating
Visibility and parking
The chunky design of the Audi Q3 doesnt work in its favour when it comes to visibility.
Massive rear cabin posts and rear headrests that arent fully retractable do hamper rearward
vision. Wide B-pillars also restrict your side view, and its hard to see objects directly in front of,
and behind, the car.
That said, you do get the confidence-inspiring feeling of being sat high up, and the corners
of the Q3 are easy to judge, even when parking in tight spaces. Large wing mirrors are a boon,
as is a blind-spot section on the drivers side mirror.
S Line models benefit from Audis Parking System Plus, which uses acoustic and visual
guidance. You can get Park Assist as an option, which parks the car at the press of a button.
Model tested
Turning circle
12.1m
11.9m
11.9m
Rating
We penalise cars with difficult controls,

and we look for things like backlit light
switches and easy-to-use heating and
ventilation adjustments.
Visibility and parking
Visibility is a major issue for motorists

today, so each car gets a 360-degree
swivel view test to reproduce the drivers
eye view and any obscured areas.
Which? Car review
Audi Q3 (2011-)
4x4s/SUVs
Comfort and practicality
How we test
Easy to get into and easy to load up, the Q3 is a fairly practical choice. However, its compact
size means the rear seats are a little cramped, and the boot isnt the biggest in its class.
Getting in and out
Getting in and out
While the high seating position makes the Q3 easy to get into and out of, both front and rear,
the wide sills can cause a bit of an issue in this regard.
The central-locking remote also controls the windows. Keyless entry unlocks the car when
you have the keys on you, and locks again with the push of the remote or by pressing the
buttons on the front doors.
Model tested
Seat space and comfort
Rating
Seat space and comfort
Theres sufficient space for anyone up to 1.90 metres (6ft 3in) tall up front.
However, while headroom is generous in the rear, too, theres a lack of legroom that
could make life awkward even for people of average height. It can fit three people, but the
centre rear seat is really only suitable for small children. The C-pillars slope close to the rear
passengers heads, making it feel cramped.
Our test cars were fitted with sport seats, which offer plenty of support. The front section
of the seat base can be extended forwards to offer more comfort to anyone with longer-thanaverage legs; however, when pushed back fully, the seat can be too deep for shorter drivers.
The front seats we tested were manually height and tilt-adjustable; however you can upgrade
to electrically adjustable seats with power lumbar support.
Model tested
We take measurements all around the

driver and passengers door apertures
and note the height of the seat, door sills
and step down onto the car floor. The
best cars dont require too much bending
or stretching to get in and out.
Rating
We assess seat comfort subjectively,

using our road testers expert knowledge
and experience from thousands of different cars. And we measure the head-, legand elbowroom on offer in every seat, to
see how well the car caters for people of
all shapes and sizes.
Which? Car review
Audi Q3 (2011-)
4x4s/SUVs
Comfort and practicality continued...
How we test
Boot and storage
Boot and storage
The Q3 has a decent boot by class standards, with a 435-litre capacity (measured up to the
boot cover in our test). With the rear seats folded, that capacity increases to 745 litres. You
can order a reversible boot floor at no extra cost, but this limits capacity quite severely - we
measured it at 310 litres with the rear seats up, and 620 litres withfolded seats.
Loading the boot is easy, with an effortlessly opening hatch and large, square-shaped
aperture. Unfortunately, because of the Q3s raised stature, lifting heavy objects into the
boot can be difficult. And because the rear seats create a step in the boot when folded flat,
its difficult to push objects over this when loading. The optional reversible boot floor makes
loading a little easier.
Model tested
Heating and ventilation
Boot space (seats up/down)

310 litres / 620 litres
Rating
Carmakers give official stats for boot

space, but our tests are more realistic. We
load the boot up with measuring blocks
only as far as the rear window line, so
that luggage is well secured and wont
obscure rear visibility. We repeat the test
with the rear seats up, and folded down
(where possible).
Heating and ventilation
The climate control system we tested was satisfactory, offering individual temperature controls
for driver and passenger.
Model tested
Rating
Feel sorry for the tester who has to warm

each car up from a frosty -10 degrees in
our climate chamber. Starting with a cold
engine, we measure how long it takes to
warm up the front and rear of the cabin.
Diesel cars usually take longer. We also
check the effectiveness of air conditioning, where fitted.
Which? Car review
Audi Q3 (2011-)
4x4s/SUVs
Running costs and depreciation
How we test
The sought-after four-ringed Audi badge and the fact that compact SUV cars are so popular
right now means the Q3 holds its value very well. We couldnt match the claimed fuel economy
figures in our tests, however.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption
With a 44.1mpg average, the 2.0 TDI Quattro semi-auto we tested had respectable fuel
efficiency, even if its short of the 47.9mpg claim.
Its a similar story with the 1.4 TFSI petrol manual model we tested: we averaged 42.2mpg
in our lab test, some way shy of the 49.6mpg claim. The updated engine range in 2015
promises more efficiency, with the 1.4 petrols featuring cylinder-on-demand technology that
can cut out two of the four cylinders when cruising.
The 2.0 TDI diesel we tested in 2015 proved the most fuel efficient, returning 54.3mpg,
though this was still some way from the 61.4mpg claims.
Petrol (combined mpg, claimed)
36.7 mpg - 50.4 mpg
Diesel (combined mpg, claimed)
47.9 mpg - 61.4 mpg
Model tested
Urban (claimed/measured)
53.3 mpg/55.4 mpg
40.4 mpg/38.2 mpg
42.2 mpg/39.8 mpg
Model tested
Extra urban (claimed/measured)

68.9 mpg/64.2 mpg
53.3 mpg/54.3 mpg
55.4 mpg/48.7 mpg
Model tested
Motorway (measured)
43.5 mpg
38.7 mpg
34.0 mpg
Model tested
Combined (claimed/measured)
61.4 mpg/54.3 mpg
47.9 mpg/44.1 mpg
49.6 mpg/42.2 mpg
We test fuel economy under strict lab

conditions using realistic test cycles to
reveal the facts behind the figures. Our
figures rarely match manufacturer claims
as, unlike the official mpg test, we measure economy with both a hot and cold
engine, and on the motorway.
Which? Car review
Audi Q3 (2011-)
4x4s/SUVs
Running costs and depreciation continued...
How we test
Emissions
Emissions
The current Q3 range has CO2 emissions as low as 119g/km for the 2.0 diesel manual twowheel drive. The RS Q3 has the highest emissions in the range, at 203g/km.
Petrol (CO2, claimed)
128g per km - 179g per km
Diesel (CO2, claimed)
119g per km - 156g per km
Model tested
Emissions (claimed/measured)
119g per km/165g per km
While testing fuel economy, we also

collect exhaust gases to enable us to
measure the amount of carbon dioxide
(CO2) emitted. We also check whether
particulate filters are effective at removing
sooty emissions from diesel engines.
Safety
Safety and security

Stability control, brake assist and hill assist are standard on the Q3, but plenty of other safety
kit will cost you extra. Theres lots to choose from, including hill-descent control, rear side
airbags, side assist (blind spot warning) and active lane assist (which gently intervenes through
the steering wheel to help you stay in lane).
The front headrests offer good whiplash protection for passengers up to 1.90 metres (6ft
3in) tall, but the rear ones protect only passengers up to 1.65 metres (5ft 5in) tall.
Its easy to fit child seats of any size into the back, either using the cars seatbelts or Isofix.
Thankfully, Audi has now made front passenger-airbag deactivation standard (it was previously
optional). This is a must-have if youre carrying a forward-facing child car seat up front.
We rate cars for safety using Euro NCAP

crash test scores (where available),
alongside our own comprehensive safety
checklist. Uniquely, we also feed in results
from our accident avoidance test after
all, its far better to steer around a crash
than rely on the airbags...
Security
Euro NCAP score
The Audi Q3 cabin remained stable in the frontal impact Euro NCAP crash test, offering good
protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger.
In the side-barrier test, the Q3 scored maximum points, all body areas being well
protected.
In the more severe side-pole test, protection of the chest was adequate and that of other
body areas was good.
The front seats and head restraints provided good protection against whiplash injuries in
the event of a rear-end collision.
Adult occupant
Child protection
Pedestrian protection
Safety assist
Which? safety rating
Active (crash avoidance)

Passive (crash safety)
Child
Pedestrian
78%
82%
77%
52%
Security
Theft of car:
Theft from car:
Security scores come from the security

experts at Thatcham, who break into
hundreds of cars each year. Most modern
cars are very difficult to drive away, but
are still too easy to steal from.
Which? Car review
Audi Q3 (2011-)
4x4s/SUVs
Which? Car Survey results
About our survey
The Which? Car Survey is the UKs most robust reliability and owner satisfaction survey. In
2015, drivers told us about 58,000 cars, covering more than 484 million miles in the previous
12 months (thats equivalent to driving to the moon and back a hundred times). This unique
feedback allows us to rate satisfaction and reliability for hundreds of new and used cars.
Note: Star ratings below are from 1-5 (1 is very poor and 5 is very good). Percentages
shown under Most common faults indicate the proportion of owners reporting each problem
in the past 12 months.
Brand
Sample size: 2,310 people
Audi ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this brand
Brand reliability
Dealer Servicing & repair
Sample size: 175 people
Ownership ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this range
Driving enjoyment
Ease of driving
Comfort
Dash layout and controls
Practicality
Value for money
Running costs
In-car technology
-
Everyone who takes part in the Which?

Car survey tells us about their car and
the dealers who sell and service it. We
analyse this feedback across all cars to
give top-level satisfaction ratings for each
brand, including the brands reliability
record over the last eight years. All star
ratings are out of five.
Model ownership ratings
Dealer Sales Service
Model: Audi Q3 (2011-)
85%
Brand ratings
These show how owners score this car

in 12 different areas, from performance to
heating. Owners ratings are subjective
so may differ from Which? Car test scores
but they give a good idea of what the
car is like to live with. Where relevant, cars
are scored against other cars in the same
class (e.g. for space).
87%
Owners View
Excellent performance from
a SUV. The raised drivers
position is super, making
entry/exit very easy for an
OAP.
Owners View
The auto gearbox for a
diesel car is quite superb.
It tows well but has speed
when needed. The build
quality is excellent.
Which? Car review
Audi Q3 (2011-)
4x4s/SUVs
Which? Car Survey results continued...
About our survey

Reliability ratings
Reliability ratings
Overall Reliability

Petrol cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
Diesel cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
All cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Up to 3 years old
4-8 years old

-
216

1%
55
-
-
-
We split reliability into breakdowns (including failure to start), faults (where parts
need replacing) and problems (minor issues e.g. squeaks and loose trim). Where
the car has been on sale for some time,
and we have numerous survey responses
from owners, we also split scores by the
age of car and fuel type. Star ratings are
out of five the more stars, the more reliable the car.
Most common faults
Breakdowns: Percentage of cars suffering a breakdown in last 12 months

Average annual repair cost: Average annual cost of repairs (not servicing), in past 12
months
Most common faults

Up to 3 years old
Suspension components (P)

Exterior Handles
Fuel System (P)
Ignition system (P)
Paintwork
4%
3%
2%
2%
2%
4-8 years old
-
-
-
-
-
Failure rate: The proportion of owners reporting this problem in the last year
Want to know whats most likely to go

wrong as the car gets older? These are
the five most common faults reported by
owners, grouped by age into new, recent
and older cars. A score of 40% means
four out of 10 owners reported problems
with that part of the car over the previous
12 months. Engine electrics and non-engine electrics (e.g. windows, stereo) cause
more headaches than mechanical parts in
most modern cars.

Audi q3 2011

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Which?

works for you

Which? Car review

Boot & Storage:

Stylish and well built.

Which? Car Top Choice Model

Most Efficient Model

Cheapest Model to buy new

Cheapest Model to buy used

Cheapest Model to Run (new)

Which? Car review

We use the sophisticated electronic timing

Which? Car review

On the road continued...

Refinement and noise

The Which? Car braking test measures

On-the-limit handling is explored well

The Which? Car experts use a decibel

Which? Car review

On the road continued...

Cabin and controls

Visibility and parking

We penalise cars with difficult controls,

Visibility is a major issue for motorists

Which? Car review

Comfort and practicality

Getting in and out

Getting in and out

Seat space and comfort

Seat space and comfort

We take measurements all around the

We assess seat comfort subjectively,

Which? Car review

Comfort and practicality continued...

Boot and storage

Heating and ventilation

Boot space (seats up/down)

Carmakers give official stats for boot

Feel sorry for the tester who has to warm

Which? Car review

Running costs and depreciation

Petrol (combined mpg, claimed)

36.7 mpg - 50.4 mpg

Diesel (combined mpg, claimed)

47.9 mpg - 61.4 mpg

Extra urban (claimed/measured)

We test fuel economy under strict lab

Which? Car review

Running costs and depreciation continued...

Petrol (CO2, claimed)

128g per km - 179g per km

Diesel (CO2, claimed)

119g per km - 156g per km

While testing fuel economy, we also

Safety and security

We rate cars for safety using Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP score

Which? safety rating

Active (crash avoidance)

Theft from car:

Security scores come from the security

Which? Car review

Which? Car Survey results

Refinement and noise

Cabin and controls

Visibility and parking

Getting in and out

Seat space and comfort

Boot and storage

Heating and ventilation

Petrol (combined mpg, claimed)

Diesel (combined mpg, claimed)

Petrol (CO2, claimed)

Diesel (CO2, claimed)

Euro NCAP score

Which? safety rating

Dealer Sales Service

Model: Audi Q3 (2011-)

Suspension components (P)