Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI

What‘s it? The top-spec version of Audi’s compact soft-roader ; driven inside the UK for the very first time. Petrol-engined variants from the Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI will certainly be greatly outnumbered by their diesel counterparts, and Audi expects the foremost powerful derivative in order to make up just five per cent of sales. However, musclebound SUVs have always proven popular halo vehicles even if they should fail to locate buyers in large numbers. The allure is power and prestige, and also to that end the current range-topper gets a 208bhp take upon the 2. 0-litre TFSI lump. That’s sufficient to propel the Q3, via all four wheels, to 62mph in 6. 9 seconds - which makes it quicker than comparable BMW X1 or Range Rover Evoque. Starting at £28, 610 to the SE trim, it’s slightly cheaper too, but that’s before beginning ticking Audi’s lengthy options list, which includes several items - Drive Select, adaptive dampers - which are essential. What’s it like? Before we think about the specific attributes from the petrol engine, a little bit of advice upon the Q3 experience inside the UK.

Prospective buyers already enticed by another slickly packaged Audi affair will certainly be pleased to listen to the model takes to potholes and manhole covers reasonably well. There’s a perhaps a touch that once again the manufacturer has opted for any slightly over-firm setup, however it takes some seriously troubled tarmac for that thought to occur. Otherwise the Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI saunters along inside a quiet, unruffled type of way - particularly with comfort mode appointed on Audi’s Drive Select. However, equipped with the butch petrol engine, it’s hard to not constantly reach for the greater aggressive Dynamic setting. As ever using the self-appointed ‘quick’ car from the range, poking the TFSI is practically obligatory, and flat out, the Q3 delivers the straight-line, linear oomph you’d expect coming from the figures. Unfortunately, additional performance doesn’t necessarily equate to increased enjoyment of the merchandise.

Hooked as much as Audi’s twin-clutch S Tronic ‘box, the gearshifts are breakneck, however the transmission includes a habit of making powerplants characterless and sterile. And people same descriptives could possibly be applied towards the Q3’s handling prowess. At moderate speeds the condensed SUV is precise and really simple to endure. Push on and also the superb body control and quattro traction ensure it remains competent - it just doesn’t become anymore fun. Should I buy one? Perhaps. This type of Q3 largely achieves what Audi intended it to - namely, it goes fast - but there’s never any impression the model deserves much recognition beyond its niche audience. That’s because, like much from the manufacturer’s range, there isn’t a tremendous level of reward to become had from torturing the TFSI aside from arriving at the destination marginally quicker. If that’s good enough for you personally probably the premium can be justifiable, but we’d happily settle to the improved economy and lower price from the better-suited 175bhp 2. 0-litre TDI. Audi Q3 2. 0 TFSI QuattroPrice : 28, 610 ; Top speed : 143mph ; 0-62mph : 6. 9 seconds ; Economy : 36. 7mpg ; Co2 : 179g / km ; Kerbweight : 1565kg ; Engine type, cc : 1984cc turbocharged four-cylinder petrol ; Power : 208bhp (5000rpm - 6200rpm ) ; Torque : 221lb ft (1800rpm - 4900rpm ) ; Gearbox : Seven-speed automatic.