Nuts and Bolts: 2016 Audi Q3 Prestige
Bottom line: The Audi Q3 remains an excellent choice for small middle-income families interested in transportation safety, style and reasonable fuel efficiency. If the $40,000-plus price of the fully equipped Q3 Prestige bothers you, consider the Q3 Premium Plus, or choose front-wheel instead of all-wheel drive.
Ride, acceleration and handling: The all-wheel-drive Q3 Prestige gets good marks in all three.
Head-turning quotient: It’s pretty inside and out. Hints at class.
Body style/layout: The Audi Q3 is a front-engine, subcompact crossover-utility vehicle with four side doors and a rear hatch. It is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. There are two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige.
Engine/transmission: The Q3 comes standard with a turbocharged, 16-valve 2-liter in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine with variable valve timing (200 horsepower, 207 pound-feet of torque). The engine is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission that, via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, can also be operated manually.
Capacities: Seating is for five people, with smaller folks recommended for the rather cramped ear quarters. Cargo capacity with all seats in place is 16.7 cubic feet. Maximum cargo capacity is 48.2 cubic feet. Fuel capacity is 16.9 gallons (premium-grade gasoline is required).
Mileage: My actual highway mileage was 27 miles per gallon.
Safety: Standard equipment includes ventilated front disc brakes and solid discs in the rear; four-wheel anti-lock brake protection; emergency braking assistance; stability and traction control; height-adjustable rear headrests; Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps; and front, rear and side air bags.
Pricing: 2016 Q3 pricing starts at $33,700. Estimated dealer invoice on that model is $31,700. Price as tested is $42,625, including $8,025 in options (Bose premium sound system, panoramic glass roof and other items) and an estimated $900 factory-to-dealer shipment charge.
— Warren Brown
