"This engine is exceptionally well-tuned and responsive, and the transmission has well-spaced gears and delivers confident shifts. All 207 lb-ft of torque are available by 2,000 rpm, and that helps for getting out ahead of traffic." - The Car Connection
2018 Audi Q3 Engine and Transmission
The 2018 Audi Q3 uses a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine provides satisfactory power and acceleration when driving around town, but once you hit the open roads and floor the pedal, it feels underpowered.
The turbo-four engine in the Q3 isn't as powerful as those in the competition. It has sluggish acceleration and weak overall power. This Audi crossover has a pleasant ride, but reviews are mixed on its handling.But for regular city driving, the power is more than adequate.
Models |
2018 Audi Q3 |
2018 Infiniti QX30 |
2018 BMW X1 |
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA |
MSRP |
$32,900 |
$ 29,950 |
$33,900 |
$33,400 |
Engine |
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/121 |
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/121 |
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/122 |
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/121 |
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
8-speed automatic |
7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
Power |
200hp @ 5100 rpm |
208hp @ 5500 rpm |
228hp @ 5000 rpm |
208hp @ 5500 rpm |
Torque |
207 ft.-lbs. @ 1700 rpm |
258 ft.-lbs. @ 1200 rpm |
258 ft.-lbs. @ 1450 rpm |
258 ft.-lbs. @ 1250 rpm |
While X1’s engine justifies its extra cost with extra horsepower and torque, GLA’s engine matches X1’s torque numbers but has just a few more HPs than Q3. Surprisingly, the QX30 costs around $3,000 less than the Q3, but still produces the same torque as the X1 and the same horsepower as the GLA. Audi may have focused on luxury and comfort, but power was definitely not their prime goal.
2018 Audi Q3 Acceleration
The main focus behind making the Q3 was to provide Audi’s experience without providing Audi’s price tag. Though the 2018 Audi Q3 does well in comfort, style, and luxury department, the engine is nowhere near the class standard. It feels underpowered on highways, and even while merging into traffic.
Models |
2018 Audi Q3 |
2018 Infiniti QX30 |
2018 BMW X1 |
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 |
0-60 MPH |
8.2 sec |
6.3 sec |
6.6 sec |
7.2 sec |
Quarter mile |
16.1 sec @ 89 mph |
14.9 sec @ 93 mph |
15.2 sec @ 90.5 mph |
15.3 sec @ 90.3 mph |
Engine |
2.0L I-4 |
2.0L I-4 |
2.0L I-4 |
2.0L I-4 |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
7.7 |
6.6 |
6.8 |
6.5 |
While the BMW X1's engine justifies its higher price with more horsepower and torque, the GLA's engine equals the torque ratings of the BMW X1 but only boasts a few more power than the Q3. Surprisingly, the QX30 costs roughly $3,000 less than the Q3, but it still has the same power as the BMW X1. Audi may have prioritised luxury and comfort, but power was not one of their top priorities.
2018 Audi Q3 Handling and Steering
The 2018 Audi Q3 carries its underwhelming performance in the driving and handling department. While Audi’s other vehicles have demonstrated that an electric-assisted power steering doesn’t necessarily mean a numb and artificial drive, the Q3 fails to do so.
The Q3 has soft suspensions and a subpar grip limit, which make it less sporty and feel heavier than it really is. The highway stability and precision are satisfactory, but ‘satisfactory’ is a word that should not be associated with an Audi.
2018 Audi Q3 Braking
The 2018 Audi Q3 is just as lethargic in stopping down as it is in speeding up. It takes well over class average to come to a stop. The brake pedal is on the softer side, feels a bit vague, and travels farther than desirable. At panic stops, the compact SUV also displays directional instability.
Model |
2018 Audi Q3 |
2018 Infiniti QX30 |
2018 BMW X1 |
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 |
Brake Front (in) |
12.3 |
12.6 |
12.9 |
12.6 |
Brake Rear (in) |
11.1 |
11.6 |
12.5 |
11.6 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3483 |
3280 |
3543 |
3296 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
122 |
106 |
112 |
120 |
The quickest to come to a halt amongst the rivals is the Infiniti QX30. It takes just 106 feet to come to a stop from 60mph, that’s 15 feet shorter than the Q3. Following QX30 is the BMW X1, with its panic stop distance of 112 feet. The Mercedes GLA is also on the slower side at panic stops, with a distance of 120 feet. That’s unimpressive but still better than Q3.