2015 Audi Q3

The 2015 model year of the Audi Q3 will offer 2 trim levels to choose from mainly known as Premium Plus and Prestige. The base trim costs from $32,500 and goes up to $39,425 for the top tier trim. Prices can also alter based on the optional packages you choose from; of which some of the famous ones are MMI Navigation Plus package and the Sport package that add features like adjustable drive modes for steering and transmission, front sport seats, and navigation system with voice controls.

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We recommend you go for the Prestige trim with the AWD option to get a complete luxury experience. It is the top-level trim and adds a vast variety of new features that you would expect on an Audi. It adds premium amenities like 14 speaker BOSE audio system, Auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors, a power liftgate, etc that were missing in the base trim.

The 2015 Audi Q3 is available with only one engine - a turbocharged 2.0L Inline-4 which is hooked to a 6-speed automatic transmission that sends the output to the front wheels only, as standard. An AWD system is on offer, and does have a premium over the FWD one. The powertrain churns out 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. 

The Q3 is a very pleasant car to drive and does its business without too much fuzz, just like every other Audi. The handling is sure-footed, which is made even better with the AWD on board. The seats are very comfortable and the steering feedback is something to appreciate in this crossover. The cabin is well-insulated and the suspension soaks up the discrepancies pretty well.

The BMW X1 beats its competition in the 0-60 and the quarter-mile race by quite some margin while the Q3 is the slowest in terms of its acceleration. While, the power output on the Audi Q3 is sufficient, but looking at its competition it could have been better. The X1 also has a better torque figure when compared to its competitors.

The 2015 Audi Q3 does a decent job in terms of fuel economy. The base 2.0 Liter turbocharged Inline 4 cylinder engine provides 20 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 24 MPG combined. Opting for the AWD variant the Audi Q3 becomes a bit less efficient. However, the fuel tank capacity could have been better which would have increased its overall range.

The Merc is the most fuel-efficient when compared to its rivals followed by the Bimmer coming in second on the list. The VW and Audi aren’t really too different in terms of efficiency. The latter gets the biggest tank capacity but the lower fuel efficiency does not help with the range. 

The interior of the 2015 Audi Q3 looks like a typical Audi and resembles the bigger Q5 or the Q7. The interior is easily recognizable as it takes most of its bits and pieces from the aforementioned SUVs and matches with most of the other cars from Audi. The entirety of the interior is made with upscale materials. The space in the front is sufficient so taller folks won’t find any issues.

The dashboard design is similar to that of its elder siblings. The dashboard is covered in soft-touch material. All the AC vents and the control buttons are finished in chrome accents. Some small bits of wooden trims here and there make it more premium. The steering wheel is very light and smooth and is wrapped in soft-touch material. The buttons on the steering wheel are nicely arranged and are very straightforward.

The Q3 seats 5 people in two rows. The front seats are cushioned and are very comfortable. Cloth seats come as standard on the Q3 which can be upgraded to leather seats. The armrest is wide and comfortable for both the driver as well as the passenger. The space at the rear is sufficient and two adults and a child can sit at the back, however, the legroom is tight. Overall the entire interior of the new Audi Q3 feels premium.

The X1 wins the game over others when it comes to interior space. The Q3 has the least second-row legroom and it is the biggest con of this SUV, along with lower cargo volume as compared to its rivals. The Tiguan has the best-in-segment cargo space, followed by the GLA 250 has the best cargo space in the class. That said, some of the highlighting interior features of the Q3 are:

• Front Seatback Storage
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Keyless Ignition
• Turn Signal In Mirrors
• Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
• Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
• Front And Rear Cupholders
• Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
• Front And Rear Door Pockets
• Electric Power Steering
• Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Dual Zone Front Climate Control

How intuitive is the 2015 Audi Q3’s infotainment unit?

Audi is one of the best when it comes to technology and it continues with the Q3. It has a 7-inch pop-up touchscreen MMI infotainment system. The display is of good quality and there is no screen glare issue even in bright sunlight. The touchscreen is very responsive and is straightforward to use. The font size used in the display is big enough and easily readable. It has Bluetooth connectivity with which you can connect your smartphone with the infotainment system. It has USB ports and Auxiliary ports.

It also has an Mp3 player and CD player. You can listen to your favorite radio station with the help of SiriusXM satellite radio. It has Audi connect with LTE data which turns into a wireless WiFi hotspot. It has a 14-speaker BOSE premium stereo system that will take the party on the roads. Finally, it has a satellite navigation system that is accurate and works perfectly fine. Some of the infotainment features are:

• 7-inch pop-up touch-Screen MMI infotainment system
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• USB port
• Auxiliary port
• Mp3 player
• CD player
• 14-speaker Bose premium stereo system
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Navigation system
• Audi Connect
• 4G LTE WiFi hotspot
• Satellite navigation system

The 2015 model year is the new beginning of the Audi Q3 but there is no new or extraordinary exterior design. It still is very appealing but is heavily inspired by the Audi Q5 which makes sense. The overall dimensions are compact with sharp edges. The grille is blacked out with the Audi logo in chrome. The LED headlamps and taillamps make the car look aggressive.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is the longest car and also has the best ground clearance in the segment which is useful for off-roads. Meanwhile, the Q3 is the shortest car in the segment. The GLA 250 is much lighter than other cars in this segment. In a nutshell, some of the highlighting exterior features of the Q3 are:

• 19" 5-Double-Spoke Offroad-Design Wheels
• Front License Plate Holder
• Audi Guard Wheel Lock Kit
• Power Tailgate
• Front Grille Filler Panel

The Audi Q3 does not have any crash test ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS yet but it is packed with the latest safety features. Some of the safety features of the 2015 Audi Q3 include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, front and rear parking sensors, front knee airbags, front second and third-row airbags along with full-length side curtains airbags. It also includes a rearview camera for better outward vision. Some of the standout safety features on offer are:

• Brake Assist
• Daytime Running Lights
• Child Safety Locks
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Auto-Leveling Headlights

The 2015 Audi Q3 is a perfect compact premium SUV for your family. It has an excellent engine with the legendary Quattro system. The exteriors and the interiors are very appealing. It looks like a typical Audi SUV which is a good thing and is ready to take on its rivals. Audi as always has lived up to its expectations. So, if you are planning to go for the new Q3 then you have made the right choice.