2023 Audi Q3 Upcoming Review

The compact SUV market in Malaysia has been heating up in recent years, with consumers increasingly demanding German quality — a combination of practicality for daily family use and a sense of premium quality brought by the brand. This time, we had an early look at the 2023 Audi Q3, a core model targeting this market segment. While staying true to the brand's genes, it has undergone configuration and detail upgrades. Our test drive aimed to verify whether it can maintain its edge in this competitive market.

Let's start with the exterior. The new Q3 continues Audi’s family design language but appears more refined in its details. The front end features a hexagonal large grille paired with silver chrome trim, offering a more three-dimensional look compared to the previous model. The sharp LED headlamp assemblies on both sides support adaptive high and low beam functionality, with high identification once lit. The side profile features flowing lines, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, enhancing its sense of power. The 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels are more dynamic than those of the previous model. At the rear, the highlight is the full-width LED tail lamps, which not only increase the visual width but also feature eye-catching dynamic effects when illuminated. The dual exhaust outlets on both sides retain the rugged qualities of an SUV. Overall, the new Q3’s exterior strikes a balance between the precision of German engineering and youthful elements, ensuring it does not appear overly dull.

Sitting inside, the interior quality remains one of Audi's strengths. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, complemented by silver trim and piano lacquer panels, creating a good sense of luxury. The flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel feels comfortable to hold, with logically laid-out buttons that are easy to operate. The size of the center display has been upgraded to 10.1 inches and is equipped with the latest MMI intelligent system, supporting wireless CarPlay and voice control. The response speed and smoothness have also improved. The air conditioning control area retains physical buttons, which makes daily operation more convenient than full-touch controls. The seats are wrapped in genuine leather, and the front seats support electric adjustment and lumbar support, making long durations of sitting comfortable. The rear space is moderate, and a passenger with a height of 175cm can sit with about two fists of legroom left and adequate headroom. The middle floor hump is not very high, so it’s okay for three people to sit temporarily. In terms of storage, the capacity of the front central armrest box and door panel storage pockets is good. The standard capacity of the trunk is 530L, which can be expanded to 1525L after the rear seats are folded down — entirely sufficient for daily family use and short road trips.

As for performance, the tested model is powered by a 1.4T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 150 horsepower and a peak torque of 250 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. During actual driving, power response in the starting phase is quite agile, not sluggish at all. Although mid-to-high-end acceleration is not as strong as the 2.0T model, it’s still more than adequate for everyday overtaking. When the accelerator is pressed firmly, the transmission quickly downshifts, providing smooth power output. There are three driving modes to choose from: economy, comfort, and sport. Switching to sport mode makes the throttle response more sensitive, and the transmission stays in lower gears, offering a more aggressive driving experience. Regarding the chassis, the new Q3 adopts a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards comfort. It filters out small road vibrations very effectively. When going over speed bumps, the suspension rebounds crisply without any unnecessary swaying. The steering feels precise with minimal play, making it stable while navigating city streets or highways. Noise isolation is commendable, with virtually no noticeable wind or tire noise at speeds below 80 km/h. Only during high-speed driving does the wind noise become slightly evident, but it remains within an acceptable range. Fuel consumption is also satisfying. Our test drive covered urban traffic jams and highway segments, resulting in an average fuel consumption of approximately 7.5L/100km. For a compact SUV, this is quite an ideal figure.

Overall, the 2023 Audi Q3 delivers a well-balanced performance. Compared to its competitors like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, it offers better practicality in terms of space, richer configurations, and its price is expected to stay within a reasonable range, making it highly cost-effective. This vehicle is suitable for families who value brand quality and seek balanced performance. It can easily handle daily commutes and short trips. For young consumers, its exterior and interior design are stylish enough, and the level of smart configurations can also meet their needs. If you are looking for a compact luxury SUV that is both practical and refined, the new Audi Q3 is well worth considering.