Audi Q3 2019 Review

In 2019, the competition in the compact luxury SUV market became increasingly fierce. Consumers are pursuing a balance of brand quality, practicality in space, and technological features. As a popular contender in this segment, the updated 2019 Audi Q3 public version has seen adjustments in design, features, and space. In this test drive, we focus on whether it can meet the dual demand of "luxury feel + daily practicality" for family users.

In terms of appearance, the 2019 Q3 public continues Audi's family-style robust design. The front face features a hexagonal grille paired with strong chrome trims, offering high recognizability. The headlight assembly uses full LED light sources, with sharp shapes and an automatic on/off function. When lit, the visual effect is clear. The side profile of the car is simple, with a waistline running from the front to the rear, paired with 18-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, creating a harmonious overall proportion. At the rear, the LED taillights feature a smoked design echoing the front, while the silver rear skid plate below adds a touch of crossover style. The overall design retains the exquisite feel of a luxury brand while not losing the grandeur of an SUV.

Stepping into the interior, the design remains the familiar Audi style, with the center console angled towards the driver for ease of operation. The instrument panel adopts a 10.25-inch fully digital display, capable of showing navigation, vehicle status, and other information. The central control screen is an 8.8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with a smooth response. The seats are made of a combination of leather and fabric materials, with the front seats offering electric adjustment and lumbar support, providing good cushioning. In terms of materials, the top of the center console is covered with soft-touch materials, paired with silver trims, achieving a tactile and visual effect that aligns with the positioning of a luxury brand.

The space performance is a surprising highlight of this test drive. The vehicle dimensions are 4485mm×1856mm×1585mm, with a wheelbase of 2680mm, which is longer than the previous model. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, the rear legroom offers about two fists of space, while the headroom provides about one fist. Even with three adults seated in the rear, it does not feel cramped. The rear is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, demonstrating thoughtful attention to detail. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 530L, expandable to 1525L with the rear seats folded down, which can easily accommodate a stroller or camping gear, fully meeting the daily needs of a family.

In terms of performance, the 2019 Q3 public is equipped with a 1.4T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 110kW (150PS) and a maximum torque of 250N·m, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The power response is swift at startup, with sufficient low-end torque, making it easy to follow city traffic or overtake at start. When switched to sport mode, the transmission shifts gears more aggressively, and the throttle response becomes more sensitive, providing a more direct acceleration experience. However, when accelerating at high speeds (over 120km/h), the power reserve feels slightly inadequate.

The handling performance is decent. The steering wheel is precise with minimal slack, making daily driving very user-friendly. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, with a tuning emphasis on comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, most minor vibrations are well absorbed, ensuring passengers inside do not experience significant jolts. During cornering, the body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, and the chassis provides good overall stability, giving the driver a reasonable degree of confidence.

In terms of fuel consumption, this test drive covered urban congested roads and highways, with a combined fuel consumption of about 7.2L/100km. For a 1.4T+SUV combination, this performance is above average among vehicles of the same class. Noise control is also commendable. While driving in the city, tire and wind noise are not noticeable. At a highway speed of 120km/h, wind noise increases slightly but does not affect cabin conversations. Overall, the sound insulation meets luxury brand standards.

In the braking performance test, the braking distance from 100km/h to 0 was about 38 meters, and the performance was stable. The brake pedal feedback is linear, without dead spots, giving a sense of safety.

To summarize, the core advantage of the 2019 Audi Q3 public lies in its balanced performance: the design and quality of a luxury brand, spacious interior, practical features, and decent fuel economy. Compared to similar models like the BMW X1 18i or Mercedes-Benz GLA 180, the Q3 public has an edge in space and features, especially in rear-seat space and trunk expandability, making it more suitable for family users.

Overall, the 2019 Q3 public is suitable for family users who value brand quality and need spacious interiors. It can handle daily commutes or weekend family trips. If you're looking for extreme performance, it may not be the best choice, but for most consumers prioritizing "balance," it offers a practical and prestigious option.