Just as we anticipated, Audi has officially taken the wraps off the Q3 mid-life facelift in November, without waiting for a major motor show. This compact crossover-SUV has been with us since the fall of 2011 and is now better than ever, thanks to changes made inside and out.
Let's start with the looks, which are the first thing that strike you. The Q3 facelift model has a more distinctive trapezoidal grille that now connects itself to the headlights. So far, Audi has only shown us the S line body, but the overall impression is of a family vehicle with a sense of style.
The headlights and taillights have also been updated and their design will probably make a lot of sense when the flagship Q7 comes out next year. The standard headlights come with xenon plus technology and LED daytime running lights. The optional LED headlights are particularly bright and energyefficient. Just like on the A6 facelift, the turn signals have been integrated and have a sort of flowing wave pattern.
A new color called Hainan Blue is the highlight of the press release for the Q3 facelift, as are the new wheel designs, which are available in sizes from 16 to 20-inches.
The dimensions of the body stay within just a few millimeters of the original and the trunk has the exact same 460 liters of cargo space. The Q3 is not as new as its main rival, the GLA, so the interior might not be as modern looking. But, Audi say they've tuned the suspension even more towards comfort and refinement. You can now also get the Q3 with driving modes, which allows you to tailor the whole experience according to your mood.
New engines
Most Q3 owners have bought one with their heads, not just their hearts. That's why we think the highlight of the facelift is the new engine range, which is even more impressive than that of the Mercedes model.
A total of three TFSI and three TDI clean diesel fourcylinder engines have been introduced, all turbocharged, all direct injected. They provide up to 16% lower fuel consumption and up to 10 horsepower more than before. These engines displace between 1.4 and 2.0 liters and produce from 120 to 220 PS.
Most buyers will go for the new EA288 2.0 TDI clean diesel. It makes a very respectable 150 PS as opposed to 140 that you got pre-facelift. Torque is also up by 20 Nm. In the case of the ultra model with FWD and a manual, fuel consumption has dropped from 5.2 to just 4.4 (53.5 US mpg).
Of course, you can buy the 2.0 TDI without the ultra tech, or get it with quattro and an S tronic twin-clutch automatic. There's also a 184 PS performance version, which replaces the old 177 PS model and still offers better consumption.
The petrol range is limited to just two normal mills. There's the base 1.4 TFSI making 150 PS, which can be ordered with a manual or an automatic, but comes standard with the COD technology that shuts the engine under light loads. Those looking for a bit more punch should go for either the 180 or 220 PS versions of the 2.0 TFSI, both offered only with quattro and an auto.
Production of the Q3 facelift will start at the Martorell plant outside Barcelona, Spain, in February 2015. Full pricing details will not be revealed until next year, but the Q3 is said to start at €29,600.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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