2016 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro Tiptronic

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro Tiptronic

A luxurious car that is built right

8 Exterior
8 Interior
7 Fuel Economy
7 Performance
7 Value
7.4

Although the 2016 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro Tiptronic came into the market just last year, it is already getting a makeover. While it does not look quite the same as the Q3 sold in other places (for example, ours comes with a torque-converter 6-speed automatic instead of the dual-clutch gearbox that is ud in other countries), the Q3 2.0T offers many of the same pros of the Q5 and Q7 in a small, mini-ute size.

Slotting beneath the Q5, a new entry point for Audi sport-utes is established by the Q3 in the United States, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the BMW X1 a competitor. Although the Q3 is related to the Volkswagen Tiguan, its chassis features more high-strength steel and aluminum than its VW counterpart. However, it does not have the newest MQB architecture that the latest Audi A3 has – you will have to wait for the second generation Q3 for that.

EXTERIOR

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro Tiptronic

Everything about the 2016 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro Tiptronic is all about comfort and convenience. The Q3 comes with LED taillamps and standard HID headlamps, among many other features. One of the packages is called the Prestige which contains a power tailgate, color river information system, Audi side assist, power folding exterior mirrors and S line exterior, among other features as well; the Sports package includes Audi drive select, front sport seats as well as shift paddles.

The 2016 Q3 features a realistic exterior, embellished with revamped front lights, side sills, bumper, as well as rear lights. The crossover is now accessible with 18” 5-arm (turbine) design wheels in conjunction with 19” 5-double-spoke offroad design wheels. The standard 18” inch wheels are available along with the optional 19ones.

There is more to mention here such as the power adjustable heated exterior mirrors, Audi xenon plus headlights with LED DRLs, and taillights. The crisper angles, sharper lines, and new headlamp design all give the vehicle a fresh look. If you are looking for a crossover that has dramatic looks with elegance, this is the one for you. You will appreciate the panoramic sunroof with the retractable sunroof as well.

The Q3 has a bold design that will make you stand out on the road. When you inspect the vehicle more closely, you will find the grille design and headlamps are not the same as the 2015 Q5. This is because this crossover was one of the brand’s latest designs for the front end.

This crossover has a great-looking exterior. It looks neat and compact, which gives you a tidier appearance while on the road. The Q3 looks good in a way that some of its competitors do not.

INTERIOR

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro Tiptronic

The interior has a simple yet minimalistic sophisticated design. You can see Audi’s attention to detail in the interior design with its 12-way power adjustable heated front seats including lumbar adjustment, dual zone automatic control, auto dimming interior dimming mirror with compass and a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel that is wrapped in fine leather.

Other interior features that give you fantastic convenience include the Audi music interface with iPod cable, Audi sound system and AM/FM/SAT/1 CD audio with SD card reader. If you like entertainment while on the road, the Q3 has what you need. You will also like the SIRIUS satellite radio, with which you get a 3-month complimentary subscription. The driver information system is a salient feature to have and is conveniently located to give you easy access whenever you need it. The Q3 has the latest technologies to keep you connected while on the go.

The parking system with rearview mirror allows you to park without any risk of a collision or making a mistake. You can also drive in comfort in any weather with the dual zone automatic climate control. The Q3 is designed with premium fits and finishes and cutting technology to ensure that you get style and substance in the vehicle you are driving.

FUEL ECONOMY

With an estimated EPA of 20/28 mpg city/highway, the 2016 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro Tiptronic’s estimated fuel economy is on par with those of its rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA. We tested the accuracy of these numbers and came pretty close. You will find the Q3 efficient and its EPA ratings satisfactory.

TECH

When it comes to tech features, you will not be disappointed by the Q3. You will be surrounded by the most innovative technologies. The brand makes sure that even when you are driving alone, you have a great support system in place. The innovative technology that comes with the Q3 enhances your driving experience and ensures that it is smooth and comfortable. Everything is conveniently placed so that you do not have to go through a lot of hassle to access the tech features that you need.

The MMI navigation plus system gives you Audi connect which enables 3D satellite imagery, Google Earth, local traffic and weather, a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices, flight information, news, and much more. This is a fantastic feature that gives you everything you need for a hassle-free drive.

When it comes to sound, you will be blown by the Bose Surround Sound System, which gives you 10 channels and an impressive 465 watts. You get outstanding power and clarity with this 14-speaker premium audio system.  Enjoy music in your Q3 with the amazing sound system and the SIRUIS satellite radio.

With the Audi side assist, you get an alert letting you know when there is a vehicle in your blind spot. You have your back, and your sides covered. You will also like the parking system plus which uses rear sensors that help detect when there is another object close to you. The rear view camera gives you additional visibility when you are backing up, keeping you safe from a collision.

SAFETY

You get some fantastic safety features with the Q3. The driver and front passenger advanced airbag supplemental restraint system ensures that you are safe in any collision. You are also kept extra secure with the driver and front passenger, 3-point safety belts with Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR), pretensioning and adaptive force limiters, pyrotechnical lap pretensioner (PLP) as well as a dynamic locking tongue.

Rear passengers can also feel safe and secure with the rear outboard 3-point safety belts with ALR, front, and rear impact body crumple zones.

The Q3 also comes with side airbags in the front seats and side curtain airbags with ejection mitigation features which keep you and passengers safe in your seats in case of an accident. You also get electronic vehicle immobilization as well as active and passive rollover protection.

You will like the safety features for children. The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and rear child safety locks keep little ones safe at all times.

When it comes to safety, the Q3 does a fantastic job of making sure that everyone is protected. It comes with a wide range of safety features that you will appreciate. You can go on family drives with peace of mind knowing that your vehicle has everything you need to keep everyone safe in case of an accident.

PERFORMANCE

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro Tiptronic

What we loved most was the car’s exemplary performance. Seamlessly blending smart engineering, innovative materials ad enlightened design, this crossover adapts with excellence to any environment. You will be impressed by the quattro all-wheel drive system which gives you fantastic performance. It sends power to the wheels to harness an even stronger road grip. Quattro helps in maximizing traction to give you better handling performance. If you find yourself on slippery roads, the quattro will help you in gripping the road while you move along which can increase the odds that you do not end up in a collision and/or terrible situation.

The Q3 has a turbocharged 200-hp TFSI engine, giving it the power to quickly get you out of congested city streets and the ability to pass other vehicles on two-lane highways. When you combine that with 28 highway mpg, you do not have to stop at the gas station that much.

From long stretches to tight turns, the roads are always changing. The available Audi drive select system, you can choose from Auto, Dynamic, or Comfort mode and adjust your Q3’s throttling and steering response as required. It gives you the ability to do more than adapt to your environment – it gives you command over it too.

CONCLUSION

2016 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro Tiptronic

The MSRP for the 2016 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro Tiptronic is $35,800. This does not include the Prestige package, which is available for $4,900 more whereas the Sport package comes with an optional price of $550 on top of the previous two prices (you are looking at $41,250 thus far). Similarly, the destination charge stands at $925. The paint color is in the form of Mythos Black metallic and costs $575 more. The total cost therefore, after the inclusion of all these extra and totally optional packages, comes to around $42,750.

What we liked – Audi’s single-frame grille – in particular, that the upper part of the grille connects to the headlamps; minimalistic interior design with high-quality materials; and the powerful turbocharged inline.

What we did not like – Low mpg numbers; and backseats can be a little tight for full-grown adults – certainly males.

Competition

The Q3 has a number of competitors and its most direct rival is the Mercedes GLA. Although the Q3 is slower and drinks up a little more fuel than the GLA, the Audi gives you better handling and its interior accommodations are better.

The Buick Encore is another competitor. While it is nimble and compact, the Q3 is quicker and feels more luxurious.

The Acura RDX has marvelous V-6 acceleration, rides smoothly, and is more agile than its rivals. However, it does not beat the Q3 when it comes to interior space. The Q3 is also superior in the audio department with its innovative and advanced sound system.

The 2016 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro Tiptronic is a fabulous compact luxury crossover SUV that has an appealing design and some innovative features that make it stand out from the crowd. Its tech and safety features are cutting-edge and provide a lot of convenience. Its interior and exterior design, while simplistic, is stunning nonetheless.


Photo Credit: Audi

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