Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Audi Q3 2019 review – just another compact SUV, but one with potential - Ride and handling

The Audi Q3 is not a bad car, but it's lacking in key areas compared to strong rivals, while short of the quality you’d expect

Evo rating
  • Agile and spritely on-road dynamics, reasonably space efficient
  • Dull interior, lethargic powertrains, not special enough for its crowded segment

Ride and handling

Right from the off, it’s clear that the Q3 has been developed to be easy and effort-free to drive. The steering is light and predictably numb at low speeds, but with speed it does weight up. The next thing that hits you is the Q3’s somewhat tough ride. Even in the non-S line model on the smallest 18-inch wheels, it struggles to remain settled over small bumps and intrusions, juddering into the road surface despite the tall-profile tyres. Like the steering though, the ride does improve at higher speeds, even if it lacks the polish one would find in something such as the Volvo XC40.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Start to push harder though and the inherent quality inherited by the MQB platform starts to reveal itself, as with more load comes more dexterity to the way it flows down the road. It’s no Golf GTI, but pitch the Q3 into a corner and it grips, settles and exits with far more clarity and poise than you might feel is particularly necessary for this type of car. This is where the MQB-sourced bones come good, as the underlying chassis is relatively lightweight and stiff.

It’s almost spritely, yet when connected to a raucous diesel engine and sloppy dual-clutch transmission, as many will be, the chassis easily outshines the rest of the Q3’s technical package. Play with the Q3’s driver modes and the throttle mapping and steering response do improve, although the optional adaptive dampers do little to make a marked difference to the Q3’s body control.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025
Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon
Michelin GT3 RS tyre
Reviews

Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 2025 review – 'N0' tyre makes Porsche GT3 RS a wet weather weapon

Michelin has developed a wet and cold weather tyre for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and it’s brilliant
23 Apr 2025