Audi Q3 review

You're unlikely to have a problem getting comfortable behind the wheel of the Audi Q3. You don't feel quite as far from the road as you do in a Range Rover Evoque or Volvo XC40, but the steering wheel has a great range of adjustment, up and down as well as in and out.

The driver's seat has plenty of adjustment, too, and holds you in position well through corners. However, you won't necessarily stay comfortable on long journeys if you choose a Sport or S line version because adjustable lumbar support isn't available on these trim levels – even as an option. To get this important feature you need to go for pricey Edition 1 or Vorsprung trim.

All trims come with a version of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display, though. It measures 10.25in on Sport and S line models and grows to 12.3in on Edition 1 and Vorsprung models. Both are excellent, replacing conventional analogue dials with a highly configurable, full colour display that can show lots of useful info just below your sightline.

There's a good view of the road ahead, aided by reasonably slim windscreen pillars. The view behind isn’t quite so good, but rear parking sensors come as standard on all trims to help mitigate this and make parking easier.

If you need a little more help, add the Comfort & Sound Pack and you'll get sensors at the front of the car as well as a rear-view camera. Front sensors and a 360deg bird's eye view camera come as standard if you go for range-topping Vorsprung trim.

All versions of the Q3 have powerful LED headlights to light up the road at night, with Edition 1 and Vorsprung models getting Matrix versions that allow you to keep them on main beam without dazzling other road users.

The Q3's 10.1in touchscreen infotainment system might look slick, but it’s actually a bit distracting to use on the move. In the rival BMW X1 you get a rotary controller interface (a dial that you twist and press between the front seats) that requires less of your concentration when driving.

However, you do get plenty of gadgets in the Q3, including sat-nav, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring and a radio that can automatically switch between FM and DAB reception depending on the available signal strength.

There’s the option of a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system (part of the Comfort & Sound Pack or standard on Vorsprung models). It's a lot punchier than the standard sound system, so it's worth considering.

Audi interiors are often the best in the business, but the Q3's is far from class-leading. Don't get us wrong: it doesn't feel cheap inside and there are soft-touch materials on the dashboard. Yet the matte grey plastic below the air conditioning controls and around the gearlever doesn't feel at all premium.

Put simply, the Q3 interior is a cut above mainstream rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, but doesn't have the upmarket look or feel of the Evoque's or the XC40's.