Used Audi Q3 cars for sale

Overview

Audi’s reputation is built on world-class engineering and performance – the Q3 is no exception. Keeping up with the growing average car size, it marked Audi’s entrance into the small premium 4x4 range with style.

What you need to know about the Audi Q3

Of course, it wasn’t the first in Audi’s Q range. That title goes to the monster that is the Q7, followed by the mid-size Q5. The Q3 was the smallest, until the coupé-shaped Q2 took the mantle.

Largely based on the A3 hatchback, it offers you much more interior space, ride height and off-road practicality. After all, it is a premium crossover – unsurprisingly its built mostly for tarmac, but the optional four-wheel drive does an impressive job over rough tracks.

There's also a good range of engines, and the styling helps the Q3 compete with tough rivals, and perhaps even edge it ahead. Luxuries such as 16-inch alloy wheels, electronic limited slip differential, air con and leather details all come as standard, something you’ll miss out on many other small SUVs.

What to watch out for

Unfortunately, despite the engine range, there's no diesel engine smaller than 2-litres, meaning the Q3 lacks a truly eco proposition. It’s a shame in this market, but emissions and fuel consumption can be kept down with efficiency mode, thanks to Audi’s seven-speed S-tronic transmission technology.

This mode disengages the clutch when you remove your foot from the accelerator pedal to coast at speed. In our review, we found it strange at first because the engine revs drop right down to around 1,000rpm, but you won’t lose any noticeable speed. It contributes to emissions below 140g/km for the lowest powered diesel.

Other options

• BMW X1
• Ford Kuga
• Range Rover Evoque

Expert opinion

The Q3 is clearly an Audi, as its premium feel is more than skin deep. The build quality and excellent engineering ensure it’s an engaging driving experience not too dissimilar from a hatchback. You get plenty of agility, power and fun across all models, although it’s most at home on the roads.

Browse Audi Q3s online with Exchange & Mart.

Why buy a used Audi Q3 with Exchange and Mart?

Back in 2015, Audi more specifically targeted the growing market for compact five-seat Crossovers with a much-improved version of its first generation stylish little Q3. In this form, the car became cleverer, smarter and more efficient, all of these being attributes that translate well into the used segment. When it comes to this kind of car, there are certainly cheaper options. The question though, is whether there are really any more desirable ones.

About the Audi Q3

Audi knows better than most manufacturers that there's never a one-size-fits-all solution to modern motoring, hence the range of options offered by its various Q-series models. This one could well be all the car you actually need if you're searching for a compact premium used crossover. Don't think of it as a shrunken version of its Q5 compact SUV stablemate. It isn't really any kind of SUV, instead offering a smarter, more up-market take on the current trend towards lifestyle-orientated Qashqai-class five-seat Crossovers. Sensible, stylish, fashionable cars that are striking such a sweet spot in the current market.As with almost any model of this kind, this one can easily manage the school run, an extended shopping trip, a weekend away or the annual family ski trip to Chamonix. The difference here though, lies in the quality, the depth of engineering and the sheer feel-good factor that you'll get by having this car on your driveway.Compromises necessary to create its relatively affordable price tag have been cleverly chosen and detract little from the extremely polished end result. One that in this improved first generation guise delivers on its promises of greater efficiency and extra technology. It's a little sharper to drive too, though could still be more responsive in that respect. Ultimately though, this Audi's priorities lie in other areas. Yes, you can certainly buy something slightly bigger and SUV-ish for this kind of money. But after trying a Q3, you probably won't want to.