Summary
The Audi Q3 is a mid-sized SUV/crossover, built on the same platform as the Volkswagen Tiguan. This was the first-generation model, first launched in 2011 and replaced by the current Q3 generation in 2018.
Available with either a manual or automatic gearbox, the original Q3 range was praised by reviewers from launch thanks to its wide selection of both petrol and diesel engines, which were said to be quite economical when compared to class rivals like the BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
The Q3 was also commended for its polite road manners and assured handling, but many journalists commented that this made the car rather dull to drive, with Car Keys concluding that it was “too sensible for its own good.”
Auto Express labelled the Audi Q3 “a competent if uninspiring performer”, while Car said its test drive was a “decent, but hardly memorable drive.”
Overall, reviewers generally agreed that the original Q3 was a car that you buy with your head rather than your heart, particularly as it was slightly cheaper than its BMW and Mercedes-Benz competition at the time.
By the end of the Q3’s production life, however, a few motoring outlets were saying that its infotainment system and interior trim were starting to look dated. “The Audi Q3 is a bit of a dinosaur”, Carwow concluded, “but it still looks good and feels well put together.”
As of January 2025, the first-generation Audi Q3 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 60%. It gets good grades for its excellent reliability record, but its running costs are merely average and contemporary media reviews were poor. Its safety score is also long out of date compared to newer vehicles.
Q3 highlights
- Assured handling
- High-quality interior
- Wide range of engine choices
- Comfortable ride quality
Q3 lowlights
- Rather cramped rear seats
- A bit dull to drive
- High boot access
- Dated infotainment and interior
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £23,745 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2011
Last updated: Winter 2014/15
Replaced: Autumn 2018
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: (2011)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Audi Q3 Mk1 impresses with its classy cabin and efficient engines, but it’s neither the roomiest nor most affordable small SUV out there.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Q3’s visual facelift is handsome, and the new 1.4 petrol is smoother, quieter and nearly as punchy as a diesel, making it cheap to run for private and company car buyers.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: (2014-18)
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The Audi Q3 offers the economy and versatility of a hatchback, with the added style and luxury feel of a premium 4×4.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Audi Q3 is certainly one of the most advanced and efficient SUCs, and it’s also cracking to drive.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q3 is a quality small 4×4 package with impressive running costs but P11D price isn’t cheap.”
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Model reviewed:
“At £1,430 less than the equivalent 4×4 model, and a BIK saving of £28 per month for a higher rate tax payer, the 2WD Q3 is a very fleet-friendly addition.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Performance (2016)
Score: 6 / 10
“The price premium over the standard car has been judged with fiendish brilliance: the Performance is only a bit quicker, but it is quicker. It only looks a bit cooler, but it does look cooler.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4 TFSI S-line (2014)
Score: 6 / 10
“The 1.4 TFSI is an entertaining yet efficient motor. With the Audi Q3 a capable chassis, albeit a little dull in terms of steering and a tad rough on ride quality, its hatch-like character wins you over.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The latest 2012 Audi Q3 is a very decent, if hardly memorable drive.”
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Model reviewed: TDI 138bhp FWD SE (2012)
Score: 6 / 10
“For the majority of buyers, a hyper-polished, restrained slug of quality wearing an Audi Q3 badge will be quite enough.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI Quattro (2011)
Score: 6 / 10
“Cabin quality, refinement, all the usual things that appeal about Audis, are present and correct in the Q3. Disregard the petrol engines and it’s a case of less is more though: the entry-level 138bhp 2.0 TDI is by far the best model.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: (2015)
Score: 8 / 10
“More power, greater efficiency and a subtle redesign are all present and correct for the 2015 Audi Q3.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
Score: 4.2 / 10
“The Audi Q3 is a small SUV with an upmarket design and interior, which goes head-to-head with the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q3 is a well-built SUV that’s reasonably spacious, has low running costs and is easy to drive, but has a dated interior and infotainment system.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: 2.0 TFSI Quattro
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q3 is quick, clean and good to drive.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI (177PS) quattro SE S tronic
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q3 2.0 TDI Quattro is a very refined four-wheel drive SUV crossover that can achieve 47.9mpg.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Audi Q3 is a stylish, compact SUV with impressive fuel economy and low CO2.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q3 is a capable mini-SUV.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Q3 offers Audi prestige with a big range of engines, good road manners and the choice of 2WD and 4WD.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI quattro SE S tronic (2012)
“The Audi Q3 is not practical, not nice to drive, and technologically, not thought out well, either.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Q3 is a decent enough family SUV, but it lacks charm. The cheap-feeling interior isn’t up to Audi’s usual high standards, while the unsupportive seats make long trips hard work, and the boot isn’t as large as you’d hope.”
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2011
Date expired: January 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 94%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 52%
Safety assist: 86%
Notes on safety rating
The first-generation Audi Q3 was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2011 and awarded a five-star safety rating. However, this rating expired in January 2018 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Audi Q3 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The first-generation Audi Q3 was not lab tested by Green NCAP as its production life pre-dated the organisation’s founding in 2019.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 114
Average repair cost: £399.90
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of October 2024, the Audi Q3 has a very good reliability score of 76%, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both this version of the Q3 and the newer (2018 onwards) generation.
Average repair bills are very competitive, at about £400. However, that’s still more than the cost of a used car warranty so that’s worth keeping in mind if you’re looking at a used Q3.
Of particular note is the average gearbox repair bill, which is more than £3,300. However, these problems have been rare to date. Other repair bills are far more reasonable when compared with similar cars from other brands.
If you’re looking at a used Audi Q3, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
No data
Due to its age, we don’t have servicing or other life costs for this generation of Audi Q3.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi Q3
Date: August 2019
Recall number: R/2019/260
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2014 to 07/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 45,677
Defect: A failure of the front LED turn signal may not always be detected in certain circumstances.
Remedy: A software update of the on-board supply control unit.
Date: February 2018
Recall number: R/2018/044
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2016 to 11/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 58
Defect: A connection between the detonator and generator in the front passenger airbag module may not be correctly welded. Therefore the airbag may not be triggered in the event of a collision.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag module.
Date: July 2017
Recall number: R/2017/218
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2014 to 09/2016
Number of vehicles affected: 17,074
Defect: Due to a software error the brake lights may not function during an emergency operation of the electronic parking brake. The normal foundation brake lights will still function as intended.
Remedy: On affected vehicles update software to correct this.
As of September 2024, there have been three DVSA vehicle safety recalls on this generation of the Audi Q3, addressing various different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Q3, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi Q3 has received
2012
- Off Road Magazine Awards – Best Crossover
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Audi Q3, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW X1 | BMW X2 | Cupra Ateca | Cupra Formentor | DS 3 Crossback | Jaguar E-Pace | Lexus UX | Mercedes-Benz GLA | Range Rover Evoque | Volkswagen Tiguan | Volvo XC40
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