• Three petrol engines, two diesels, one plug-in hybrid
• All are strong, efficient performers
• Feels very safe and stable to drive

Petrol engines

As with all its rangemates, the horsepower of the Audi Q3’s TFSI petrol engines is indicated by the two-digit prefix. Thus, the 35 TFSI has 150hp, the 40 TFSI has 190hp and the 45 TFSI has 245hp.

All the engines are turbocharged four-cylinder units of 1.5-litres in the 35 TFSI and 2.0-litres in the 40 and 45 TFSI. Our specs pages show a 230hp version of the latter engine has been available in the past. The 1.5 is available with manual or S Tronic automatic gearboxes; the 2.0 comes with S Tronic and Quattro four-wheel-drive.

It may be the entry point, but the 35 TFSI engine is the sweet spot in the range, providing a good combination of performance and economy. It’s a great option if you’re switching from petrol to diesel, too. The auto ‘box is a popular option that suits the engine well, though we found it can be hesitate when you want to get going.

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The engine is quiet and smooth the majority of the time, provided you don’t ask too much of it. Rev it beyond 4,500rpm and it becomes quite vocal, the engine shouting in protest as it struggles to haul the Q3 with any vigour. Drive less like a hooligan and it’s still potent enough to keep up with the flow of traffic.

The larger 2.0-litre engines add performance at the cost of fuel economy, though they’re both capable of over 45mpg without trying too hard. The 40 TFSI is plenty brisk enough, while the 45 TFSI can put the wind up hot hatchbacks. They’re very smooth engines with a rorty sound when pushed hard.

Diesel engines

The Q3 is available with two versions of Audi’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine. The 35 TDI produces 150hp and 360Nm of torque, which passes through an S Tronic automatic gearbox to the front wheels. The engine is inevitably less refined than the 35 TFSI petrol engine but, thanks to its extra mid-range pulling power, the diesel feels markedly quicker than the petrol unit in most situations. Add in very strong fuel economy and there’s still a case for the diesel Q3 if you’re a high mileage driver.

The 40 TDI produces 193hp and a meaty 400Nm of torque. It comes with an S Tronic ‘box and Quattro four-wheel-drive. It’s not the most responsive of engines, but it turns the Q3 into a genuinely quick car if you clog the throttle. But the 4WD system eats into fuel economy and so we thinks it’s quite difficult to justify. Unless you’re a caravanner – the towing capacity is 2,200kg. Confusingly, 190hp and 200hp versions of the 40 TDI have been available in the past – check out our specs pages for the details.

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Hybrid engine

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) TFSIe is powered by the same 1.4-litre petrol engine and electric motor that found in other VW Group PHEVs such as the Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia. In the Q3, it’s good for a hot hatch-like 245hp which generates eye-opening acceleration from a standstill. You can light up the tyres quite easily when pulling out of junctions.

It’s an unobtrusive powertrain that switches seamlessly between engine and battery power. Performance is rather less lively when the battery is drained of charge, and the engine is less refined. But careful battery management will see you running in hybrid mode over surprisingly long distances. Officially, it’ll cover around 30 miles on battery power alone; in our experience, 20-25 miles is more realistic.

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What’s it like to drive?

• Firmer S Line suspension reduces body roll
• Good grip but hardly agile
• Various drive modes to choose from

The Audi Q3 is a relaxed car to spend time in so there’s no surprise that it doesn’t provide the most involving driving experience we’ve found. Oh, it’s perfectly pleasant. The steering, pedals and gearshift are light, easy and accurate – perfect for driving around towns and suburbs. It’s quiet and stable on motorways, and responsive on country roads.

Other good stuff includes minimal body roll in high-speed corners, particularly in models fitted with sports suspension. And the engines are refined so long as you don’t thrash them. But there’s no interaction or engagement to be had, here. The BMW X2 and Range Rover Evoque are ultimately much more satisfying to drive.

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