Wednesday, November 23, 2022

2022 Audi Q3 S Line 45 TSI AWD: The Brand’s Entry-Level Compact Crossover

 

Highlight: All-wheel drive is standard on all models.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $49,195 (Base Model: $37,595)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; traction control; stability system; back up camera; front and rear parking sensors; rear view camera; a forward collision warning system; a lane departure warning system; an electronic blind spot warning system; a high beam assist system; side assist with rear cross traffic and parking assist; a spare tire and a tire pressure monitoring system


Standard Equipment (45): 18-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive; a variety of driving modes; aluminum roof rails; leather seats; a panoramic sunroof; power front seats with lumbar seats; power adjustable heated exterior mirrors; power tailgate; split rear seat with sliding and recline feature; power panoramic sunroof; an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system; and a three-zone automatic climate control system

Options: a radar active cruise control system; an alarm system with motion sensor; an advanced key; an automatic dimming interior mirror; power folding exterior mirror with compass; full LED headlights; LED interior lighting; memory driver’s seat; SiriusXM; stainless steel trunk sill; 360-degree camera; Audi multimedia navigation; virtual cockpit; premium sound system; a traffic sign recognition; 20-inch wheels; summer rear tires; rear side airbags; and all-weather floor mats

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 10-speaker, 180-watt audio system with AM/FM/HD

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine/228-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 17-city/22-hwy



What’s New:  For the 2022 model year, the second generation Q3 contains more standard features and an updated infotainment system.

Why:

A stylish exterior design

A German engineered vehicle

AWD

Precision driving experience

Great road vehicle

Two powertrains available

Variety of driving modes

Nimble vehicle

20-inch wheels

Well thought out interior layout

Supportive seating

Partially reclining and sliding rear seats

Power panoramic sunroof

A radar activated cruise control system

Available 360-degree camera

Spare tire

Turbo engine doesn’t require premium fuel

The most affordable Audi in the brand’s portfolio


But: 

Limited cargo area, when rear seating is in use

Can become pricey, when adding on options

How about adding more horsepower??

When will electrification join the model?




Verdict: The German brand’s most affordable compact crossover is available in two trims. There is the Q3 quattro and the Q3 S Line quattro, which spew out 184 and 228 horsepower, respectively.

The second-generation model, with its hatchback like design, is a carryover for the 2022 model year. Just like with previous models, Audi continues to add more standard equipment, making sure the vehicle remains competitive. And the big news is that this year’s infotainment system has been upgraded.

The Q3, which Audi states they have designed for five, realistically seats four average size adults. Anything beyond that is a tight squeeze. Audi is one of the gold standards in the industry for its simple, but well-thought-out interior layout.

Moreover, like every Audi we’ve been behind the wheel of, the Q3 provides precision steering and acceleration despite us begging for more horsepower from the brand’s engineering team. In fact, the nimble S Line 45 we reviewed, with the stylish 20-inch optional wheels, pumped out a respectable 228 horsepower from its turbo charged engine. More horsepower could complement its athletic design.

Furthermore, the Q3 front seats conform to the occupants, allowing for a variety of adjustments, including an extender for the legs, adding more comfort for longer commutes

Overall, the standard all-wheel drive Q3 can be outfitted with a host of safety driving aids and luxury features, which continues to keep it competitive. 


Competition: BMW X1; Buick Encore; Lexus NX; Mercedes Benz GLA; and Volvo XC40

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