Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e (245 HP) S tronic

The Audi Q3 is the smallest of Audi's Q range of crossovers in the US. It exists in a relatively new vehicle class called the subcompact luxury SUV and competes against the likes of the BMW X1 and X2, Cadillac XT4, Jaguar E-Pace, Lexus UX, Mercedes-Benz GLB, and Volvo XC40. I've been extremely skeptical of this class of vehicle, questioning whether subcompact SUVs and luxury vehicles are compatible. Over Thanksgiving weekend I spent a freezing few days in Pennsylvania to determine whether the Q3 is worthy of its luxury badge.

The recently redesigned Audi Q3 got a massive facelift that clearly distinguishes itself from 2018 models and offers a more contemporary design, which looks like a baby-Q8. Standard exterior features include LED headlights with high-beam assist, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and a power tailgate. Premium Plus and Prestige models benefit from unique DRL signature LED headlights. Prestige models roll on a set of standard 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels while Premium and Premium Plus models get 18-inch wheels, growing to 19 inches for S line derivatives. S line cars benefit from a sporty front bumper, S line badging, illuminated door sills and those cool-looking larger alloy wheels. The S line Package makes an enormous difference visually, transforming the Q3 from a dull crossover into a more aggressive vehicle befitting of its Audi badge.

Premium and Premium Plus cars without the S-Line moniker are available in nine colors while S-Line cars get seven. Cost-free color options on the base model and entry-level Premium Plus model are Ibis White and Pulse Orange, while colors such as Cosmos Blue Metallic and Nano Gray Metallic come at a $595 premium. S-Line cars only get seven exterior color choices, which include Chronos Gray Metallic and Tango Red Metallic, shared with the non-S-line models, but also gain access to two S-line exclusive colors, Turbo Blue and Glacier White Metallic - the former a no-cost option while Glacier White costs $595.

Upon being delivered, my family was immediately torn on the Chronos Gray Metallic color of my tester. In certain lights, the paint almost looks green but in other lights, it appears more gray. By the end of the week, I received several compliments on the color from onlookers, though I'd personally prefer a more exciting shade like Pulse Orange or Turbo Blue.

As with the engine and transmission, my overall impression of the Q3's driving dynamics was that they were ok but somewhat uninspiring. The steering is light, making city driving and tight parking maneuvers easy at the expense of driver enjoyment. Placing the car into Dynamic mode adds a bit of weight to the steering but it never felt particularly engaging. On the plus side, the Q3 rides smoothly (even with the 19-inch S line wheels), the same can not be said of the BMW X2, which is too firm for my tastes.

I imagine the typical Q3 buyer being someone who lives in a city or crowded urban area and needs a tight wheelbase along with a higher driving position. Due to the Q3's diminutive size, it never feels like a true SUV, but rather a hatchback that has been slightly raised. I would much prefer an A3 hatchback but since hatchbacks are sales poison in the US, I see why the Q3 makes some sense. If it were my money, it would be a Golf GTI or Golf R sitting in our driveway for around the same price as we'd easily trade the ground clearance and improved infotainment for driving enjoyment.

Price Range (MSRP): $34,000 - $36,000.