Q3 40 TFSI QUATTRO SPORT S TRONIC

Roomy and stable, the new Q3 has promise as a tow car, so long as fuel economy is not a priority 

Photography: David Motton

Price £37,140 Kerbweight 1695kg

TOW  CAR  TEST

*includes wing mirrors

What’s new? 

Audi launched the second-generation Q3 in 2019. The German brand added a Sportback version to the line-up, with coupé-like styling, alongside the more conventional SUV that we have on test. 

The latest model is longer than the first Q3, as well as its key rival, the BMW X1. The increase in size promises greater space and practicality. The Q3 is also packed with technology, with a fully digital cockpit and a host of driver aids.

There are no hybrid models; instead, customers have a choice between petrol and diesel power. We’re testing the petrolpowered 40 TFSI Quattro Sport S Tronic.

What are we looking for? 

Does petrol power make sense for towing, or are hybrid rivals a better alternative to diesel? Can the Audi’s powerful petrol engine return acceptable fuel economy? And is there enough substance beneath the Q3’s good looks?

Towing ability 

Q3 buyers have a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with outputs ranging from 148hp to 230hp (excluding the high-performance RS Q3). Our test car’s petrol engine sits somewhere near the middle of the range.

Don’t be misled by the ‘40’ in the model name – the number has nothing to do with the engine’s capacity, which is 2.0 litres, not 4.0. Nowadays in Audi-speak, the bigger the number, the greater the power. The 40 TFSI engine has 190hp.

See our online reviews www.youtube.com/ practicalcaravan

A Q3 is packed with technology, with a fully digital cockpit and a host of driver aids 

B The latest model is longer than the first version, as well as its key rival, the BMW X1