2012 Audi Q3 SUV Review & Ratings

The 2012 Audi Q3 marks the company's foray into the sport-SUV market. Pint sized compared to other SUVs, the Q3 offers similar practicality with better fuel economy and slightly better performance. The Q3 functions as the sporty little brother of the Q5, with the same, though somehow quieter, 211 horsepower, turbocharged 4 cylinder engine as the A5 coupe. Power delivery is great, and at 235 ft/lbs of torque, it can easily pull its own weight. Sadly, the electronic stability control can put a damper on road-based shenanigans. Plus, it is based on the VW Tiguan, which itself is based on the Porsche Cayenne, so the handling is top-notch.

Audi engineers seem to have taken an economic approach to the Q3. The frame is made of various light-weight steels, while the body panels are aluminum, nearly as light as carbon fiber, but much, much cheaper. Fuel economy is fairly good because of the light weight and superbly low drag coefficient. The 2012 Audi Q3 suffers from the same fault which many other Audi models do. For a well-equipped model, buyers can expect to pay through the nose. Options which are standard on competing makes and models are optional extras on the Q3. Examples include xenon headlights, keyless entry, and premium sound.

This does, however, allow buyers to customize their vehicles exactly as they want. However, even in bare-bones configuration, the 2012 Audi Q3 is still quite comfortable and equally gorgeous. While small, there is plenty of room to fit passengers in all five seats, and some stuff in the back. The interior trim is premium and the seats are very comfortable. If owners need more space, the rear seats can fold down, nearly doubling the amount of available cargo room. If you are fed up with Audi's elegant and understated styling, look elsewhere. Sadly, the Q3 was not designed with the United States in mind, so American buyers may be left out in the cold for this model. However, the rest of the world can enjoy Audi's refinement, handling and performance in this pint-sized luxury SUV.