There's a lot riding on the success of the all-new Audi Q3, the compact SUV that has become one of the German brand's best-selling vehicles.
As a loud and proud Queenslander, each year I look forward to heading home for some much needed rest and relaxation over the Christmas break. With family scattered across the south-east corner of the Sunshine State, I prefer to drive the 800km north so that I can trek around and visit relatives and friends at my own convenience...
The Q3 always impresses, although it now has significant competition in the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Pricing can creep up quickly with options too, so the Q3 needs to continue to deliver to stay competitive.
It’s never good news for the competition when the best-selling car in its class gets an update, and that’s exactly the case with the 2015 Audi Q3. The premium German brand’s smallest SUV claimed an almost 40 per cent share of its segment last year, and while it’s facing a strong challenge from the Mercedes-Benz GLA this year, it continues to lead the way with almost one third of the market...
The Audi Q3 is a vital car for the German brand. Since its launch in March 2012, it has dominated the small luxury SUV market over a period in which these type of vehicles have experienced a surge in popularity. But as the segment hots up, so does the competition.
The Audi Q3 has commanded a staggering 50 per cent share of the small premium SUV segment for the first half of this year, its sales totalling a full 72 per cent more than arch-rival the BMW X1. It’s the Audi, then, that is the biggest rival to the brand new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the stalwart it must beat here (although we also requested an X1 to no avail) for the title of Australia’s best small premium SUV...
Audi attempts to make its entry-level Q3 the automatic premium compact SUV choice.
It might be the smallest SUV in the range, but the Audi Q3 offers a premium ride, luxury interior and a bargain price when compared to its German rivals.
After the Q7 and Q5, it's now the Q3's turn. And Audi's smallest SUV is its best yet.
