Produced since 2011, the Audi Q3 has quickly established itself in the luxury compact SUV category between the Laurentians and the North Shore of Montreal. From the outset, the Q3 offered features that redefined what one can expect from an urban SUV in this segment, with performance and a devastating look that took the competition by storm. And for 2021, the Q3, now in its second generation, has taken everything it offers to the driver even further, so if you’re considering a premium SUV, this is definitely one of the models you’re considering! Read on if you’d like to know what we think of the all-new 2021 Audi Q3 following this test drive conducted by Audi Blainville, your Audi dealer of choice in the city of the same name!
Exterior styling: a seductive urban look available now on the North Shore of Montreal.
After picking up the keys of our 2021 Q3, we went to meet it in the parking lot of the dealership. And what a surprise when we saw it! Very geometric head and tail lights with particularly sharp tops, an impressive gaping single frame grille, wheel arches housing superb 20-inch V-pattern sports wheels: our 2021 Q3, which was a Technik version, seemed ready to pounce, even at a standstill in Blainville!
Our version also featured the Black Optics Package which, combined with the superb Daytona Grey Pearlescent shade on our model, further enhanced the exclusivity and racy side of this very special Q3. One thing is certain, no matter what iteration of the 2021 Q3 is considered, it will catch every eye as far as the Laurentians! As for us, you’ve guessed it: we were conquered!
Technical specifications: attractive theoretical figures to go far beyond Blainville.
With such an athletic physique, our 2021 Q3 had to offer a powertrain that would be up to the task! And we weren’t disappointed when we lifted the hood. In fact, it was no more and no less than a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that was housed in the engine bay. This powertrain, which proudly boasts 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of maximum torque, would allow the Q3, according to the well known and respected Antoine Joubert quoting Audi Canada, to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds. The performance of a true sports car, which is a credit to the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer.
Equipped with the quattro transmission that comes standard on all 2021 Q3s, our model also included, like the other models in the range, the excellent 8-speed tiptronic transmission that the Canadian branch of the four-ring manufacturer promises to be smooth and responsive. So, on paper, our 2021 Q3 has everything it takes to deliver top-notch performance and handling. All that remains now is to check it out with the steering wheel in hand when we leave Audi Blainville for our test drive!
Interior: Audi’s premium compact SUV is simply the best in its class.
We now take our seats in the vehicle in preparation for the test that we will soon begin. But before we start we spend a few minutes to study, or rather admire, the interior of the Q3. This one is very pure with very straight lines and sharp angles, all in total coherence with the exterior design. The atmosphere is restful with the very sober dashboard, which also gives a very surprising spacious feeling.
As our model is a 2021 Audi Q3 Technik 45 TFSI quattro tiptronic, it offered us the best of the Q3 range. Panoramic roof, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit dashboard, dual-zone automatic climate control, power and heated front seats, and B&O sound system: we had everything we needed to conduct our test drive in the best conditions around Blainville!
On the road: an unparalleled driving pleasure, and a lively atmosphere at all times!
It’s finally time for the long-awaited start of our sparkling 2021 Q3. With the engine now running, we set off in the direction of the 15 towards St-Jérôme. Exit Audi Blainville, and first observation: the level of comfort is significantly improved compared to the previous model. This one clearly offers better suspension and better soundproofing. It’s quite simple: our 2021 Q3 absorbs all the roughness of the road without us feeling it in the passenger compartment, all in a silence quite simply astonishing for such a vehicle. Second observation: the steering is very precise. In fact, when we took the ramp allowing us to get onto the 15, our Q3 placed itself within a millimeter of where we asked it to go. We were also able to see that the Audi SUV doesn’t suffer from any leaning, while preserving our lumbar vertebrae.
Now it’s time to see what our 2021 Q3 does in terms of acceleration. No sooner is the right pedal tickled than the Q3 accelerates. The regulation 100 km/h is reached long before we enter the fast lane, confirming that the 0 to 100 mentioned above is quite realistic. Once on the 15, we test the recovery potential with a first overtake, then a second one on the long straight line from the dealership to the large right-hand curve just after the Mirabel Golf Club. The 2021 Q3 gets off to a lively start at the slightest touch of the throttle. Once we get to the aforementioned large curve, we can confirm the excellent driving qualities of the little Audi SUV: it’s very efficient while remaining comfortable, even at higher speeds. After this one, we take the first exit and unfortunately, we already have to turn back. But on the way back an unexpected surprise awaited us: a heavy summer rain! This allowed us to put the legendary quattro all-wheel drive system to the test, and it lived up to its reputation: despite the conditions, the Q3 literally remained firmly attached to the road. Impressive!
Conclusion: a level of performance, luxury and technology that is simply unparalleled!
Back at the dealership, our assessment of Audi’s premium compact SUV is very clear: the 2021 Q3 is simply the best of the best. Bold distinctive styling, high level performance that’s safe to operate in any condition, and an unparalleled level of technology and comfort: the Audi SUV is truly flawless! But your test drive of the 2021 Audi Q3 will be worth a thousand times our opinion. That’s why we invite you to book it today at Audi Blainville, your Audi dealer of choice on the North Shore of Montreal. You will also be able to discover the Audi leasing and financing offers and programs that will allow you to leave with YOUR own 2021 Q3 if you are convinced by the test drive. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
