Powertrain

A choice of three gasoline and two diesel engines, combined with front-wheel or quattro drive, is available for the Audi Q3. Their power outputs range from 110 kW (150 hp) to 169 kW (230 hp). They are all powerful, refined and efficient four-cylinder turbo engines with a particulate filter. A start-stop system is a standard feature.

Wide range: the TFSI engines
The entry-level engine is the 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 110 kW (150 hp) and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque. It is available exclusively with front-wheel drive. With the manual six-speed transmission, the Audi Q3 35 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.3 - 6.0* (37.3 - 39.2 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 145 - 139* (233.4 - 223.7 g/mi)) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.6 seconds, and takes it to a top speed of 211 km/h (131.1 mph). If the customer chooses the seven-speed S tronic (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.9 - 5.7* (39.9 - 41.3 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 134 - 130* (215.7 - 209.2 g/mi)), the sprint takes 9.2 seconds, with the propulsive power ending at 207 km/h (128.6 mph). The cylinder on demand efficiency system is a major reason for the low fuel consumption. Actuators on the camshafts temporarily shut down the second and third cylinders at low and medium loads by closing the inlet and outlet valves. The engine management system suppresses fuel injection and ignition.

The compact 1.5 TFSI is exceptionally light by virtue of its aluminum crankcase. Its cylinder linings have an iron coating that is applied via plasma spraying and significantly reduces friction. The cooling module allows efficient thermal management, assisted by the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head. The turbochargers generate up to 1.3 bar of (relative) charging pressure. The common-rail system injects the fuel at up to 350 bar – the high pressure results in spraying, even distribution of the flame front and low particulate emissions.

* Figures depend on the tires/wheel sets used

The 2.0 TFSI is available in two different versions. It is always coupled with the seven-speed S tronic and quattro drive. In the first power level, it delivers 140 kW (190 hp), unleashing maximum torque of 320 Nm (236.0 lb-ft) at between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. As a result, the Audi Q3 40 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.5 - 7.2* (31.4 - 32.7 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 170 - 164* (273.6 - 263.9 g/mi) sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 7.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). The more powerful version, the Audi Q3 45 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.6 - 7.3* (30.9 - 32.2 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 173 - 167* (278.4 - 268.8 g/mi)), produces 169 kW (230 hp) and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft) at between 1,500 and 4,400 rpm, ensuring sporty performance. It is 1.1 seconds quicker to reach 100 km/h (62.1 mph) from a standing start and has a top speed of 233 km/h (144.8 mph).

The technical refinements of the two-liter gasoline engine include additional manifold injection. It replaces the FSI direct injection in various load and engine-speed ranges. This reduces particulate formation, even with engine-out emissions. The Audi valvelift system adjusts outlet-valve timing over two stages, thus optimizing internal gas flow. A compact rotary valve module for thermal management and the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head both make a major contribution to efficiency.

* Figures depend on the tires/wheel sets used

Economical and refined: the TDI

The lineup of diesel engines includes a 2.0 TDI with 110 kW (150 hp). Its highlights are two balancer shafts in the crankcase, the minimized internal friction and a common-rail system with maximum pressure of 2,000 bar. The smooth-running engine delivers 340 Nm (250.8 lb-ft) of torque to the camshaft at between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. In combination with S tronic and front-wheel drive, the Audi Q3 35 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.9 - 4.7* (48.0 - 50.0 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 128 - 123* (206.0 - 197.9 g/mi)) sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.2 seconds, with the propulsive power ending at 207 km/h (128.6 mph). With the six-speed manual transmission and quattro drive (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.7 - 5.5* (41.3 - 42.8 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 150 - 145* (241.4 - 233.4 g/mi)), it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 9.3 seconds and peaks at 211 km/h (131.1 mph). 

In the highest power level, the 2.0 TDI produces 140 kW (190 hp). It is exclusively available with quattro drive and coupled with the seven-speed S tronic. Its 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft) of torque is generated between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. As a result, the Audi Q3 40 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.6 - 5.5* (42.0 - 42.8 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 148 - 145* (238.2 - 233.4 g/mi)) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 8.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 221 km/h (137.3 mph).

* Figures depend on the tires/wheel sets used

Transmission: gearbox and axle drive

All engines in the new Audi Q3 work in conjunction with a seven-speed S tronic. Its relatively close-ratio lower gears allow sporty acceleration, while the extremely wide ratio of the highest gear reduces engine speed and with it fuel consumption. The start-stop function deactivates the engine when the speed falls below 7 km/h (4.3 mph). Alternatively, a six-speed manual transmission is available for the Q3 35 TFSI and the Q3 35 TDI. 

Two variants of the compact, rapidly-shifting dual-clutch transmission are used. With all engines – except the Q3 35 TFSI – the seven-speed S tronic has wet clutches. The shared oil circuit is used both to cool the clutch and to lubricate the wheelset. This allows the high torques of the powerful gasoline and diesel engines to be transmitted. Oil cooling can optimally dissipate the high levels of heat generated when starting off and changing gear. In the entry-level gasoline version, the two dry clutches manage without their own oil supply on account of the lower torque of 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft). This improves efficiency even further. Oil is supplied to the gearwheels via a small, mechanically driven gear pump. In some situations, such as when starting off on a hill, a second, electrically driven pump is activated to meet the increased demand. In conjunction with Audi drive select, both versions of the seven-speed S tronic provide a freewheel function that becomes active in many situations if the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. It is deactivated in dynamic and offroad modes.

Whereas the Audi Q3 35 TFSI exclusively uses front-wheel drive, the quattro permanent all-wheel-drive is standard with the two-liter gasoline engines and the most powerful diesel engine. It gives the new Q3 a major boost in terms of traction, stability and dynamic handling system in all road conditions. Its centerpiece is an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch on the rear axle. The management system can already begin sending a portion of the torque from the front axle to the rear axle when the driver turns sportily into a corner, for example. As soon as the driver accelerates, the power presses the SUV into the curve. At the limits of performance, the quattro drive works closely with the wheel-selective torque control a software function that further improves handling through short, targeted brake interventions on the individual wheels.

*Fuel consumption and CO₂ emission figures given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used.

All terms marked in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.