The Audi Q3 35 TDI is one of those compact SUVs that quietly reminds you why Audi remains such a strong player in the premium space. Having lived with the Q3 for a week, it’s an SUV that feels refined, reassuring and easy to enjoy on a daily basis – and yes, the Audi badge still carries undeniable presence. Regardless of model, it turns heads, and I’ll admit I quite liked the extra attention this time around.
Driving Experience
From the driver’s seat, the Q3 immediately feels polished. Steering is light and effortless in town, which made navigating traffic and parking stress-free, while on the open road it settles into a relaxed, confident cruiser. One thing I genuinely enjoyed was how composed it felt at highway speeds, long stretches of driving never felt tiring, and road noise is impressively quiet. The suspension favours comfort over sportiness, which suited my everyday driving perfectly, especially on uneven urban roads.
Interior and Practicality
Inside, the Q3 delivers exactly what you expect from Audi. The cabin feels solid and well-built, with quality materials and a layout that’s clean and intuitive. Personally, I loved the digital cockpit, having navigation, driving data and media clearly displayed right in front of me made longer trips far more enjoyable. Space is generous for a compact SUV, with comfortable seating for passengers and a boot that easily handled weekend luggage without feeling cramped.
Engine and Performance
Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 110 kW and 340 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission. In real-world driving, this engine is smooth, torquey and effortless. I particularly appreciated how easily it pulled when overtaking, without needing to push hard. Fuel efficiency is a standout – Audi claims around 4.9 L/100 km, and I found it very achievable in mixed driving, making it an excellent daily companion.
Pricing & Warranty
The Audi Q3 TDI is priced from around R830,000, depending on specification. It’s backed by Audi’s 5-year/100,000 km Audi Freeway Plan, covering service and maintenance, which adds meaningful peace of mind.
Pros
Refined and comfortable driving experience
Excellent fuel efficiency
Premium interior and digital cockpit
Strong brand presence and aftersales support
Cons
More comfort-focused than sporty
Optional extras can quickly raise the price
Verdict: 4/5
The Audi Q3 35 TDI delivers a well-balanced blend of comfort, efficiency and premium appeal. Add in the unmistakable Audi presence – and the attention that comes with it – and it’s an SUV that feels just as good to live with as it does to drive.