Q3 named Drive's Small Luxury SUV of the Year

The second-generation Audi Q3 has not had a great deal of time to settle into the Australian way of life, but already the brand’s compact luxury SUV has made a big impression on local motoring enthusiasts and the motoring press alike.

Indeed after only being officially launched to the Australian motoring press a little over a month ago, this all-new Audi Q3 has taken top honours in its class in Drive’s prestigious Car of the Year awards.

Completely redesigned inside and out, the new Q3 builds on the tremendous success of its predecessor, bringing with it new technology, infotainment and connectivity as well as a completely new presence. 

All of these aspects of the new model were recognised by Drive’s panel of expert judges, giving the Q3 the edge against world-class contenders in what is always a highly competitive segment of the premium market.

The Drive judges were impressed with the Q3 across the board, praising its new look, increased dimensions and drivability, as well as the layout and quality of its interior.

“The fact that the Audi Q3 has won straight out of the box, is really impressive and it speaks volumes about this Q3,” said Drive Car of the Year judge, Trent Nikolic.

“The cabin is beautifully executed … just the way that the cabin’s put together feels like you’re in a vastly more expensive vehicle than you are.”

“It’s about more than that though, it’s about the drive experience, it’s how solid it feels, it’s the fact that it feels probably a segment bigger than it is, and the new version has been improved for those reasons.”

Judges praised the additional internal space which in turn meant more room for passengers and indeed makes the new Q3 more practical.

“The new version is also more agile to drive, fuel-efficient and safe than before” – all the factors coming together to give the Q3 the edge in what was a hard-fought shootout for the top step on the podium.

The new Q3 is the second Audi to win its category in the Drive Car of the Year Awards, with the new Audi A6 Sedan taking top honours in the ‘Luxury Car over $80,000’ category a week ago.

See the full Drive Small Luxury SUV of the Year verdict here.