Audi Q3 (2011-2018) review - Reliability and Safety

The Q3 was mildly updated in 2015, so you can expect it to uphold the same strong reliability record as the pre-facelift version. It finished 41st out of 75 cars ranked in our 2018 Driver Power satisfaction survey, which is miles behind that of the Lexus NX (which finished 6th) but one place above the Range Rover Evoque.

Owners praised the Q3’s build quality and ease of use, with the criticisms surrounding its practicality and running costs. 

The Q3 was tested by NCAP back in 2011 and got a five star safety rating. Scoring 94 per cent for adult occupant protection and 85 per cent for child occupant safety.

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Six airbags and electronic stability control come as standard, but most of the safety equipment is on the options list. This includes blind spot monitoring, as well as Speed Limit Display and Active Lane Assist, which helps to maintain the vehicle’s position in its lane. Further up the range, S line models feature Xenon headlamps as standard.

Warranty

The Q3 uses plenty of solid materials and feels as though it’s built to last. It also comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty and three years' RAC breakdown cover, which should help keep bills to a minimum.

If you want more than three years’ cover from an SUV, you’ll have to look towards the Korean brands – the Hyundai Tucson offers a five-year/unlimited-mileage package, and the Kia Sportage comes with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty. 

Servicing

The Audi Q3 needs a major service every couple of years or 20,000 miles, with minor check-ups in between. Audi servicing isn’t the cheapest around, with dealers charging around £300 and £150 respectively – but that’s the price you pay for the marque’s premium branding and flashy showrooms.