2022 Audi Q3 45 S line Premium - POV Review

MSRP: From $38,700
Horsepower: 228 hp
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
Cargo volume: 23.7 ft³, 48 ft³ with seat area
MPG: 21 city / 28 highway
Tire size: P235/55R18
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
#audi
Packages & Options:
-Glacier White Metallic $595
-Premium Plus Package $3300: Adaptive cruise with lane guidance, alarm system, audi advanced key and audi phone box, auto dimming interior mirror with compass, auto dimming power folding exterior mirrors, garage door opener, full LED headlights & LED interior lighting plus package, memory for driver's seat and stainless steel trunk sill, Sirius XM, top view camera system
-Technology Package $2700 : Audi connect PLUS, Audi MMI Navigation plus and traffic sign recognition, audi virtual cockpit plus (12.3" screen), MMI Touch display (10.1" touchscreen), Sirius XM, Sonos 3D Premium Sound System.
-Black Optic sport package $1700
19" 5-double arm design wheels, matte titanium finish, all season tires, high gloss black exterior elements and roof rails, Sport front seats
-20" wheel package $800: 20" 5-double spoke module design wheels, summer tires.
Destination: $1195
Subtotal $48,990
DELETE: Audi Phone Box: -$250
Total Price as tested; $48,740
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Thanks for watching!

[@ryanb.4994]

I bought my wife a new 2021 in this same configuration minus the premium. We have thoroughly enjoyed the standard AWD, leather seating surfaces, and the more powerful engine tune. It’s plenty quick, reasonably fuel efficient (as high as 28 mpg highway calculated at the pump), rides very confidently, and is all around a fantastic smaller SUV for city life. Our only gripe is the leaky panoramic roof which Audi cannot seem to stop from allowing rain in when left outside in rain overnight. We are on the 3rd repair and are hoping the issue will soon be resolved. It manifest through the dome lights and causes those lights to intermittently turn on and off at random. Water leaks in badly, and Audi has at least been responsive and offered us loaners whenever dropped off for this warranty work.

[@kamilb8232]

After they return the vehicle, touch and inspect your carpets (or under if you can). Make sure you're not getting water running down and getting there as well and later dealing with mold.

[@lukeheffernan]

My Dad's had two Q5s - both of which had horrible sunroof rattling issues - though, fixed with silicone spray when the dealer couldn't fix. Lol. I don't love the huge beams which some manufacturers put on their pano roofs, but it seems like they hold up better to rattling and leaking.

[@jalendouglas5584]

Hey Ryan I have the same year Q3 but the premium and I have the same issue I took it to Audi twice and they couldn’t find anything. In terms of mpg and he highest mileage I’ve gotten is 29 mpg. Once time I came back from a week vacation and it’s garage parked I went to the supermarket and it was in light rain for like 5 minutes and it started leaking

[@Bodmonbaseballa]

This is the only entry level luxury crossover that doesn’t use premium gas!

[@Rishidriftwood]

Love your vids bro. ❤

[@bubbahotept]

I love this new 222 Audi Q3 S this is so cool love this color is so nice love your videos

[@paulguy2545]

A nice-enough looking Cross-over SUV from Audi, the paint colour is nice and the style of the wheel-spokes. It’s great to see Audi still putting proper Transmission Stick-Shifters in some of their products. Their current generation of their smallest hatch the A1 (that we have in the UK) & over in Continental Europe has this Stick Shifter, AND a proper Handbrake instead of the ‘P’ Button we usually see in most car brands. I have never really liked the other silly shifter that’s in the likes of their A3 lines! We also have Q2 SUVs from Audi.

[@441meatloaf]

Stick shift is traditional yes. But I personally like the newer Audis with the Q8 and A4 type of shifter. But at the same time those shifter confuses the heck out of me when i test drove them vs the simple stick. But the stick doesn't look as premium.

[@dfk09]

It’s like a lifted Golf. I see some of the same switchgear such as the shift paddles. Looks like it has the same engine as the mk7 GTI and the current GLI engine too. It’s still nice though.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Wow!!! That switchblade key at the end.. Reminds me of my early to mid 2000s Audi keys.. lol

[@andrewcoffey6072]

This as the SQ3 or RSQ3 would be exactly what I've been looking for for a while now.

[@441meatloaf]

Its only available in Europe.

[@RogueBagel]

Same! As a former GTI owner and now a tuned A4 owner, this is a performance pack away from being exactly what I’m looking for.

[@manualflight]

I have a 2019 Golf R. The engine compartment and the trunk look so similar. I also have a hood strut ;)

[@rootsmanuva82]

When you buy an Audi Q3 with the more powerful "performance" engine with some options, it still isn't any quicker than a base Jetta with a 158 hp 1.5T inline-4. For me, at $48,740, it should at least be as quick as a GTI. I understand most people who buy these could care less. Q3 45 S line: 0-60: 7.4s, 1/4 mile: 15.7 @ 91 mph Jetta 1.5T: 0-60: 7.1s, 1/4 mile: 15.5 @ 91 mph

[@staywithme.....]

I own a 2022 q3 45tfsi and it’s not quick but it gets the job done. For the price i wish it had an extra 30-40hp and a 0-60 under 7 seconds. Transmission can be jerky sometimes but overall a smooth ride.

[@jkliao6486]

If we all agree that it wouldn't be quicker than an A3, and A3 only has ~200 HP vs mk7 GTI's 228, it's safe to say this won't be quicker. You get more car for more price from Q3 not because it's better performance-wise, it's because more material is consumed to build the car.

[@441meatloaf]

Jetta also weigh less than the Q3...why does no one making these horrible comparison ever consider the weight.

[@sbupuwo]

I don't know if the EU engine is different than the US one, however I have a 45 TFSI Quattro sportback and the 0-100km is in 5.9, as Audi says in its webapge. Faster than my other Q8 50 TDI

[@RogueBagel]

The upside here is that by using the EA888 engine like the GTI, it has many of the same upgrade possibilities. I have the same engine in my A4 and a Stage 1 tune adds ~50hp and makes it SO much more responsive. I’m guessing the same holds true for the Q3.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

I'm sad we don't get the RS Q3 in North America, but this is a great entry level Audi SUV~

[@mart_en]

It's only an entry level cross over SUV in the US. In Europe the Q3 is right in the middle of the Q family. There are 2 smaller models like the Audi A1 City Carver and the Q2 and also 2 bigger models like the Q5 and Q7.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Ive actually been driving Audis for the better part of 30 years. I actually have never seen the Quattro badge on the dash, light up.. Interesting. As always, great review The Topher.

[@shawnkremer737]

That’s a lot of experience with Audis…How unreliable would you say they are?

[@ryanb8736]

It’s too bad they never brought over the RSQ3 to the states. That 5 cylinder is amazing.

[@441meatloaf]

This is due to EPA issues, yes its a amazing engine, but at the same time also one of the worst polluting engine. EPA is strict with these things.

[@apsreen5027]

​@Aoru how about the vinyl chloride EPA is letting pour into Ohio atmosphere for humans to breathe

[@drewyager4020]

I love my 18 inch wheels. They skip over everything and still hold the road

[@RealKevGotEm]

I was given a Q3 Quattro for a rental but the power lift gate opens fully then slowly goes down halfway 😢

[@jalendouglas5584]

Funny enough about this car it shares the same engine as a gti and shares suspension components with the Audi TT and A3

[@davidjames4583]

Switchblade key for an Audi when my VW Taos has remote start and smart key entry. Lol. 😆

[@hayypapi4281]

What about balck edition package?

[@kemikalinc.3925]

Was so close to buying one of these. Then realized no remote start, which is almost critical here in the north east. So disappointed.

[@Dhimiter-oc8rf]

Do a garage update

[@arijit020]

No heated steering wheel ?

[@byrne6348]

The last 7 topher reviews all have the wheel in the same position in the thumbnail 👀

[@paulwilkinson3963]

The European 45 in standard body ( not sport back) actually does 0-62 in 5.8 seconds

[@mattX5]

…maybe with a 100 mph tailwind, going down a 50 degree hill. I’d love to know where you got that silly and entirely in accurate number from.

[@paulwilkinson3963]

@@mattX5 it’s freely available on any autotrader or the Audi website, it’s a 250bhp engine EUROPE NOT USA

[@AllStars2525]

How would you compare this to a Mazda CX 5?

[@nadyam4164]

also interesting to know

[@ayo.oli.]

Super early today. Video is still hot from the oven!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Better be, seeing how cold it is outside lol (In the low 30s here)

[@paranromallover4543]

This is $22k more expensive then what i paid for my base model mazda cx-30. I wonder does it drive and handle any better then the cx-30? i know you used to own one and im just curious if it's actually worth the price difference lol.

[@khelgarironfist3301]

What engine? Personally I'd take the cx-30 anyday if not for its tiny rear windows. For that price difference though..

[@paranromallover4543]

@@khelgarironfist3301 The naturally aspirated 2.5L I prefered reliability over speed so i didn't get the turbo.

[@mariannebender6495]

I have the Mazda CX30 and i love it. Not one issue in years! I’m looking at this Q3 but, I’m having concerns with no push button start and the water leaking -

[@giovannipasqualicchio3071]

Ancora questi bidoni!!!

[@Dampachi100]

Honest question: what is the sales (not value!) but sales proposition for this? WHY would I want to buy this? I just want to know how it is justified or makes sense. By itself, sure, it might be a nice car. But in this price range, so are a lot of other cars too. Lexus NX, Acura RDX comes to mind mainly. Reliability, resale value, power, MPG... the Q3 doesn't stand out in any which way.

[@441meatloaf]

Its the cheapest out of the lux brand.....Lexus charges you a lot for NX for the top trim and that doesn't include mark levinson system or any F sport trim. If you want all that its at least 8K more than audi's top trim..... Merc starts similarly with Audi but GLA requires you to add shit ton of options..a lot of standard features are not offered by Merc....BMW is somewhat between Audi and Merc.... Reliability is not an issue with Audi considering its using the VW engine from GTI and its been used in many other products. So its very reliable. yes MPGS arent fantastic compared to its competitors, but all the competitors uses Premium Gas only...Audi is the only one not using premium gas. Its a trade off, slightly better MPG but your paying more at the pumps and given today's gas prices, you could expect to pay more at the pumps going forward for premium gas. Daily Motor tested Q3 on highways and averaged 34 mpgs which is more than what EPA suggested. So its all that bad actually. Resale value would only be Lexus, but lexus are kinda boring to drive. BMW is known for their driving dynamics so if you want that you would pick the X1, Audi is somewhere in between. At least based on most of the reviewers Audi feels sporty enough to drive but also has enough comfort.

[@huehuehueh]

At this price point, you're better off purchasing a Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature instead of an Audi Q3 or related "entry-level luxury crossovers".

[@cphbanfb]

Brand new Q3 and the driver's seat already has creased leather! Imagine in two years time!

[@Jettrap505]

It's an upgraded tiguan

[@SerPurple51]

These smaller Audi Crossovers look very chunky. Those seats are very interesting looking too. Otherwise it's a "mehh" car to me. Nothing too special, but lots of gimmicks.

[@rickyanthony]

Less gimmick than bling bling stripper club Merc

[@SerPurple51]

@@rickyanthony hahaha yeah the lighting in Mercedes is cool an all, but they add all those little extra bits through the car and raise the price astronomically. But people who have that kind of money to spend will still pay. Mostly for the namesake and status I imagine.

[@441meatloaf]

@@SerPurple51 Merc tends to charge you more in options even compared to BMW standards.....everything is like an add on for Merc. Audi is the onyl one that at least provides you with majority of the standards. But i dont like new mercs transmission stick...its on a stalk. Reminds of me of parents ancient old ass chrysler 1995 minivan with a shift stalk on the steering.......It looks atrocious for a lux brand.

[@mikeolson7557]

Does it have heated steering?

[@georgeskanderbeg3242]

Yes

[@haidarmohammed8450]

This or the new x1?

[@lucasfreires5623]

I am asking myself the same question.

[@marianoq]

Premium: Still has an empty button next to the e-Brake. Also in terms of finishing, Q5 is way better.

[@RogueBagel]

Premium is the “base” trim on Audis in the US. Not sure what feature goes there (if any) on the Premium Plus, but it’s possible there’s a reason for the empty space.

[@ScuMeMrBusDrvr]

I know I’m weird, and this extremely nit picky but, of all the gear selectors they chose THAT?! Why not the short bulky one? God that thing looks awful.

[@user-ed2or3xe7r]

У меня 2019 года выпуска...и ничего не поменялось ни внешне , ни в салоне...и мне это нравится...!!!

[@user-ic8pc1eo4i]

У меня тоже самое, и цвет такой же!

[@user-ed2or3xe7r]

@@user-ic8pc1eo4i зато по ролику , как бы премьера...мозги полощат...

[@anotheran]

Wow. This was such a softball review.

[@alengreen589]

I think if you want to spend nearly $ 50k? maybe it´s better and smarter to buy a Lexus NX.

[@441meatloaf]

Lexus NX is actually a bit more expensive if you want the Fsport trims which is equivalent to S line.

[@alengreen589]

@@441meatloaf the NX startet under $ 40k, you don´t always have to buy the most expensive modell. The NX is bigger, has a lot more room inside, a very good build quality and it´s very reliable.

[@441meatloaf]

@@alengreen589 you always go for the more expensive trim, bsse trim lacks a lot of features you will regret not having. Also to put it into perspective, q3 also under 40k starts at 34k. Still cheaper than nx.

[@alengreen589]

@@441meatloaf Ok

[@441meatloaf]

@@alengreen589 besides nx is not a subcompact. Nx is comparable to the q5...lexus ux is their subcompact...ux looks ugly

[@ak2112]

$48k for a Golf that isn't a Golf R. Ridiculous.

[@RogueBagel]

Those 4 rings on the nose cost at least $2000 each. 🤷‍♀️

[@justinczternastek5346]

Didn’t seem impressed.

[@bigamigo4863]

If you want to drive a vehicle with absolutely zero personality or unique features then this is the one for you.

[@Passions]

only for soccer moms. any male driving a Q3 needs to hand in his man card!

[@gsc76]

@@Passionswhat do you suggest in this class?

[@Passions]

@@gsc76 2024 BMW X1 or X2. Look great, much better mpg.

[@lucadragone425]

Transmission and handling quality on these are atrocious. Thing handles like a boat around corners

[@khelgarironfist3301]

He said the opposite lol