2026 Audi Q3 Mild Hybrid 1.5 Edition 1 TFSI S tronic Review: A damn good Audi cliché

The third-generation Audi Q3 is bigger, more luxurious and increasingly difficult to distinguish from its larger siblings. Some might even call it a baby Q5

Singapore – Now in its third generation, the new Audi Q3 has moved further upmarket, and it no longer feels like Audi’s entry-point SUV. Perhaps I’m a little late in saying that, because that crown was handed over to the Audi Q2 some time ago.

While the Audi Q3 has grown significantly since it was first introduced, the latest generation is only marginally larger than the car it replaces.

Its design language is visually coherent with the larger Audi Q5 SUV. Here, softer lines, a distinctive lighting signature and the single-frame grille showcase the marque’s current design direction. There’s also a new emblem, which Audi is rather proud to display in illuminated form on the bootlid.

A typical Audi interior… very nice

Inside, the Q3 displays what I’d love to call an “Audi cliché”.

As always, the interior quality isn’t the sort that shouts at you. Instead, it reveals itself the more you explore it.

As this is the Edition 1 variant, it receives a few more luxurious touches. The interior is dressed in Alcantara ‘Softwrap’, which stretches from the doors and across the dashboard, while a rather expensive-looking dimpled aluminium panel sits below.

The Edition 1 also gets wider 225/45 tyres mounted on larger 19-inch rims.

Taking centre stage atop the dashboard is a 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen, sharing a singular curved space with the 11.9-inch instrument cluster. The infotainment system runs Android Automotive OS, the same operating system found in newer models such as the aforementioned Audi Q5 and Audi A5.

Over here, you can download third-party apps such as YouTube, Disney+ and Spotify. There’s also a wireless 15W phone-charging pad.

What is also new is the voice-controlled Audi assistant, which adds another layer of functionality. The AI-enriched system learns from you as you go along — although it would have been interesting to chart its performance had I been able to drive the Q3 for a prolonged period.

As the Q3 uses a shift-by-wire system for its gear selector, Audi has integrated the selector into the new steering wheel control unit, alongside the indicator stalk.

The large rectangular tabs may seem odd at first, but I can swear that the switches are ergonomically sound. The wiper switch, however, does take a bit of getting used to.

Overall, I do like Audi’s innovative way of packaging the switchgear. As for the centre console, clutter has been reduced, while that gloss-black finish certainly does wonders for the more luxurious look.

For passengers at the rear, legroom is decent enough for two-and-a-half adults.

The Q3 is built upon the same MQB Evo architecture as its predecessor. The proven platform also underpins the Volkswagen Group’s smaller cars with transverse-mounted engines, including the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Tiguan, Cupra Terramar and Škoda Octavia RS.

The new Q3 also retains its sliding rear seats for added cargo-carrying versatility. Boot capacity starts at 488 litres and expands to 575 litres by sliding the 60:40 split bench forward. With the rear seats folded, the Q3 offers a maximum of 1,386 litres of cargo space.

Mild-hybrid power

The 1.5-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid engine and seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission are carryovers from later variants of the previous-generation car. Output figures remain identical at 150hp and 250Nm.

Acceleration feels brisk enough, while gear changes are smooth as the Q3 gathers speed.

The cabin is well insulated, apart from some faint tyre roar over coarser surfaces. The Edition 1 variant also comes equipped with adaptive suspension featuring two-valve damper control.

With the suspension set to ‘Dynamic’, the Q3 slips in and out of corners with an accuracy that almost matches some performance hatchbacks. The small SUV feels planted and manages body roll without much fuss.

Switch to ‘Comfort’ and the Q3 rides over bumps with the suspension allowing for more “give”. However, the larger 19-inch rims aren’t the best at dealing with Singapore’s lumpy, repaired-over road surfaces.

To draw some comparison, I also drove the Q3 S line variant, which relies on conventional suspension and is equipped with smaller rims. Interestingly, the ride quality is actually more pliant, thanks to the smaller rims, and the tyres having more sidewall. On the other hand, the S line’s tyres do noticeably give up grip more readily, especially when pushed harder.

Which is better? In my opinion, it really comes down to what you want from the Q3: a car that feels more highly strung, or one that comes across as more relaxed.

The Q3’s mild-hybridised four-cylinder engine is one of my favourite powertrains currently on the market. It features Cylinder on Demand (COD) technology, which allows the inner two cylinders to deactivate when they aren’t needed.

The powertrain can also disconnect and shut down the engine, allowing the Q3 to glide over short distances to save fuel. Economy-wise, I averaged 16km/l, which isn’t bad at all.

Audi has, however, prioritised a sportier driving experience for the current-generation Q3. This means that, more often than not, the transmission stubbornly stays in gear despite you lifting off the accelerator.

I also noticed that the engine shuts off far less frequently while coasting compared with its predecessor.

Well-packaged, luxurious and plenty to give

While the Audi Q3 is once again the entry-point SUV for the German marque — since there is no Q2 being offered here — it doesn’t feel like an entry-level Audi at all.

Not only does its build quality effortlessly match that of its larger siblings, its 1.5-litre MHEV powertrain is a decent performer and, more importantly, economical to run.

I feel that Audi has got the formula pretty much spot-on, especially for those keen on splashing out on their first premium SUV.

It may be a rather predictable Audi cliché — understated, well-built, tech-heavy and competent at almost everything — but damn, it’s a very good cliché.

Text & Photos: Clifford Chow

Pros	Cons
Brilliant handling	Stubborn transmission
Good build quality both inside and out	19-inch rims do not help with ride quality
Economical engine	Expensive with today’s COE

2026 Audi Q3 Mild Hybrid 1.5 Edition 1 TFSI S tronic

Drivetrain	Petrol-electric mild hybrid
Layout	1,498cc, inline 4
Power / torque	150hp / 250Nm
Transmission	7-Speed Dual-Clutch
Efficiency	15.2km/l
Fuel Capacity	55 Litres
0-100km/h	9.1 seconds
Top Speed	209km/h
VES Band	B
Dealer	Audi Singapore
Price	S$306,999 with COE and VES
Verdict	Refreshing good looks, paired with good handling. The new Audi Q3