Smaller engine means smaller price tag.
Audi shares some information if you are trying to decide between luxury compact crossovers. The company will add the 40 TFSI trim level to its Q3 line. It packs a smaller four-cylinder engine and a lower starting cost. The 2021 Q3 starts at $34,000 which is $2,000 less than the previous trim.
The 40 TFSI adds 184 horsepower (137kilowatts) to the mix, as well as 236 pound-feet (322 newton-meters). This is less than the 45 TFSI which has 228 horsepower (170 kW) or 258 lbft (355 Nm). The $2,000 discount on a 44-hp engine is worth it? It might be for some, especially when you consider the increased fuel economy. The higher trim, 40 TFSI, gives you two more miles per gallon: 22 in the city, 30 on the highway and 25 all together.
The new base Q3 gets the same standard features as before, except for the power penalty. Quattro all wheel drive is available on every model. This also includes lane-keeping assist, three-zone climate control and a digital instrument cluster. The Premium Plus and Premium Plus versions will have the less powerful trims. You can still load the car with the options you choose.
We have driven the Q3 several times and were impressed with its elegant interior and sharp styling. We don’t think the Q3 is a dynamic crossover for drivers, so we aren’t worried about the decrease in horsepower. It’s not an RS Q3. Audi’s smallest crossover is more appealing due to the lower price and improved economy figures. The 2021 Q3-40 TFSI will be available in the first quarter of next year. It will be the cheapest way to purchase an Audi SUV.