There comes a time in most people’s lives when they need to grow up. Typically that happens with the arrival of children. For a lot of Volkswagen GTI fans, that might even mean having to give up their beloved hot hatch for something a bit bigger for that new family. And, fortunately, the VW Group is ready to provide that car, the 2017 Audi Q3. We recently spent some time with the Q3 and were impressed with it for a number of reasons. For starters, it’s powered by that familiar and always solid turbo 2.0-liter inline-four with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft.
Power is sent to all four wheels (gotta love Quattro) via a six-speed automatic transmission. We also think soon-to-be former GTI owners will especially dig the Q3’s outstanding interior quality, as is typical with every Audi.
However, US Q3 buyers will have to make do without the version we desperately want but likely won’t receive, the RS Q3 Performance. It’s for Europeans, and it also has a wicked turbo 2.5-liter inline-five with 306 hp and 310 lb-ft of kick. Oh well, can’t win ‘em all. Special thanks to Niello Audi-Sacramento, part of the Niello Company, for letting us film the car.
