The Audi Q3 II (F3) 35 TDI S tronic, produced from 2018 to 2020, represents a key variant within the second generation of Audi’s compact luxury SUV. Positioned as a diesel-powered option within the Q3 lineup, it aimed to balance fuel efficiency with respectable performance, appealing to European buyers seeking a practical and economical premium vehicle. This model utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine paired with Audi’s seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive. It served as a mid-range offering, slotting below the more powerful petrol variants and above the base-level engine options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | Q3 |
| Generation | Q3 II (F3) |
| Type (Engine) | 35 TDI (150 Hp) S tronic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.8-6.3 l/100 km (40.6 – 37.3 US mpg, 48.7 – 44.8 UK mpg, 17.2 – 15.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 153-166 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.3-4.5 l/100 km (54.7 – 52.3 US mpg, 65.7 – 62.8 UK mpg, 23.3 – 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7-4.9 l/100 km (50 – 48 US mpg, 60.1 – 57.6 UK mpg, 21.3 – 20.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 123-128 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 207 km/h (128.62 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d – TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.5 kg/Hp, 94.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm, 215.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm (250.77 lb.-ft. @ 1750-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DFGA |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1580 kg (3483.3 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2155 kg (4750.96 lbs.) |
| Max load | 575 kg (1267.66 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1525 l (53.85 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 18 l (4.76 US gal | 3.96 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 90 kg (198.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 4484 mm (176.54 in.) |
| Width | 1856 mm (73.07 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2024 mm (79.69 in.) |
| Height | 1616 mm (63.62 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm (105.51 in.) |
| Front track | 1584 mm (62.36 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1576 mm (62.05 in.) |
| Front overhang | 896 mm (35.28 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 908 mm (35.75 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission S tronic |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Q3 35 TDI S tronic is the DFGA engine, a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine is part of the Volkswagen Group’s modular engine family, known for its robust construction and efficiency. It features a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and torque, and utilizes a common rail direct fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery. The engine produces 150 horsepower at 3500-4000 rpm and 340 Nm (250.77 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750-3000 rpm. The S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission provides quick and smooth gear changes, contributing to both performance and fuel economy. This transmission allows for both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gear selector.
Driving Characteristics
The 150 hp diesel engine paired with the S tronic transmission delivers a balanced driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 9.2 seconds, and 0-60 mph is achieved in around 8.7 seconds. While not a particularly sporty setup, the engine provides ample torque for everyday driving and overtaking maneuvers. The S tronic transmission ensures responsive shifts, and the front-wheel-drive configuration contributes to good fuel efficiency. Compared to higher-output petrol versions of the Q3, the 35 TDI offers less outright performance but significantly better fuel economy. It also feels less stressed during highway cruising, thanks to the diesel engine’s torque characteristics. Compared to a manual transmission version of the same engine, the S tronic offers convenience and slightly quicker acceleration, but some drivers may prefer the more engaging feel of a manual gearbox.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Q3 35 TDI S tronic typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a suite of safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with leather options available as an upgrade. Common optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, upgraded sound system, navigation system, and various driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Trim levels varied by market, but generally offered packages that added cosmetic enhancements and additional convenience features.
Chassis & Braking
The Q3 II (F3) utilizes a MacPherson strut suspension setup at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The steering is electric power-assisted, offering a light and precise feel. The chassis is tuned to prioritize comfort and stability, making it well-suited for everyday driving. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Audi Q3 35 TDI S tronic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and refined interior. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel a bit underpowered, especially when fully loaded. Compared to other trims in the Q3 lineup, the 35 TDI offered a compelling value proposition for buyers prioritizing fuel economy and practicality. It was a popular choice in Europe, where diesel engines were favored for their efficiency and lower running costs. Against competitors like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Q3 35 TDI offered a similar level of luxury and refinement, with a slight edge in fuel economy.
Legacy
The DFGA engine, used in the Q3 35 TDI, has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain. While diesel engines can be susceptible to issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if not driven on longer journeys regularly, the DFGA engine has generally demonstrated good durability. On the used car market, the Q3 35 TDI S tronic represents a sensible choice for buyers seeking a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and well-equipped compact SUV. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, and parts availability is good. The S tronic transmission, while generally reliable, may require servicing at higher mileages to ensure smooth operation.
