Lineage: Audi Q Range

It may appear that Audi SUV’s have been around for decades but they only pitched up a few years ago. Their popularity is testament to the German manufacturer’s market predictions and product quality… we bring you’re the whole line-up of Q products with four shiny rings.



Q2 (GA)

2016 –

Compact SUV’s are all the rage so it didn’t take long for Audi to bring in their achingly trendy Q2 city soft-roader. Although our local line-up is somewhat limited when compared to other markets, the sleek and sophisticated Q2 makes a strong case for itself.

It is built on the VWAG MQB platform which also hosts LOTS of models from Audi, VW, SEAT and Skoda.

Available with the following engines:

  • 1.0L i-3 turbo-petrol
  • 1.4L i-4 turbo-petrol
  • 2.0L i-4 turbo-petrol *
  • 1.6L i-4 turbo-diesel *
  • 2.0L i-4 turbo-diesel *

Want to read our views on the Audi Q2? Try these links:


Q3 Mk1 (8U)

2011 – 2018

The smaller Q3 followed soon behind its 5 and 7 brethren to offer even more Audi soft-roading choices. We at NamWheels have always preferred its crisper styling and compact agility to those bigger SUV’s. For an absolute laugh and proof of this car’s abilities, try the manic RS Q3!

The first generation of Audi’s Q3 was based on the VWAG A5 platform, which also housed the VW Tiguan.

Available with the following engines:

  • 1.4L i-4 turbo-petrol
  • 2.0L i-4 turbo-petrol
  • 2.5L i-5 turbo-petrol
  • 2.0L i-4 turbo-diesel

Here are some of our Audi Q3 stories:


Q3 Mk2 (F3)

2018 –

Again, there wasn’t much wrong with the previous version but Audi launched this second-generation of their dynamic Q3 around 2018. Based on the VWAG MQB platform, it offers a range of compact turbo-petrol and –diesel engines. At the time of publishing, the latter is currently not for sale in southern Africa.  

Available with the following engines:

  • 1.4L i-4 turbo-petrol
  • 1.5L i-4 turbo-petrol
  • 2.0L i-4 turbo-petrol
  • 2.0L i-4 turbo-diesel *

Q5 Mk1 (8R)

2009 – 2017

The first Q5 arrived locally around 2010 and quickly established itself as a great mid-size soft-roader SUV. No wonder, as it shares its MLB platform with most Audi sedan and the Porsche Macan. The hottest version was the turbo-diesel SQ5.

Available with the following engines:

  • 2.0L i-4 turbo-petrol
  • 2.0L i-4 turbo-diesel
  • 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel
  • 3.2L V6 petrol

Here are some of our reports of the Q5:


Q5 Mk2 (FY)

2017 –

How do you improve on perfection? That must be a repeat question at Audi’s HQ these days because the first Q5 – especially in high-spec, face-lifted guise – is still elegant, refined and competitive. This second-gen model shares its basis with most Audi sedans, the Porsche Macan and bigger Audi Q7.

Available with the following engines:

  • 2.0L i-4 turbo-petrol
  • 2.0L i-4 turbo-diesel
  • 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel

Follow these links to read our impressions of the new Q5:


Q7 Mk1 (4L)

2005 – 2015

This is the pioneering Audi SUV, not just age-wise, but this large luxury van beat a path to the lucrative American market of the mid 2000’s. Its VWAG E / PL71 platform also played host to the Porsche Cayenne and VW of the time.

Available with the following engines:

  • 3.0L V6 turbo-petrol *
  • 3.6L VR6 petrol *
  • 4.2L V8 petrol
  • 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel
  • 4.2L V8 turbo-diesel
  • 6.0L V12 turbo-diesel

Click here to read our solitary report of the Audi Q7.


Q7 Mk2 (4M)

2015 –

The Mark two (4M) Audi Q7 is a gentle evolution from its predecessor and joined on the aptly-named MLB “Evo” platform by the Audi Q8, contemporary Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg, as well as the luxurious Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.

Available with the following engines:

  • 2.0L i-4 turbo-petrol *
  • 3.0L V6 turbo-petrol *
  • 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel
  • 4.0L V8 turbo-diesel *

Here’s our impression of the new Audi Q7:


Q8 Mk1

2018 –

That above-mentioned platform had plenty of room for this coupé-esque SUV behemoth… where other German brands went for mid- and compact-size formulas, Audi shot straight for the top with this Q8 sporty four-door SUV with coupé styling and luxury trimmings.

Available with the following engines:

  • 3.0L V6 turbo-petrol *
  • 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel

Read our Afrikaans review of the new Audi Q8 here:

* = not in Nam / SA

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