Audi’s Baby Q Ticks Most Right Boxes
The German luxury automaker, Audi’s Q3 is one of the top contenders in the compact luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment. Now in its second generation, the Q3 is not only visually more dynamic, but has also taken a leap forward in terms of spaciousness, versatility and technology. We took the car for a drive through New Delhi on the 75th Republic Day of India and here’s what we found about the car.
*Design
The Audi Q3 has a sophisticated and modern exterior design, with sharp lines and an athletic stance. It includes signature Audi elements such as the singleframe grille and LED headlights, giving it a premium look. In terms of dimensions, the car’s compact size is perfect for those looking for a bit of relief from chaotic traffic and parking hassles, and yet crave luxury.
The interior is spacious, with high-quality materials and intuitive controls. Once you get inside the vehicle, you are treated to a refined cabin experience, comfortable seating, upscale finishes, and cutting-edge technology such as Audi’s MMI infotainment system with a responsive touchscreen interface and smartphone integration. The rectangular centre console in the Q3 is angled towards the driver for ease of access, a design choice common with German automakers.
The steering-mounted buttons are convenient to use unlike the capacitive touch controls. The power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support add to the convenience and comfort.
*Features
The new Audi Q3 comes with a user-friendly infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, panoramic glass sunroof, advanced safety features, and connectivity options that cater to the needs of the modern driver. The instrument clusters’ information can be toggled between the navigation, fuel consumption, tachometer, tyre pressure monitoring, and other relevant information.
With ample boot space and available features like a gesture-controlled tailgate and configurable seating, it adapts easily to various needs, whether it’s hauling groceries or embarking on a road trip.
The vehicle can also be unlocked by simply placing a hand on the door handle when the key is within range. For music enthusiasts, the Audi Q3 boasts of a sophisticated sound system with ten speakers.
Audi is known for prioritising safety features in its vehicles and the new Q3 is no exception. The safety features are plentiful, including six air bags, advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, anti-theft wheel bolts, TPMS and automatic emergency braking, enhancing both convenience and peace of mind.
*Engine & Performance
Equipped with quattro all-wheel drive as standard, the car is powered by a two-litre turbo fuel stratified injection (TFSI) petrol engine that produces 190hp and 320Nm of torque, which is modest for a two-litre TFSI. The engine delivers ample power and smooth acceleration and can go from 0-100 km/h in around 7.3 seconds. The seven-speed DSG transmission is one of the smoothest twin-clutch units around.
The new Audi Q3 offers a balance between performance and comfort. The Q3’s handling is nimble, making it easy to manoeuvre in urban environments, while still providing a composed ride on the highway. Additionally, to enhance and adjust the driving characteristics of the new Audi Q3, Audi Drive Select allows you to choose between different driving modes.
*Price & Colour
The Audi Q3 comes with five exterior colour options namely Pulse Orange, Glacier White, Chronos Grey, Mythos Black and Navarra Blue. Interior colour options available include Okapi Brown and Pearl Beige.
The new Audi Q3 40 TFSI is available in three variants as ‘Premium’, ‘Premium Plus’ and ‘Technology’, and the ex-showroom price starts from Rs 43.81 lakh for the Premium variant and goes up to Rs 53.17 lakh for the top most Technology variant.
*Verdict
The Audi Q3 40 TFSI sets a high standard for compact luxury SUVs in India. The car delivers a well-rounded package and will appeal to those seeking a stylish, yet a practical luxury SUV under a budget in their daily drive.
