Audi Q3 Car Review in India

Audi's brand new Q3, a compact luxury SUV, is a sporty, efficient and versatile urban vehicle with impressive engine dynamics and technology. Q3, the youngest member of the Audi Q family was unveiled at the Auto Expo in January 2012. It was one of the most anticipated vehicles in recent times.

Equipped with a powerful and efficient 2.0 TDI engine and Quattro technology, the Audi Q3 strengthens the growing demand for luxury mobility in India. Every part of the Q3 the body, the drivetrain, the chassis and the assistance and multimedia systems - embodies Audi technology. Audi hopes to repeat the success of Q5 and Q7 with this model.

The Q3 is the only compact SUV in its segment which offers quattro and targets young customers seeking a life of glamour, excitement and glitz. Company sources stated that only 500 Audi Q3s are available for initial booking in at all 19 Audi dealerships in India. The Q3 is available in two grades: Base and High. It competes with BMW X3.

The Audi Q3 is equipped with an option of 2.0 litre diesel engine that churns out 174.33 bhp @ 4200 rpm (with maximum torque of 380 Nm @ 1750 - 2500 rpm) or a 2.0 litre petrol engine that churns out 207 bhp @ 5000- 6200 rpm (with maximum torque of 300 Nm @ 1800 - 4900 rpm). Audi blends the engine with quattro permanent all-wheel drive which works with a hydraulic multi-plate clutch as well the seven speed S-tronic gearbox. The Q3 reaches 100 kmph in 8.2 seconds and can a maximum speed of 212 kmph.

The Audi Q3 Base model has a striking appearance and definitively stands out from the crowd. It rolls on 16-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels with 7-arm design. Its athletic silhouette with the dynamic flat rear window represents the urban sportiness. The exterior body is muscular and flaunts a dominant front grille while its low-set airdams define its character. The roof rails, heat-insulating glass, black trim strips and electrically adjustable, heated and electrically folding exterior mirrors are unique and exude the car's sophistication. The headlights can be equipped with xenon plus units with LED daytime-running lights. The rear part is equally striking. The Audi Q3 is 4.39 metre long, 1.83 metre wide and 1.60 metre, high including roof rails.

The High grade features 17-inch Cast aluminium 10-spoke alloy wheels, light / rain sensor, acoustic windscreen with grey tinted strip, headlight washers, and Xenon Plus and LED rear lights.

The spacious interior redefines luxury with L-grain/leatherette B-grain seat upholstery and an interior lighting package. The car offers front and rear floor mats, luggage compartment mat, leather-covered multifunction steering wheel in 4-spoke design and plastic door sill trims. There is also a manual air conditioning system and a standard seat at front with 4-way lumbar support. Hill start assist, electromechanical parking brake, reversible load floor, folding rear seat back, radio remote control, front centre armrest and cruise control are the other features along with concert radio, passive speakers, Bluetooth and driver information system.

The High Grade comes with an Audi sound system, driver information system with colour display, a deluxe automatic air conditioning system with sun sensor and electrically adjustable front seats. The available MMI Navigation Plus system offers 20 GB hard drive and lets customers operate a wide range of different media and convenience functions.

The Q3 is equipped modern safety features like the Electronic stabilization program (ESP), space-saving spare wheel, first aid kit and warning triangle, full size airbag, side airbags at front and rear, with head airbag, electronic vehicle immobilization device and ISOFIX child seat mounting.