Audi Q3 2.0 TDI: Quantum jump

Better styling coupled with powerful features makes the new Audi Q3 a complete package

The Q3 is the smallest SUV in Audi's range of luxury cars and is arrayed against the segment creator, BMW's X1, as well as the newest on the block, Mercedes-Benz's GLA. Having been at the top of the head in the compact luxury SUV business, Audi has decided to give the Q3 a facelift to ensure that it retains its premier position.

The 2015 Q3 has been given more of a cosmetic upgrade than a mechanical one. Though Audi has equipped the car with new and powerful engines for the international market, in India it will continue to use the 2-litre diesel engine with the same 174 bhp of power output. There is nothing to complain about this, since this is fairly powerful. The Q3 in India will now be sold only in the diesel option with Audi having decided to pull the plug on the petrol variant.

With the signature new LED daytime running lights in the redesigned headlamp cluster, the Q3 now looks more affluent and well-heeled. The embossed Bavarian-beard front grille has been stretched wider to give it a more imposing and aggressive stance. The angular grille - adopted from the car maker's newly-designed Q range and to be seen also in the upcoming version of the Q7 - will be in silver finish that beautifully merges into the headlights. At the lower lip of the front bumper are the air damps.

The Q3 cabin looks and feels youthful and sporty as Audi has replaced the wooden panels on the dashboard with a more contemporary aluminium finish. The German car maker has added more chrome inserts on the dash as well as chrome-finished buttons. As expected, the Q3 comes with a lot of features like Parking System Plus with rear-view camera, an infotainment system with 20 GB internal memory, a first in the segment, two SDHC slots and a new music system that also includes a navigation system.

The 2-litre engine is very refined and you will hardly hear a clatter as it starts. When it comes to performance, the car slides as smoothly as butter - the 174 ponies are always alert and responsive because of the quick-shifting, seven-speed S Tronic transmission. The best thing is that you will not experience any lag. A new and an important feature, keeping in mind that most Q3 owners drive the car themselves rather than entrust it to a chauffeur, is that it now comes with steering mounted paddle shifters. So you have the revving power and can thrust the speedometer needle past the red zone for an additional couple of seconds. As a driver-focused vehicle, this makes sure that the Q3 is one fun SUV to drive.

The Audi Drive Select also allows you to change the gearbox and suspension settings based on the road condition and your driving mood. It comes in three different driving modes -Comfort, Sport and Auto. Comfort is the default setting and this mode provides an ideal ride for city and cushions the ditches. The steering also feels lighter, which is a boon in urban driving conditions. The Sport mode is where the suspensions stiffen up and the rpm needle doesn't mind inhabiting the red zone. The Auto mode is like driving on auto pilot as the computer decides what is best for the vehicle.

The Q3 always had an impressive ride quality and the car proves it as I drive it around Goa's beautiful roads. I can see that Audi has ensured the suspension set-up is ideal for Indian road conditions. When it comes to handling, the Q3 doesn't weigh in on you owing to the Quattro four-wheel system. Therefore, it takes sharp turns with ease, and even in wet road conditions, the Q3 confidently holds its line.

The refreshed Audi Q3 remains the only SUV in its class to come with an all-wheel drive, which is not only a great boon while driving in challenging terrains but it also ensures that the car remains stable in different weather or driving conditions. This truly makes it the most capable SUV in this segment. It now looks richer and swankier with the front LED lights and the 3D designed nose grille, which has an air of arrogance that suits the car rather well. The infotainment system with its humongous internal memory is also a first in this league. The Q3 continues to be a fun compact SUV to drive. Because it is an all-wheel drive vehicle, you get the option of thinking about exploring some challenging tracks. The steering wheel is on the lighter side, which makes the SUV easier to drive in the city. What I wish it had is a bit more response. Parking has been made easier with aids like the Parking System Plus with a rear-view camera. In other words, the Q3 is simply a total package.

AUDI Q3 2.0 TDI
Engine: 1,968 cc
Power: 174 bhp @ 4,200rpm
Torque: 380 Nm @ 1,750-2,550rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic /All-wheel drive
Price: Rs 28.99 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

 

Arup Das is Features Editor at AutoX