Audi Q3

Overview:

Audi Q3, the entry level luxury crossover from German elite automaker Audi, was launched in the year 2011. The car especially designed for young commuters and first time luxury car buyers, Audi manages to fulfill the needs of such target audience by combining Audi's brilliant engineering in a compact car.

This five-door and 5-seater compact executive crossover comes with a transverse-mounted front engine alongside state-of-the-art exterior and all elite interior to catch the attention of its buyers. The aerodynamic structure of Audi Q3 has many features embedded to leave an impression, making it standout amongst the competition. The sporty looking bumpers, door trim strips and diffuser insert along with radiator grille in the front with vertical chrome struts and the Audi logo create a wonderful combination altogether. The dedicated compact crossover ensures good visibility with its xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED rear tail lamps, cornering lights and front (halogen) and rear fog lights. The exterior mirrors come in body-colored housing and can be adjusted electrically. These exterior mirrors have integrated LED turn signals to make it convenient for the vehicles running behind. Anodized aluminum roof rails, rear roof spoiler and chrome-colored tailpipes are also given in this compact executive crossover.

Audi Q3 is powered by 2 petrol engines, viz, 1.4-litre TFSI and 2.0-litre TFSI quattro. In this duo, better performance numbers are obviously given by 2.0-litre engine which churns a maximum power output measuring of 170 bhp between the range of 4300 to 6200 rpm and a maximum torque measuring 280 Nm between the range of 1700 to 4200 rpm.

Mileage and Fuel economy

Coming on to the mileage of this compact executive crossover, the 1.4-litre TFSI engine takes 6.2 litre to run 100 kms on an average, while the top-end 2.0-litre engine delivers an effective mileage measuring 7.7 litres per 100 km. To comment, the mileage looks quite decent considering the size and weight of this vehicle. Q3 carries the Audi patented Recuperation feature which converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy while applying brakes, this energy can be further used to take the strain off the engine and increase the economy numbers. The maximum fuel capacity available in this vehicle is approximately 64 litres.

Power:

The best numbers in terms of power is delivered by 2.0-litre TFSI quattro petrol engine which comes with 7-speed S tronic transmission. This engine generates a peak power of 170 hp between 4300 to 6200 rpm along with a peak torque of 280 Nm between 1700 to 4200 rpm. The base variant, 1.4-litre TFSI engine delivers a maximum power output measuring 150 bhp between 5000 to 6000 rpm inline with a maximum torque measuring 250 Nm between 1750 to 3000 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup:

Among 2 variants of engines available for Audi Q3, the best acceleration count is delivered by 2.0-litre TFSI quattro 4-inline cylinders petrol engine. This engine takes just 7.8 seconds to start from a stationary position to reach the 100 km/h mark with a peak speed of 212 km/h. The smaller and more economical, 1.4-litre TFSI engine reaches the same milestone mark in 8.9 seconds reaching a top speed measuring 200 km/hr.

Exterior:

We wouldn't be wrong in saying that Audi Q3 has been provided with perhaps one of the most elegant designing in the price range. The exterior of this compact executive crossover is given a muscular look with urbane features. The bumpers, door trim strips and diffuser insert comes with striking and sporty design to attract the onlookers. The radiator grille in the front flaunts vertical chrome struts along with the Audi logo. To ensure clear visibility of site, Audi Q3 is equipped with xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, cornering lights, LED rear tail lamps and front (halogen) and rear fog lights. The exterior mirrors, with body-colored housing, are electrically adjustable and the automatic anti-glare action on driver's side exterior mirror helps the driver from not getting dazzled. These exterior mirrors are integrated with LED turn signals to signal the rear running vehicles. Anodized aluminium roof rails make an addition to the aesthetic value of Audi Q3. Additionally, rear roof spoiler and chrome-colored tailpipes are also given in the vehicle.

Exterior Measurements:

This compact executive crossover by Audi, the Q3, measures 4385 mm at length, 1831 mm at width and 1608 mm at height. The impressive wheelbase of this vehicle stands at 2603 mm which allows the passengers to enjoy good headroom and legroom, both for the front and at the back.

Interior:

This entry level luxury by Audi comes with a dashing interior to match with its exterior. This compact executive crossover comes with leatherette seats to add grace to the interior of this vehicle. The electric seat adjustment for both front seats with electric lumber support gives an ultimate seating comfort to the occupants. The axial and vertical adjustable steering column makes it more comfortable for the driver to drive this vehicle at any length. The interior mirror comes with automatic anti-glare action so that the occupants may keep a check on the rear view without getting dazzled. Sunvisors with vanity mirror on driver's and front seat passenger's side is also provided in this car. Automatic air conditioning with sun sensor ensures that the temperature inside this vehicle is appropriate for a comfortable driving experience. The Start & Stop feature of this vehicle helps in reducing the fuel consumption. The urbane looking dashboard and centre console employs all the controls so that the dashboard may not look congested and the readings are absolutely visible to the driver. The LED ambient light of this car gives it a sporty look from inside. Apart from all these features, the Audi Q3 also employs leather covered gear lever knob, aluminium satellite inlays, split folding rear backrest and leather covered multifunction steering wheel.

Interior Comfort:

To add more comfort in the vehicle, Audi Q3 comes with cruise control. This feature allows the driver to cruise the vehicle smoothly on highways. Audi drive select with 4 modes of driving, viz, Auto/ Comfort/ Dynamic/ Efficiency is also employed in this vehicle. This feature allows the driver to select the mode depending on the driving site and make the drives comfortable. Rear seat can be split and folded 60:40 or fully as required by the occupants. The panoramic glass roof of this vehicle allows the passengers to gaze and enjoy the horizon above.

Interior Measurements:

This 5-seater Audi product comes with impressive trunk space to accomodate the luggage of its passengers. The trunk capacity of this Q3 compact crossover is 460 litre which can be expanded to an impressive 1365 litre after folding the rear seats. Surplus storage in form of lockable glove compartment, cupholders in the front centre console, pockets at front seat back rests, compartment under the front seats and additional storage area under the reversible luggage compartment floor is also given in this vehicle for the convenience of the occupants.

Engine and Performance:

Audi Q3 is powered by 2 petrol engines to complement the vehicle. The 1.4-litre TFSI 4-inline cylinders engine with 6-speed Stronic transmission delivers a maximum power output measuring 150 hp between the range of 5000 to 6000 rpm alongside a maximum torque measuring 250 Nm between the range of 1750 to 3000 rpm. The bigger sibling, the 2.0-litre TFSI quattro 4-inline cylinders engine with 7-speed S tronic transmission generates a maximum power of 170 hp between 4300 to 6200 rpm and a maximum torque measuring 280 Nm between 1700 to 4200 rpm.

Stereo and Accessories:

Audi Q3 is well equipped with infotainment facilities to entertain and provide information to its occupants. This vehicle comes with a single CD player and SDHC memory card reader with MP3, AAC and WMA compatible and 6 CD changer. Furthermore, 6 channel amplifier having 10 loudspeakers of 180 watt of total output is provided in this car. AUX and Bluetooth connectivity, Audi Concert radio and Voice Control System are also given for non stop entertainment onboard. For a clear and comfortable navigation, a 6.5-inch TFT with navigation data is embedded in this compact crossover. Some driving related information such as average speed, average fuel consumption, fuel range, service interval display and average driving time can also be found through the driver information system provided in this vehicle.

Wheels:

Audi Q3 employs 17-inch aluminum wheels with 235/55 R17 tyres to get a good grip on road. To safeguard the wheels from getting theft, these wheels can be loosened only with the adapter provided with the vehicle.

Braking and Handling:

Audi Q3 is well equipped with ventilated disc brakes at front and rear wheels for effective braking. For good handling, this vehicle is employed with Dynamic suspension which includes McPherson spring strut type axle at front along with lower wishbones, aluminum sub-frame, with 4-link rear axle with separate spring/ damper arrangement sub-frame.

Safety and Security:

Audi ensures that the safety and security of the vehicle and its occupants are taken care. Q3 employs 6 airbags ,viz, dual airbags for driver and front passenger, 2 head airbags and 2 side airbags for optimum safety in case of hit. 5 seat belts with 3-point inertia reel are given in this car. To ensure that the occupants wear their respective seat belts, these seat belts come with warning signals/ reminders in Audi Q3. Vehicle safety features like Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), traction Control (ASR), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) help in stabilizing the vehicle after application of a sudden emergency brake at high speed. Electronic vehicle immobilization device is also provided in this vehicle to safeguard the vehicle from any theft. The Hill hold assist feature of this vehicle helps the driver to driver on elevated areas without much effort and the Hill descent control maintains the selected speed on downhill drives. Front and rear fog lights of this vehicle helps the occupants to have clear visibility in foggy weather. Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), ISOFIX child seat mounting for front passenger and rear seat, parking aid plus with park display and auto light function for 30 seconds are some of the other safety features which are provided in this compact crossover.

Pros

Good Safety features
Sporty interior with good features
Dynamic exterior design

Cons

BMW X1 filled with more features for the same price tag
Diesel engine not available