Taking forward its string of launches this year, Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer introduced its popularly selling Audi Q3 in a new avatar. Since its launch in 2012, the Audi Q3 has been faring well in its segment. But, considering the increasing competition from BMW and Mercedes, who are also set to launch multiple products this year, Audi has tried to up the appeal for Q3 with a refreshed design and a number of technical innovations which make this facelift version of Q3 more value for the customers.
Joe King, Head, Audi India at the launch said, “Q3 excites the young achievers. There is this slogan ‘Start Young Live Big’ which we associate with the Q3. We believe in constant innovation and improvements and so we are happy to bring the new Audi Q3 to our Audi enthusiasts. We are confident that it will further strengthen our dominance in the compact luxury segment.”
The car has some cosmetic changes like the three-dimensionally styled single frame grille at the front, the LED daytime running headlights with dynamic turn indicators, the redesigned LED taillights, the larger air intakes at the front and the redesigned wheel arches and door sills all of which enhance the look by a bit but not bring a macro change in the older version.
On the inside, it is the only car in its segment to offer Quattro that is the all-wheel drive. There are steering mounted paddle shifters for the first time, the MMI navigation System and a rear view camera, infotainment system with a 20 GB Jukebox. Under the hood, the Audi Q3 is powered by an inline four-cylinder 2 litre diesel engine with VTG turbocharger mated to a 7speed S-tronic transmission. The car packs a punch with 177 bhp peak power at 4,200 rpm and 380 Nm torque that starts at 1,750 rpm and continues till 2,500 rpm.
The Q3 launch is the fifth launch from Audi family this year after the Audi R8 LMX, Audi TT Coupé, Audi RS 7 Sportback, and Audi RS 6 avant. Further there are 10 more cars coming up from Audi this year which will include at least one new car in each segment.
The compact SUV clocks the zero-to-100 kmph in just 8.12 seconds before it hits the top speed of 212 kmph. Audi for this one also retuned the suspension package for better comfort and better journey.
All in all with a price tag of Rs 28.99 lakh the new Q3 is indeed new in some features but old in most of them.
