Audi Adds Another SUV On Q
Car Review By DEREK OGDEN
The Audi line-up of sports utility vehicles has just been stretched with the addition of the Q3, a versatile premium compact that joins the queue as little brother to the Q5 and Q7.
BODY STYLE
As a small(ish) SUV the Q3 makes a big first impression, especially up front where an assertive stance is reinforced by Audi’s trademark tall radiator grille here flanked by headlamps (xenon an option) and distinctive LED daytime running lights.
The shape of these LED strips is repeated with the rear lights, again LED, just part of a sporty sign-off enhanced by twin exhaust tailpipes. In profile the Q3 follows the present-day shape common to many of this ilk - tall sides, bold wheel arches filled out by stylish 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low rolling resistance tyres, and with a roof that curves coupe-style to a wraparound rear tailgate. It’s a package that gives this vehicle an aerodynamic edge, with a non-SUV like drag coefficient of just Cd 0.32 to top the class.
POWERTRAIN
One of four 2-litre four-cylinder engines – two petrol , two diesel - on offer in the new Q3 range, the test vehicle’s power plant combining direct fuel injection with turbocharging, was mated with Audi’s 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission. With up to 130 kW on call, backed by 380 Nm of torque between 1750 and 2500 revs, this Q3 TDI is capable of hitting hit 100 km/h from rest in 8.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 212 km/h.
An accomplished package, whatever work the car was put to the motor responded instantly to pedal pressure, the gearbox shifting cogs quickly and quietly in automatic or optional manual mode via a lever on the centre console. The latter, in this case, did not feature steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, which, according to the maker, is an option. Two shift modes are available – Drive and Sport – in ‘D’ the engine working as much as possible at fuel saving low revs, while in ‘S’ the gears are held, changing up at higher revs.
Fuel consumption on test hovered around 5 litres per 100 kilometres cruising on the open road at the legal speed limit - that’s hybrid territory – while in the city, with the stop/start facility in full swing, at times it ran out to twice that, the latter, as always, depending on traffic conditions and the diver’s mood.
Power is put to ground via Audi’s tried and tested quattro all-wheel drive system that delivers optimal grip on the road through slip-free acceleration and directional stability even in slippery conditions.
Occupants of the test vehicle also enjoyed the benefit of Audi’s optional drive select system, which via a button on the centre console, allows the driver to choose how the vehicle should be driven. Choices are ‘Comfort’, ‘Auto’, ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Efficiency’, the last having all systems, including air-conditioning and cruise control combined to deliver maximum fuel saving.
INTERIOR DESIGN
The black paint job on the outside of the test car extended to the cabin interior, which featured black leather trim with dark brown inserts, the sombre feel being reinforced by dark brown leather seat upholstery.
In time, however, the funereal finish became less creepy. The surroundings were also redeemed to some extent by a soft-touch dashboard surface surmounted by a 7-inch pop-up screen presenting full-colour sat nav map and a suite of car system info. Increasingly found on vehicles today, a push button start is missing, just the old-fashioned turn the key in the ignition to fire up the motor . . . provided the brake pedal is depressed.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
The engine does incorporate the latest stop/start feature which cuts power when the car is stationary. A word of warning, the power steering is redundant too until the engine is restarted, so trying to turn the wheel while stopped is a feat of strength.
Some people say they find this fuel-saving technology annoying - the eerie silence and then the anxiety that, in the middle of heavy traffic, maybe the engine won’t start up on releasing the foot brake. No worries, for those folk, the system can be turned off by means of a button on the centre console.
The command driving position, thanks to comprehensive seat adjustment, is comfortable and gives good all-round visibility through expansive windows. The Audi is incredibly well equipped with Bluetooth and audio streaming, rear view camera with guidelines, information system and multifunction leather steering wheel standard on all models.
PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS
Pricewise, at $54,500 the Q3 TDI quattro S Tronic is at the top end of the segment, with rivals such as the Hyundai ix35 Elite T/D, Kia Sportage TDI and Skoda Yeti 103TDI up to twenty grand cheaper. The difference to a great extent is made up by the degree and standard of fit-out.
Audi says it is aiming the Q3 at what it calls ‘Urban Navigators’, young successful professionals, middle-aged couples and families who want an urban SUV that can be used for recreation, plus empty-nesters who lead an active lifestyle. It has much to offer in this context.
MODEL LINE-UP AND PRICING*
Q3 2.0 TDI 2WD manual $44,800
Q3 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic $54,500
Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro manual $47,000
Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic $48,950
Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro manual $56,000
(*Manufacturer’s list price, does not include dealer or government charges)
Audi Q3 2.0 litre TDI quattro S Tronic ENGINE:
Capacity: 1968cc
Configuration: In-line, four-cylinder diesel engine with VTG turbocharger and TDI direct injection
Maximum Power: 130 kW @ 4200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 380 Nm @ 1750 rpm to 2500 rpm
Emission rating: EU 5
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: AWD
Transmission: 7-speed S Tronic dual clutch, quattro all-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4385 mm
Wheelbase: 2603 mm
Width: 1831 mm (excluding door mirrors)
Height: 1590 mm
Track: 1571 mm (front); 1575 mm (back)
Height of loading lip: 781 mm
Turning circle: 11.8 m
Kerb Mass: 1585 kg
Gross weight: 2185 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 64 litres
Towing Ability: 2000kg (braked), 750kg (unbraked)
CARGO AREA:
Load volume: 460 litres (rear seat upright), 1365 litres (rear seat folded)
RUNNING GEAR:
Front Suspension: MacPherson struts with aluminium lower wishbones, steel pivot bearings, aluminium subframe, tubular anti-roll bar, track stabilising
Rear Suspension: Four-link with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement, subframe, aluminium wheel carriers, tubular anti-roll bar
Brakes: Ventilated disc (front0, Solid disc (rear). Dual circuit with diagonal split. ABS anti-skid with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist. Electronic stability program with traction control and hill-hold assist
Steering: Electro-mechanical with speed dependent power assist. Steering wheel turns lock to lock, 2.7
Wheels: 7J x 17in cast aluminium; tyres: 235/55 R17
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 8.2 sec
Top speed: 212 km/h
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Diesel to EN590
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 5.9 litres/100km, CO2 emissions: 156g/km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: N/A
Air Pollution Rating: N/A
STANDARD WARRANTY:
3 years/unlimited kilometres
|
