The new smart Audi Q3 might be fashionably late, but it has ample and more in its arsenal to be the life of the party. ‘Start Young’ is going to be Audi’s slogan for the soon-to-be-launched Q3 SUV, and makes things crystal clear as to the demographic the company is targeting. There is so much to like about the new Q3, and it makes a really very good first impression.
In terms of handling and performance the Q3’s 2.0 TDI engine is efficiently mated to Audi’s excellent seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox. S-Tronic simply uses two hydraulic clutches for seamless gearshifts. There’s also an S or sports mode as well, which permits for even faster gearshifts, along with the engine management system holding on to gears even when you just lift off the throttle, ensuring more precise control if an attacking driving style is your thing.
The muscular 2.0-litre TDI produces an enormous quantity of torque – 380 Nm – which verifies the Q3 is never lacking in grunt. Perfectly matched with well-spaced gear ratios, the stylish Q3 always has sufficient oomph for quick overtaking. Audi declares a top speed of 212 km/h, and a 0-100 km/h time of only 8.2 seconds. We have seriously no reason to contest either of these claims.
The Q3’s handy Quattro system utilizes a Haldex clutch which apportions the power between the front and back axles in the ratio 90:10 during every day driving, though it can send all the torque to either axle if necessary. Differential locks and low-ratio are unfortunately not available with the Q3, but even then it displays splendid agility and ability over broken terrain, as test takers found out.
A Q3 keeper is unlikely to ever use his or her vehicle for serious mud-plugging. The Q3 uses McPherson struts at front, along with a four-link rear suspension mounted on a sub-frame, which is somehow road-biased in its layout.
What is really impressive about this vehicle though is its quality of ride, which is supple over broken tarmac, yet planted and reassuring around the corners. Yes, the Q3 does exhibit a tendency to under steer, but this is quite intentional to keep the handling fail-safe. Also, the predominantly front-wheel drive bias performs a part here as well. It is important to consider that the four-wheel drive or Quattro system as deployed both in the Q5 and Q7 usually sends almost 60 % of the power to the rear wheels.
The action of light steering does tend to be a little devoid of feel, but this is actually a criticism which has been leveled at other Audis too. If test takers have a criticism of the Q3, then it is surely the lack of feel through the brake pedal. The brakes themselves are very much powerful, with large diameter discs at each of the corner, but the light pedal action and lack of progression through the pedal is really disappointing, especially in a car with such a high specification.
ARAI has clearly certified the Q3 to deliver 15.7 kpl, which may not be attainable in the real world, but points nevertheless to good economy of fuel. The 2.0 TDI engine is a very well-known entity across VW AG’s product family, and is one of the matchless diesels in production around the world today. The active S-Tronic gearbox plays its part too, and if driven while using a very light foot, the Q3 can easily come quite close to the ARAI figure of 15.7 kpl on the highway.
So, it’s really an elegant and impressive car with strong and active engine to ride.”
