Audi Q3 makes a comeback in new avatar, prices starting at Rs 44.89 lakh
Unlike its predecessor, the new Audi Q3 is only available with a petrol powertrain in two variants — Premium Plus and Technology — priced at Rs 44.89 lakh and Rs 50.39 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively.
Audi has brought back its Q3 to India in a new avatar after a brief hiatus of over two years. In early 2020, the German carmaker discontinued the compact SUV when the Indian auto industry switched from BS4 to BS6 emission norms.
The latest iteration of Q3 made its global debut in July 2018 and has been on sale in several international markets since 2019. Its debut in India was delayed primarily due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
New Audi Q3 with updated styling
The German marque is offering the luxury compact SUV in two variants namely– Premium Plus and Technology, at a price of Rs 44.89 lakh and Rs 50.39 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. Audi expects to commence deliveries of the new Q3 to commence towards the end of this year.
Interested buyers can book the luxury compact SUV at a token amount of Rs 2 lakh. The company is offering a five-year extended warranty in Q3 as standard. Besides, the first 500 buyers will receive an additional three-year/ 50,000km service value package.
Revised exterior styling
In its third generation now, Q3 is positioned between Q2 and Q5 in Audi’s SUV lineup. The latest iteration of the crossover is longer and wider than its predecessor and offers a longer wheelbase. The new Q3 borrows styling cues from the flagship Q7.
Up front, it sports a muscular octagonal grille featuring vertical chrome slats and signature Audi rings, outlined by dark chrome borders. The grille is flanked by sleeker Matrix LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs that run inwards with their wedge shape. The angular bumper creases house blacked-out splitters that lend the lower section of the front fascia a sporty look.
New Audi Q3- Front & Side profiles
Audi Q3’s side profile is largely highlighted by sharp body creases and complemented by black claddings on wheel arches and door sills that amplify its sporty appearance. The India-spec Q3 rides on 18-inch five-arm style alloy wheels as standard. The sloping roof extends to form a spoiler at its extreme edge flanking the rear window at the side, with a steeply raked C pillar.
At the rear, the design is similar to its previous model with new wraparound LED taillamps and a redesigned bumper being the only significant changes. Audi is offering consumers to choose from five colour options, including Pulse Orange, Glacier White, Chronos Grey, Mythos Black, and Navarra Blue.
Interior styling & features
Interior styling of the new Q3 witnesses an overhaul with an option of two themes–Okapi Brown and Pearl Beige. The predominantly all-black cabin receives contrasting highlights on the dashboard and door trims and features loaded to the gills.
The driver-centric cockpit is home to a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display and central air-con controls positioned under the touchscreen and tilted 10 degrees towards the driver.
Some feature highlights include power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, a dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera with parking assist, heated and power-folding ORVMs and a three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters.
Audi Q3 cockpit
The top-end technology trim packs in more goodies including a wireless phone charger, a 180W Audi sound system, ambient lighting with 30 colours, and Audi Drive Select among others. Moreover, features like six airbags, adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, lane keeping assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, etc., take care of safety in the vehicle.
Powertrain specs
Powering the Q3 is a familiar 2.0-litre TSi turbocharged petrol engine offered in several models under the Volkswagen Group. This motor cranks out 187 bhp at 4200 rpm and a peak torque of 320 Nm at 1,500 rpm while mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Power is sent to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system.
As far as performance goes, the 0-100 kmph sprint in Q3 takes 7.3 seconds. The new Q3 can clock a top speed of 222 kmph, taking on the likes of Mercedes Benz GLA, Volvo XC40 and BMW X1.
(Images courtesy: Audi)
Edited by Suman Singh