Audi started its operations in India with a handful of cars. The lineup grew over time, as the German brand brought many of its popular international models to the country. However, since India is a developing market, uber-expensive models did not sell as much as Audi anticipated Rising competition from other German brands also impacted sales. As a result, Audi decided to bring its affordable portfolio to India which was spearheaded by the Audi Q3 SUV. Right from the get-go, the Audi Q3 struck a chord with buyers, and became a sales success story overnight. The main reason for its success was its premium feel, comparable to more expensive models in Audi’s lineup.
Fast forward a couple of years and the Q3 started to feel dated in contrast to its competition. The competition evolved and started clawing back some market share. The Covid-19 pandemic further complicated things, causing the launch of the second-generation Q3 to be postponed. It was not until recently that Audi launched the new Q3 in India, but the question remains – is it as good and capable as its predecessor which remains popular and in-demand in the Indian luxury used car space? Well, let’s find out.
Audi Q3 Specifications
Engine & Transmission | ||
Engine | 2.0-litre TFSI petrol | |
Transmission | 7-speed Automatic |
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Power | 190 bhp |
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Torque | 320 Nm |
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Mileage | - | |
Dimensions |
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Length | 4482 mm |
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Width | 1849mm |
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Height | 1607 mm |
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Wheelbase | 2680 mm |
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Boot Space | 530 litres |
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Safety |
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Feature | Variant Available |
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Airbags | 6 airbags as standard |
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ABS with EBD | Standard |
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Rear Parking Sensors | Standard |
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All-Wheel Disc Brakes | Standard |
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Reverse Parking Camera | Standard |
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Electronic Stability Programme | Standard |
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Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | Standard |
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ISOFIX Mounts | Standard |
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Hill Hold Assist | Standard | |
Hill Descent Control | Standard |
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Feature Highlights |
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Feature | Variant Available |
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Quattro | Standard |
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Audi Drive Select | Standard |
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Panoramic Roof | Standard |
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Audi Virtual Cockpit | Technology |
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TPMS | Standard |
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Audi 10 Speaker Sound System | Technology |
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Why you should consider the Audi Q3
With a budget of around Rs 50 lakh for an entry-level luxury SUV, the Audi Q3 is a strong and de facto choice considering its predecessor’s legacy. The second-generation Q3 builds up on that with a revamped cabin and exterior styling that resembles the bigger SUVs from Audi. The Q3 ticks all the boxes as far as a luxury SUV goes but, still, here are three prominent reasons why you should put your money down on one:
AWD drivetrain
Without any doubt, the availability of the Audi Q3 with an AWD drivetrain gives it a strong edge over its rivals. An SUV with an AWD is always a welcome addition, and the Q3 takes it up a notch by offering the renowned Quattro system that powers major Audi models. This drivetrain is a proper AWD system that is more front-wheel drive biased for safe handling traits. The system sends power to the wheels as needed, enhancing the grip on the tarmac even in slippery conditions. Since the 2.0-litre TFSI engine makes a strong 190bhp and 320 Nm of twist, an AWD system is indeed a useful tech to have. Thanks to this, the Q3 can sprint from 0 to 100kmph in a staggering 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 22kmph. The icing on the cake is that the Quattro is available as standard across the two variants.
Revamped Styling
The 2023 Audi Q3 is a looker. Audi has taken cues from the Q8 to make the Q3 resemble a smaller version of its larger sibling, as is evident from the styling and details. Gone are the soft edges of the old car for a taller, mature stance and outlook. The large grille and headlamps are the talking points from the front while the whole silhouette has also evolved with a sportier hint. The rear has also witnessed a major step up with a boxier design. Without taking a look at the badge, it will be hard to figure out that this is the smallest SUV in Audi’s lineup. The large 18-inch wheels also help although the design looks uninteresting compared to the usual Audi alloy wheel designs.
Ride and Handling
The Audi Q3 has got performance on its side and the dynamics to back that performance. This German SUV has found a good balance between ride and handling. It feels good around the corners with commendable body control. The AWD system helps a lot in keeping the Q3 tidy around corners. High-speed stability is also rated highly and on a whole, the Q3 is a comfortable family car that can munch highway miles and high-speed cruising with ease. It is also safe to say the Q3 is entertaining to drive.
Why you should not consider the Audi Q3
Although the Audi Q3 gets almost everything right, there are some areas where the competition might be better. So here are some of the downsides of Audi’s most affordable SUV on sale in India:
No Diesel Engine
With the onset of stringent BS6 emission norms, many carmakers were forced to discontinue diesel engines. Audi was one such carmaker. As a result, the new Q3 is only available with petrol engine options. No doubt, the petrol engine is brilliant, but some buyers will miss the diesel engine and its long legs. The previous generation Q3 had a punchy diesel engine and some of its rivals still offer a potent diesel engine option. This is the only fly in the ointment here and even though a diesel engine sounds outdated in today’s setting, it still has some pros namely, highway cruising and efficiency.
Not A 5-Seater
Although there are 5 seats on offer, the Audi Q3 is at best, a comfortable 4-seater. The intrusive transmission tunnel of the AWD system eats into the space making it an occasional 5-seater. The passenger seated in the middle will not be particularly pleasant over a long distance, especially if it’s an adult.
Audi Q3 Variants
Audi is offering the Q3 in two main variants. These are the base Premium trim and the range-topping Technology trim. Both these variants are available with the 2.0-litre 40 TFSI petrol engine mated to the Quattro AWD as standard.
Variant | Powertrain | Price |
40 TFSI Premium | 2.0-litre TFSI petrol | Rs 44.89 lakh |
40 TFSI technology | 2.0-litre TFSI petrol | Rs 50.39 lakh |
Audi Q3 Variant to buy
Out of the two variants on offer – 40 TFSI Premium and 40 TFSI technology, the former makes more sense from a value point of view with a good price tag of Rs. 44.89 lakh (ex-showroom). For that money, you get an AWD Audi SUV that looks, feels, and drives like the bigger SUVs from the German marque. As standard, it packs all the essential features without any major misses that will be a deal-breaker. However, if you want the full shebang with all the kit and tech and the 10-speaker Audio system, the 40 TFSI technology priced at Rs. 50.39 lakh (ex-showroom) should suffice. It is on the pricier side, but you get a lot of features and it is still more affordable than some of its rivals.
Summary
Coming back to our question – is the new Audi Q3 as well-rounded as the previous version? Apart from the absence of a diesel mill, the Q3 is clearly an improvement over its predecessor. It has got everything going for it from potent engines to impressive styling and the right price tag. Audi has got the ride and handling spot on with the Q3 and the SUV is sure to impress urban users and highway munchers alike. The compact footprint and premium feel were the winning traits of the old model and the new one seems to carry over the baton without any hiccup.
