AUDI, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group
has relieved the hopes of customers eagerly
waiting to catch a glimpse of it’s much
talked about Q3 premium crossover.
The car, which is designed to contend with
likes of BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque is
Audi’s first entry into the ever-growing
crossover market.
Styled in line with Audi brand slogan:
‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’, meaning
‘Innovation through Technology’ the new Q3
is sporty and progressive SUV for active,
modern and urban lifestyles with
predisposition for elegance, comfort and
individualisation.
This explains why the car combines
traditional SUV strengths with the versatility
of real time utility vehicle yet undeniably
suitable and efficient for everyday use.
Head of Sales and Marketing, Audi Centre,
Anurag Shah, recently gave this insights at
the media presentation in Lagos saying “the
new Q3 receives the same wedge-shaped
headlights, single frame radiator grille with
vertical element and large air inlets from
either direction you view the car.”
He also noted that the Q3 is the outcome of
Audi’s pledge in 2007 at the Shanghai Motor
Show to design an intriguing crossover that
looks much like a scaled-down version of
the Q5 and larger Q7.
It would be recalled Audi, at the show,
unveiled the Cross Coupe Quattro concept
from where the Q3 took most of its design
elements.
Built on the same A5 (PQ35) platform as
the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Q3 is aside
being a multifunctional SUV, specifically
designed to serve the requirements of three
different target groups; the younger singles,
younger couples or best agers.
The Audi Q3 would ostensibly be pitched
against rival Land Rover Evoque and BMW
X1 though the Q3 could from all indication
outsmart contenders by its functionality,
dynamism and individualization.
“Suffice to say of the two competitors that
undercut the baby Range Rover, the Audi
Q3 is arguably the most stylish, handily
compact and finely finished,” Shah boasted.
He said the Q3 is available in four choice
engines: two TFSI units and two TDI
engines, but only the TFSI petrol engine
variables will be offered in Nigeria.
The base 2.0-liter TSFI engine mated to
either a standard six-speed manual
transmission or top-level 2.0 TSFI seven-
speed dual-clutch automatic S-tronic
transmission with stop-start mechanism (to
cut the engine when the car is idling)
delivers a total of 211 horsepower and 221
pound feet of torque and the manual
transmission delivers a total of 170
horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque
between 1,700 and 4,200 rpm.
While the manual transmission is capable of
sprinting the Q3 from 0 to 62 mph in 8.2
seconds and up to a top speed of 131 mph
or 260kmph and yet deliver an average fuel
consumption 32.22 mpg, the top-level 2.0
TSFI delivers between 1,800 and 4,900 rpm
in combination with standard seven-speed
‘S’ tronic, that accelerates the four-cylinder
unit Audi Q3 from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9
seconds and up to a top speed of 142 mph.
The fuel consumption of this version is just
7.7 liters per 100 km (30.55 mpg).
These engine variants are no doubt an
excellent mix of performance and economy
and are both fitted with Audi Quattro four-
wheel drive to ensure light work on rough
terrain.
“The Q3 lives up to Audi’s reputation for
build quality and reliability, adding that all
materials used inside are top notch and
could withstand the rigours of family life,
and the engine range are tried and tested
so much so that they are unlikely to let you
down.
“Audi Q3 is currently ranked among
intriguing crossovers that have secured full
five-star crash safety rating in the Euro
NCAP tests - this is not unconnected with
option list that includes extra safety
equipment,” he added.
Equipped with six airbags (including curtain
airbags that extend into the rear) as well as
electronic stability control and ISOFIX child
seat anchor points as standard, Audi claims
the entire Q3 has the crossover class’
lowest running costs.
The Q3 is offered with a 1,571 mm (61.85
in) front suspension, offered in a
McPherson strut construction with lower
wishbones of forged aluminium with four-
link rear axle measuring 1,575 mm (62.01
in) and large bearings for a comfortable
ride.
A high-performance brake system with
vented front discs measuring 312 mm
(12.28 in) in diameter and solid rear discs
in a diameter of 282 mm (11.10 in) with 17-
inch alloy wheel is standard in the TFSI
engine models.
Audi’s Drive Select and adaptive dampers
can be added as extras to give four driving
modes – Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and
Efficiency, Mr. Shah noted.
This is in addition to suspensions settings
that can improve matters, with the Comfort
setting that makes the ride very smooth
indeed. All models however have a high
driving position that affords an excellent
view of the road ahead.
The Q3 nevertheless may be smaller than
the Q5 but it is roomy inside with space for
five adults and ample rear leg and
headroom that certainly compares with the
A4 saloon or rivals.
“In fact, the Audi Q3 is a perfect SUV for
today’s crowded cities. It delivers the right
amount of power and comes with pretty
reasonable running cost,” Anurag reassured.
Meanwhile, the Q3 460-litre boot space that
expands to 1,365-litre when the split rear
seats are folded down, which is more than
most competitors could make this crossover
a crucial car for exciting activities.

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