Audi’s latest Q3 driven
In 2018 is was fortunate to travel in Italy to drive the latest Audi Q3, now, almost a year later I travelled down to the picturesque town of George and its surrounds for the local launch of Audi’s second-generation mid-size SUV.
New Q3
The first generation Q3 was relatively successful locally, with close to 10 000 units sold within our market. The new version is bigger, more efficient and in this writer’s opinion, a far more rounded and better-looking product than its predecessor.
Exterior
From an aesthetic perspective, the new Q3 gets the brand’s octagonal grille, which differentiates its SUV offerings from its hatchback, sedan and sportscar range. There are also new LED headlights in the now-signature wedge shape. The side profile is clean, with a bulging rear wheel arch while at the rear is characterised by horizontal lines and LED taillights. The exterior varies according to the specification chosen, with the base model, Advanced trim and S Line all offering different aesthetics.
Interior
Inside the Q3 I was as impressed as I was a year back by the way that the brand has differentiated this model versus not only the other Volkswagen Group products with which it shares many components, but also how when inside, you’re immediately aware that you’re in a Q3.
Some of these unique touches include the layout of the now-standard Virtual Cockpit digitised instrument cluster which has graphics specifically for the Q3, the door handles, the dashboard shape and design the layout of the facia. As is to be expected, the quality and general fit and finish are exemplary. The space is also impressive, with a minimum of 560-litres of boot space and much improved rear occupant room.
Standard features inside include the MMI Radio plus with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth, semi-leather seats, cruise control and climate control, to name a few. The brand has made the optional extra procedure easier by combining many of the most popular options into packages, namely Comfort, Technology, Sport, Parking, S line interior and Black styling. There are still some individual options available, but the packages certainly make it easier for the consumer while assisting in residual values.
Powertrain
The Q3 range has been simplified and although some will bemoan that initially, we only have one engine and gearbox option, this is simply the powertrain that sells in the highest volume locally. The current range is only available with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 110kW and 240 N.m of torque mated to a six-speed S tronic gearbox putting power through the front wheels. There will be a 2.0-litre turbo petrol model on offer shortly too.
Driving Q3
The Q3 is based upon the Volkswagen MQB platform, and like many products that share this modular platform, the ride quality, handling and general driving characteristics are deeply impressive. The engine feels strained at times, as if the Q3’s near 1 600kg kerb weight is too much for the smaller engine, leading to the gearbox feeling sluggish at times.
The handling isn’t exactly inspiring, nor should it be, with progressive understeer towards to limits of adhesion, still, there are more enjoyable vehicles to drive in this segment and indeed, at this spice point. The Q3 claws back in the refinement and road department though, showing impeccable road manners and providing a wonderfully comfortable ride.
Verdict
Being an Audi, the Q3 is always going to carry a premium status and therefore, a higher price tag. In the case of the Q3, its premium over the likes of Volkswagen Tiguan or Mazda CX-5 is in many ways warranted by the excellence of its build quality and attention to detail. Within its premium segment, it certainly holds its own against the likes of the Volvo XC40 and BMW’s X1.
Service plan and warranty
All Q3 models come as standard with a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
Pricing
Q3 35 TFSI – R 565 000
Q3 35 TFSI Advanced – R 585 000
Q3 35 TFSI S Line – R 599 000
