{"id":216316,"date":"2019-08-29T11:45:05","date_gmt":"2019-08-29T09:45:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/car\/audis-latest-q3-driven\/"},"modified":"2020-10-01T14:56:18","modified_gmt":"2020-10-01T12:56:18","slug":"audis-latest-q3-driven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/motoring\/2019\/08\/29\/audis-latest-q3-driven\/","title":{"rendered":"Audi\u2019s latest Q3 driven"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Q3<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s opinion, a far more rounded and better-looking product than its predecessor.<\/p>

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Exterior<\/strong><\/p>\n

From an aesthetic perspective, the new Q3 gets the brand\u2019s 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.<\/p>

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Interior<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019re immediately aware that you\u2019re in a Q3.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Powertrain<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Driving Q3<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s near 1 600kg kerb weight is too much for the smaller engine, leading to the gearbox feeling sluggish at times.<\/p>\n

The handling isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Verdict<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s X1.<\/p>\n

Service plan and warranty<\/strong><\/p>\n

All Q3 models come as standard with a five-year\/100 000km maintenance plan.<\/p>\n

Pricing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Q3 35 TFSI\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 – R 565 000<\/p>\n

Q3 35 TFSI Advanced\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 – R 585 000<\/p>\n

Q3 35 TFSI S Line\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0– R 599 000<\/p>\n

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