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 individualization.
The trio of Anurg Shah, head of sales and marketing, Audi Centre Lagos with Julie Chi Nwaoha, managing editor, Onwheels magazine and Manny Philipson, head consultant, Media Advocate Limited unveils the Audi Q3 at a press event to unveil the Audi Q3 in Nigeria last Saturday
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.
Mr. Anurag Shah, Head of Sales
and Marketing, Audi Centre 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.
Intriguing front view of the Audi Q3 crossover
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).
Ergonomic dash view of Audi Q3
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,” Mr. Shah boasted.
Mr. Shah 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.
Rear view of Audi Q3 showing twin exhaust pipes
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.
Mr. Anurag said 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, he said.
“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.
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, however a
try could convince you, he muted.
Anurag poses with the Q3
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.
Cross section of the local media at the launch of the Q3
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, Mr. 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.
L-R: Anurag, Varun Jaura and Santosh Nair both head of media and marketing at Stallion Motors, marketers of Audi automobiles
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