The 2013 Audi Q3

Starting Price: N11Mill.

The Audi Q3 debuted at the Geneva Motor show as the Audi Cross Country concept in 2008. When Audi finally brought the Q3 into production in 2011, the smallest SUV in the Audi Range was finally able to compete in the compact luxury SUV segment, a segment that had since been dominated by the Range Rover Evoque and the BMW X1. The Audi Q3 however stands out amongst the rest as being the only vehicle that lays emphasis on efficiency amongst the rest with features like regenerative braking and the start/stop system which is standard across all models.   

Trim Levels and Options.

The Audi Q3 comes in different variants featuring different content and different types of engines but as far as I have found, the Audi Q3 is offered in Nigeria in only one trim, the S Line which is equivalent for “full options”. Now this is both good and bad news; good if you’re young, young at heart and/or wealthy enough to pay its N11Mill asking price and bad if you’re anything but.

The S Line features a turbocharged 2.0 TFSI engine with 155kW/211hp mated to a seven speed S tronic transmission with steering wheel mounted flappy paddles and Audi’s Quattro permanent all wheel drive system. It also comes standard with keyless entry, keyless igniton “push to start”, sports suspension, start/stop system, Audi’s MMI “multi-media interface” with Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a 7-speaker sound system with a CD player, iPod/USB interface and an auxiliary audio jack. The S line also includes, leather seats, steering wheel mounted audio controls, dual zone air conditioning, roof rails, a sunroof, LED lighting for both front and rear headlamps, Audi exclusive 18” inch alloy wheels and Audi’s drive select which allows one to tailor the car to one’s preference. More than enough features to make a premium luxury SUV if you ask me.

Performance.

The Audi Q3 comes with four different choices of engines; two petrol engines and two diesels.  Two 2.0 TFSI engines with either 125kW/170hp or 155kW/211hp or two 2.0 TDI engines with 103kW/140hp or 133kW/180hp. In Nigeria however only the 211hp engine is available being the most powerful. It produces 300Nm of torque and when mated to Audi’s seven speed S tronic dual clutch transmission, it can send the Q3 from 0-100km/h in 6.9secs and on to a top speed of 230km/h. Fuel economy ratings for the 2.0 TFSI is 7.7l/100km.

According to online reviews, the 211hp engine is energetic and feels punchy around motor speedways, but most reviewers preferred the 170hp version saying it provides most of the power needed for everyday driving; but I’d argue that most of those who would be buying the Q3 would be majorly men in the age range of 35-50. These are young energetic people who would like a sporty engine to go with their sporty ride, 170hp might not be good enough. Still it would have been preferable if the Q3 here had this engine option, just for comparism.

Safety

The Audi Q3 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, side-impact airbags for front seat passengers, full-length side curtain airbags, and active front head restraints. Hill-start assist and the electromechanical parking brake are also standard. In braking tests, the Q3 halted from 100km/h to 0 in just 36 metres, a very good distance for its class.

Summary.

I really really loved that Audi’s made the Q3 available in Nigeria. Yeah, when it arrived, it’s asking price was really “eyebrow raising” but when I got into the car and analyzed it’s features, I understood why “sort off”. I’m still not sure why Audi Nigeria has offered the Q3 in only one trim, I mean, it wouldn’t have been such a bad idea if the cheaper less powerful 170hp version made it here, I’m pretty sure it would have enhanced sales for the brand because it’s the trim most people not wanting to spend more than seven digits would have gone for. Notwithstanding, the S Line is an excellent trim, its more than what it’s buyers would ask for from a luxury brand and it’s driving dynamics is something that its owners would forever savor.

The Audi Q3 is off to a good start on looks, I mean; there’s no angle on this SUV that isn’t attractive, the front fascia with the day light running LED headlamps, the extremely youthful rear end that features some really attractive looking rear headlamps “generally associated with the Audi SUV class”, or the sides which ride on Audi exclusive 18” rims and look every inch a premium Sports Utility especially with the angular slopping roof line.

Even the interior is exciting, there are soft touch materials everywhere, leather is standard, there’s an Audi MMI screen that slides upwards everytime you hit ignition… Generally you just get the sense that you’re in a well thought of luxury barge, yeah I know some people might complain about the lack of boot space but I’d say if that’s the trade mark for a good looking interior, I’d take it. Plus if rear legroom and boot space is what you’re after, you can try the Q5.

There’s  a point I wanted to make about the Audi Q3, you should know that it is based on the Volkswagen Tiguan; an all ready good looking and well sorted SUV with Audi like quality, it also comes with a 2.0litre 170hp engine, and so might serve as a good alternative  for those without cash strapped hands.  Plus it’s starting price is about half the Audi’s so it presents something of a good bargain.

That said, the Audi Q3 is still obviously the best option of the two, it looks better, drives better and stacks up better as a premium luxury brand in ways the Tiguan cant.

What’s the Audi’s selling point? Everything!! If you doubt me, go to their show room  and find out..

Comparing it to the Range Rover Evoque, I’d say that on dynamics and off road prowess, the Evoque is a better option “cmon offroading is what Range’s do” but for on road performance and all around driving; there are very few that can match the Q3 responsiveness, handling and efficiency.

** Wanna get a good deal out of the Audi Q3? Chill till Christmas J.

Used Models.

There are currently no used models as the Q3 just begun selling in Nigeria and is just about two years young worldwide.