The makers of premium cars were fast to catch on to the compact SUV, the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus and it is ten years since Audi entered the arena with their Q3 and later this year the latest generation of this popular vehicle will go on sale.
Audi can claim that their offering SUV and Sportback has remained high in the charts as regards sales. With the arrival of the new vehicle nothing has been lost of the character; you will certainly not fail to recognise the familiar clean lines and not my words, Audi describe the new Q3 range as being your digital companion; yes there is no doubt this is becoming a major element of any new vehicle. There is the promise of an even greater driver experience, added comfort and increased safety for all who travel in the new Audi and with its various safety systems, increased safety for other road users.
On the road, the handling steps up a notch with a well-balanced suspension; mind you I never found earlier models lacking in this respect, always a rewarding drive bordering on sporty. There is no halting technology in the modern set of wheels and the digitalisation of light enhances driver benefits; a high degree of personalisation and many adaptive light functions are possible with new micro LED technology and the Matrix LED headlights.
We all know well the advantages of owning an SUV; ease of entry, good all round vision and a practical interior which I have always admired with Audi products and that follows on with the new Q3 models; the new steering wheel control unit provides more space in the central console and the steering wheel control unit integrates two steering column levers for the first time with the liver on the right acting as an indicator, while the one on the left has a dual role, lights and wipers. A first by Audi in this sector of the market, acoustic glazing for the front side windows, this delivers improved acoustics, especially when the vehicle is being driven at high speeds. To the practical side, the 488 litre boot on the e-hybrid version will be useful and storage space can be further increased up to 1,380 litres and 1,196 in the Sportback version and the towing capacity is up to 2.100kg.
Looking to the all-important power units, the entry level model has a TFSI 150PS four cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid technology, while the 272PS e-hybrid can charge up to 50kW with DC power and is certainly more powerful than before. There is a high voltage battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh and the range on electric power is up to 116km (72 miles). The full range of power units, 150, 204, 265 and 272PS and all are turbo. Finally of special note, part of the optional sound and vision pack, adaptive driving assistant with emergency assist. The adaptive assistant plus supports longitudinal and lateral guidance, supplemented by the lane change assistant function. This supports assisted lance changes at speed up to 100kph (62mph) or even greater on motorways.
The new Q3 range from Audi is an excellent example of technology on the move.
Ian Lynas
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