Audi unveils facelifted Q3 and RS Q3
The Audi Q3 entered production in 2011, and the German manufacturer has decided to give it its mid-life facelift. Audi has taken the wraps off the 2015 Q3 with subtle visual tweaks, and improved fuel efficiency. The luxury compact SUV that competes with the BMW X1 and Mercedes’ GLA, is scheduled to hit showrooms next year, globally.
The new Q3 comes with three TFSI and three TDI diesel four‑cylinder engines, that boast a higher output combined with reduced fuel consumption, complemented by a 17 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions. With outputs ranging between 118bhp and 217bhp, the engines are turbocharged, direct-injection units, and comply with the Euro 6 emission standard. The new Q3 will soon be available with the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine from the A1 and A3 hatchbacks, and comes with cylinder deactivation for higher fuel efficiency. The current 2.0-litre TFSI petrol gets an 8bhp increase to 178bhp, as does the 2.0-litre diesel, which is now available in 148bhp and 181bhp tunes. Transmission options include a six-speed manual, and seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch unit.
Audi claims the chassis has been redesigned for better handling and safety in the 2015 Q3. Audi’s Drive Select adaptive dynamics system is now standard across the range, whilst adaptive dampers are optional. Buyers will have the option to choose from a range of 16-inchers and 20-inch wheels.
Though there are minimal exterior changes, they are quite noticeable. The newly designed single-frame grille is the defining element at the front of the car. Redesigned headlights get xenon lights as standard, and the LED daytime running lights. The tail-lamps are also redesigned concurrently, while the S-Line spec models get full LED headlights.
The 2015 Audi Q3 is also equipped with a host of features such as LED interior lighting package, power-adjustable front seats, driver assistance systems, and the secondary collision brake assist, which are all standard. The customer can choose the Audi Side Assist technology where a yellow LED indicator flashes at the housing of the ORM, if another vehicle is in the blind spot, or is approaching rapidly from the rear. Audi active lane assist works with video cameras that detect the lane markings. The technology intervenes to help the driver return to the lane if the car comes too close to a line without indicating.
The updated Q3 is expected to reach our shores in the second half of the 2015. The new India-spec Q3 will retain the 2.0TDI engine while the petrol motor is not expected here.
Audi RS Q3
Though we in India are yet to get a taste of the RS Q3, Audi has launched the top-of-the-line performance Q3 as well. The high performance Audi RS Q3 retains the 2.5-litre TFSI mill, though a range of tweaks have bumped power by 29bhp, to 335bhp. The engine develops 450Nm of torque channeled to a quattro AWD system, through a seven-speed S tronic transmission. The RS Q3 now needs just 4.8 seconds for the 0–100kmph sprint (a 0.4 second increase), before hitting the top speed of 250kmph. An RS exhaust system with a switchable flap, adds even more volume to the unmistakable sound of the five‑cylinder engine. The powerful Q3 also comes with standard RS sport suspension which is also available with the optional adaptive dampers. The distinctive bumper separates the RS Q3 from the regular one in terms of the exteriors, while the colour black dominates the interiors. The RS Q3 also boasts of sport seats that are optionally available in Nappa leather with diamond quilting.
Though it is early to comment on the arrival of the RS Q3 to India, let’s assume Audi might hurry up the process since Mercedes-Benz has launched the GLA 45 AMG just this month.
