Audi Q3 Premium Plus

About Audi Q3 Premium Plus

Hello car enthusiasts and prospective luxury SUV buyers! Deciding on your next car, especially a premium one, involves juggling many factors. You're thinking about your budget, the safety of your loved ones, the monthly running costs, the latest features that make life easier, and of course, the after-sales service from the company. It's a big decision, and you want to get it right.

Today, we're diving deep into a vehicle that perfectly balances many of these considerations: the new Audi Q3 Premium Plus. This luxury compact SUV from the German automaker has been a favourite in India, and the latest iteration, particularly the Premium Plus trim, brings a lot to the table. Let's explore what makes the Audi Q3 a compelling choice for Indian families looking for that blend of style, performance, and practicality.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Audi Q3 Premium Plus comes with a robust and refined petrol engine that delivers a powerful yet smooth driving experience. It's perfectly tuned for both city commutes and highway cruises.

• Engine Type: 2.0L TFSI (Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection) petrol engine
• Power Output: 190 hp (horsepower)
• Torque: 320 Nm (Newton meters)
• Transmission: 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission
• Drivetrain: quattro all-wheel drive
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): Approximately 7.3 seconds

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The Audi Q3 carries a confident and muscular stance. It inherits design cues from its larger Audi SUV siblings, giving it a strong road presence.

• Front: Features a large singleframe grille with vertical chrome slats, sharp LED headlights with dynamic turn indicators, and sculpted air intakes.
• Side Profile: Characterised by strong shoulder lines, flared wheel arches housing stylish alloy wheels, and a sloping roofline that adds to its sporty appeal.
• Rear: Sleek LED tail lamps connected by a chrome strip (in some variants), a well-integrated bumper, and dual exhaust tips (simulated) complete the premium look.
• Overall: Modern, sophisticated, and unmistakably Audi.

Interior Design

Step inside the Q3 Premium Plus, and you're greeted by a cabin that blends luxury with modern technology.

• Dashboard: Driver-focused layout with a clean, uncluttered design. High-quality materials like soft-touch plastics, aluminium inserts, and leatherette upholstery elevate the premium feel.
• Seating: Comfortable and supportive seats for five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom for front occupants. The rear seats offer good space for two adults and a child.
• Ambiance: Ambient lighting package (multi-colour) creates a welcoming atmosphere, especially at night.
• Technology Integration: The digital screens are seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, giving a futuristic look.

Key Features

The Premium Plus trim is well-equipped with features that enhance convenience, comfort, and entertainment.

• MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch (10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system)
• Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus (10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Audi Sound System
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support
• Leatherette upholstery
• LED headlights with LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
• Ambient lighting package (single colour or multi-colour depending on exact spec)
• Audi Drive Select (allows you to choose different driving modes)
• Wireless phone charging pad
• Park Assist with rear view camera
• Electric tailgate

What is the Ground Clearance of Audi Q3 Premium Plus?

The Audi Q3 offers a decent ground clearance that's suitable for Indian road conditions, allowing it to tackle most speed breakers and minor undulations with ease.

• Ground Clearance: 170 mm

What is the Boot Space of Audi Q3 Premium Plus?

The Q3 provides generous boot space, making it practical for family trips or airport runs.

• Boot Space: 530 litres (expandable to 1525 litres with rear seats folded down)

What are the Dimensions of Audi Q3 Premium Plus?

The compact SUV dimensions make it agile in urban traffic while still offering a spacious cabin.

• Length: 4484 mm
• Width: 1849 mm
• Height: 1607 mm
• Wheelbase: 2680 mm

Powertrain Options

In India, the Audi Q3 is currently offered with a single, highly capable petrol engine option:

• 2.0L TFSI petrol engine paired with a 7-speed S tronic automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. There are no diesel or hybrid options available for the Q3 in India at this moment.

Safety Features

Audi doesn't compromise on safety, and the Q3 Premium Plus comes packed with a comprehensive array of active and passive safety features.

• Six airbags (front, side, and curtain airbags)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Rear view camera with Park Assist
• Electromechanical power steering
• Pre-sense basic (pre-crash safety system)

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are crucial for making an informed decision. The Audi Q3 has been rigorously tested by international bodies.

NCAP Rating Body	Rating	Remarks
Euro NCAP	5 Stars	Tested in 2018 under stringent protocols, scoring exceptionally well in adult and child occupant protection.
Bharat NCAP	Not yet rated	As of now, the Audi Q3 has not been tested by Bharat NCAP. We will update this when a rating becomes available.

Rivals of Audi Q3 Premium Plus

The Audi Q3 competes in a highly contested premium compact SUV segment. Its main rivals include:

• BMW X1
• Mercedes-Benz GLA
• Volvo XC40
• Lexus NX (entry-level variants)

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Here's a balanced look at what works well for the Audi Q3 Premium Plus and where it could improve.

Advantages

• Premium Design: Looks sophisticated and expensive, both inside and out.
• Strong Performance: The 2.0 TFSI engine with quattro AWD offers spirited performance and confident handling.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with modern tech like the Virtual Cockpit, large MMI screen, panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging.
• Comfortable Ride: Audi's suspension setup handles Indian roads well, offering a comfortable ride quality.
• Audi Brand Appeal: The four rings signify luxury, quality, and strong resale value.
• Spacious Boot: 530 litres of boot space is excellent for its segment.

Disadvantages

• Price Point: Being a luxury offering, it comes with a premium price tag, which might be a stretch for some budgets.
• Maintenance Costs: Like all luxury cars, service and spare parts can be expensive compared to mass-market vehicles.
• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, taller passengers might find rear knee room a bit snug on longer journeys.
• No Diesel Option: For those who prefer the torque and fuel efficiency of a diesel engine, its absence might be a drawback.
• No 360-degree Camera in Premium Plus: While a rear camera is present, a 360-degree camera is usually reserved for the top-end Technology trim.

Conclusion

The Audi Q3 Premium Plus is undoubtedly a strong contender in the luxury compact SUV space in India. It offers a compelling mix of elegant design, potent performance, a feature-packed interior, and Audi's renowned build quality and safety. While it does come with a premium price and associated running costs, it justifies its position with a luxurious experience that is hard to beat.

If you're an individual or a small family seeking a premium SUV that effortlessly combines daily usability with the thrill of driving, and if you value a brand that stands for sophistication and advanced engineering, the Audi Q3 Premium Plus should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a car that promises to make every journey a little more special. So, are you ready to experience the world of Audi?