The smallest Q is here, thanks to Euromobil, the official caretaker of the Audi brand for Malaysia.
The Q3 will have only one engine/transmission option, that is the 2.0 TFSI engine that provides 170hp and 280Nm via a 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox that transfers power to all four wheels via the brand’s quattro system (unlike the Q5′s Torsen system, the Q3 gets the lighter Haldex hydraulic multi-disc clutch system).
As usual, the Q3 features the Drive Select modes (Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Efficiency) and the start-stop system (that can be switched off). We drove the S-Line variant and was very impressed with the Efficiency mode. It allows the gearbox to disengage the gear when it detects that you are coasting. So what you can see is when you lift off your right foot, the gearbox goes to neutral, the RPM needle drops to idling speed and you consume minimum fuel.The moment you step back on the accelerator, the system quickly engages the right gear for a seamless drive.
Audi claimed figures for this Q3 are 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, a top speed of 212 km/h and fuel consumption (combined) is at 7.7L/100km. For safey, the Q3 is loaded with xenon headlights, six airbags, ESP, Isofix anchorage points for front and rear seats and many more. Entertainment wise, you can stick to Audi’s Concert system that gives you 10 speakers and 180-watt of music power (unfortunately, you have only Aux, Bluetooth and SDHC card reader to read you external music storage, no USB port).
If that is not enough, add another RM5,000 and get the 14-speaker 465 watts Bose surround system. Other options include a panoramic roof (RM6,000), comfort key (RM2,500) and pearl effect colour (RM3,500). The price is RM258,000 for the standard spec and RM279,000 for the S-Line variant (three-spoke steering wheels, Alcantara inserts for the seats, different set of 18-inch wheels and other S-Line cosmetic parts). This Spanish made Q3 fights squarely against BMW X1 and to a certain extend, its own sibling, the Volkswagen Tiguan.
