Remember the good days when the Audi Q3 was available with a 2-litre TFSI engine? The facelift never got that, but thankfully Audi has reintroduced a petrol engined version, albeit taking a different approach this time.
Unlike in the past when the Q3 petrol cost as much as the diesel, the new one is a tad less expensive, has enough features to keep you happy, and is quite frugal, too. Gone is the quattro all-wheel drive system and the 2-litre engine. Instead the new Q3 petrol’s 1.4-litre TFSI engine (148 bhp, 25.49 kgm) sends power only to the front wheels with the help of a six-speed S-Tronic gearbox.
Not a bad thing per se, considering the Q3 drives well anyway. With the current power- and drive-train the Q3 is claimed to do 0-100 kph in 8.9 seconds. And when you aren’t in the mood for making quick progress, the Q3’s ARAI-tested fuel economy of 16.9 kpl looks too lucrative to ignore.
Apart from the usual Audi fare, that is a top-quality interior, there are six airbags, ESP, ABS, standard panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps, cruise control, MMI infotainment system, a dual-zone climate control, etc. to justify the Rs 32.20 lakh, ex-showroom, New Delhi, price tag.
The current Audi Q3 range comprises the said petrol model, a front-wheel 2-litre diesel-engined one, and a top-spec quattro-equipped 2-litre diesel. Prices start at Rs 32.2 lakh for the petrol, Rs 34.2 lakh for the base diesel, and Rs 37.2 lakh for the top-of-the-line model. All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi.
“Luxury is about choice, and our discerning Audi customers were the driving force behind offering various configurations from which they can choose the best fit. The Audi Q3 model lineup gets strengthened with the introduction of the new Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI FWD. With this addition, we have three new engine options available for our most successful model. The Audi Q3 has been a segment leader ever since its introduction and our best-selling model is therefore even more appealing and bound to attract customers who believe in the ‘Stay Young, Live Big’ philosophy of the Audi Q3,” said Mr. Rahil Ansari, Head, Audi India.
