[Auto] We tested the Audi Q3 2020

[Dr.Drako]

Just launched in Chile, we tested the compact SUV of the German firm, which improves in all aspects.
The designation Q in Audi was born in the first decade of the 21st century with the Q7, and makes reference to us that it is a crossover. Soon Audi realized the SUV market was very large, and concentrated on expanding its range and today we have Q2, Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q8.
We first met the first Q3 (8U) in 2011. It was manufactured using the Golf V platform and was made outside of Germany, in Spain and also in India, China and Brazil, until it was replaced in 2018.

The new generation of Q3 (F3) was presented at the Paris Motor Show in the last third of 2018 and we drive it in Germany. Unlike its predecessor, the new generation is manufactured in Hungary and China, and is developed on the one derivation of the MQB (Modularer Querbaukasten) platform.

The new design
One of the strengths of the new Q3 is that thanks to the aforementioned platform, the overall measurements increased at all levels except for one, the height, since now the Q3 is 5 mm lower than the previous generation (1.5858 mm).

It measures 4,485 mm long (+97 mm) and 1,849 mm wide (+18 mm), and has a wheelbase of 2,681 mm (+78 mm).

The capacity of the boot also grew, ranging from 530 to 1,525 liters, either with the second row of functional seat or completely folded down. And a detail that is not noticeable to the naked eye, but appreciated when it comes to putting heavy objects in the cargo area: the cargo port has the lowest threshold.

At first glance, this second generation looks more aggressive and sporty than its predecessor. The octagonal grille with a fairly thick frame stands out, very much in tune with the style of its older brothers, the Q7 and Q8, and the completely separate front lights, as well as a redesigned bumper.

While there is no radical change in design, the strokes are generally more pronounced, particularly the shoulder line that starts at the headlights, passes through the wheel arches, falls slightly on the doors and rises again towards the back, generating a robust effect.

For its part, the LED daytime running lights have a design that resembles an arrow and that same pattern turns flashing and changes to amber when the turn signals or the hazard is operated.

 

The motorization and other specifications

Our test version is the 35 TFSI S Tronic, which mounts a four-cylinder 1.4-liter TFSI (Stratified injection turbo) that gives us a power of 150 Hp between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm, the torque is 250 Nm in the range comprised between 1,500 to 3,000 "laps".

The transmission is a robotic double clutch called the S Tronic with six gears that sends the pulling force to the front axle only. The brand indicates with this package, the Audi Q3 offers acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 211 km / h.

The suspension scheme is McPherson on the front axle and multi-link on the rear axle, ensuring good poise.

Audi will also offer a sports version 40 TFSI Sport, equipped with a 2.0 turbo engine, with 180 Hp and 320 Nm of torque, associated with a seven-speed gearbox and the quattro all-wheel drive system.

 

Infotainment

Behind the scenes we find the already famous Virtual Cockpit, which is nothing more than a 10-inch screen where the basic instruments of the vehicle are graphed. The projection simulates a pair of analog circular dials for the speedometer and tachometer, as well as other vital information such as fuel level. As it is all a virtual projection, the user has a wide spectrum of options and can configure it to their liking, with displays that highlight, for example, the browser instructions in the center of the instrument panel.

 

At the center of the dashboard we find another 8.8-inch touch screen, called by the brand with the four rings as MMI Plus - Multi Media Interface-, from here you can basically control all the system functions, from the selection musical up to the choice of any of the five driving modes. It has connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

One of the most plausible details of the Q3 are the daring alcantara sconces on the dash and the door panels - in this case in a harmonious tone with the bodywork - and since we are talking about details, we cannot forget that the lighting The interior can vary in a palette of more than 25 shades, ranging from "anthro" purple to virginal white.

 

Driving

As always, the best part. And let's start doing arithmetic: we have a vehicle of a little more than a ton and a half and a small 150-horsepower engine, the result indicates that the power is fair but sufficient, with the exception that said engine is assisted with a turbocharger and with the advantage of having a robotic box that is normally fast in operation.

In city circumstances, it complies favorably. The accelerations between traffic light and traffic light at legal speeds is completely compliant, the work of the box is smooth and practically imperceptible, and something that draws attention is that this version carries 18-inch wheels with a profile of 55 wheels, which makes the handling is much smoother and more comfortable, a fact that is appreciated when driving on uneven surfaces, and since the wheel is much higher than the average for Audi SUVs, the danger of breaking it in a pothole is slightly less, although You must trust yourself

When we tested the vehicle on the road, we were not disappointed either. It can go over 200 km / h if you have patience. The nasty turbolag is only present in specific situations, for example, if you want to do a passing maneuver, but previously you had to brake suddenly and force us to slow down a lot. So, when accelerating to proceed when overtaking, there is no full turbo pressure and that distressing "lag" accompanies us for a couple of seconds.

I really like the tare of the suspension, very Audi. It is relatively firm enough to provide good poise when driving around curves or at a certain speed greater than normal. While the center of gravity is higher than in a car, there's not a lot of body roll, and the Q3 feels poised. But it is also smooth on bad roads, with the ability to cushion quite well. You can tell it's a premium car in this.

The quality of assembly is very good, it feels like a robust and well-made vehicle, with a very well-soundproofing of the cabin, and in general it makes you want to do many kilometers above it. There is no complaint of performance and good poise on the road, but let us clarify that it is not a vehicle of quick reactions. The direction is high slow although it is perfect for use in the city.

 

conclusion

It is a well-made product, with a good design and good behavior. It improved habitability and load capacity, and provided all versions with a wide level of equipment, which you can review in our catalog.

The problem is the price, starting at $ 28,990,000 for the entry-level version, with single-wheel drive and only 150 Hp of power. In favor, there is content, constructive quality and good mechanics.