WilkerCSBD Posted August 5, 2021 Posted August 5, 2021 Finally, the second generation of the Audi Q3 is in our country, a model of great importance for the firm in our market, since it generates a very interesting volume. If you were wondering the causes of the delay in the recent Audi launches, this is due to the new approval process that came into force, the brand could previously request the manufacturing of the units from the plant and approve the products at the same time, now it is not thus, no car is manufactured if the plant does not have the homologation documents first and this change has greatly impacted the speed with which Audi can bring its new launches. However, the above is only part of the movie, since the fall of the premium segment last year was 11%, going from 67,670 units in 2019 to 60,248 in 2019. That is, the luxury market fell more than the volume, economic uncertainty and insecurity that prevails throughout the country are the main causes. But returning to what concerns us today, the new Audi Q3 2020, arrives with two engines, surprisingly the new 1.5-liter turbo that is already available in the new Audi A1 2020 is not among the options. The reason, again the issue of homologations, waiting for that engine would have delayed even more the launch of a strategic product for Audi in our country, so at the bottom we have the Q3 35 TFSI with the old known four-cylinder 1.4T 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque associated with a six-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission that sends power to the front end. While at the top is the Q3 40 TFSI that uses a 2.0 turbo with 180 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque associated with a transmission also S-Tronic with double clutch but with seven gears that sends the power to all four wheels. By adopting the MQB platform, the new Audi Q3 2020 grows in dimensions, it is 96 mm longer, 77 mm larger in terms of wheelbase. The measurements are as follows: 4,484 mm long, 1,849 mm wide and 1,856 mm high. For its part, the wheelbase is 2,680 mm. The gain does not seem to be very great, but thanks to a better use of the interior space, the rear bench is much wider than before, without considering that it can be traveled up to 150 mm, either to leave more space for the legs of the riders. rear occupants or gain cargo space. Since we are talking about the trunk, the capacity is 525 liters that can grow to 625 when the bench is moved as far forward as possible, while, when folding the backrest of the rear seats, the space increases to 1,525 liters. Inside doors, a very ad hoc cabin welcomes us with what the brand has presented in recent times, straight lines and a marked prominence for the central infotainment screen that for our market is 8.8 inches and has both Android Auto like Apple Carplay, while the standard virtual cockpit is 10.25 ", although optionally you can choose the 12.3". As always, both the quality of the assembly and the finishes have no complaints, and we even found some inserts in alcantara (they can be brown, gray or orange) that both on the board and doors that give it a very pleasant appearance and touch, at the same time. that prevent abuse of piano black surfaces. As for the equipment, obviously there are changes depending on the version, but we find two-zone automatic climate control with air outlets for the rear passengers, induction charger, panoramic roof, as well as access and start by smart key as the most prominent elements. In this first contact in Mexico, only the Q3 35 TFSI was available, that is, with 1.4-liter mechanics, to know how the 2.0-liter variant performs we will have to wait until May, when Audi launches the new Q3 Sportback, and that, for the effects of actions with press, they will be those that are available with the most powerful motor. There are no surprises here, this powertrain is already an old acquaintance and we have tested it in different applications, both Audi, SEAT or Volkswagen. Although it is a somewhat veteran mechanical assembly, the response capacity is good and except for the already known turbolag that the 1.4 turbo has, the operation, especially in the mid-range of revolutions, is excellent. Audi chose the route from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta so that we would have the opportunity to thoroughly test its new Q3 2020, the first section, as you probably know, is of highways, where we were able to verify once again that although the adjustment of the Suspension is more oriented to comfort, it is perfectly capable of controlling the vehicle at very high speeds, the Q3 is very well planted and transmits a lot of confidence. The steering also provides adequate feedback and in general the refinement is very good, particularly the acoustic insulation is outstanding. The steering also provides adequate feedback and in general the refinement is very good, particularly the acoustic insulation is outstanding. Already in the second part of the route, the trucks and traffic lights can make you forget that the road offers some quite complex sections of curves and that in a car with good credentials, they can be quite fun. The Audi Q3 proved that it is capable of entering winding roads with a lot of poise, the natural tendency is to understeer, but the limit is much higher than you would think in the first instance, and when it is presented, it is very easy to correct, it is enough release the accelerator a bit to fix it (within the limits of physics of course). Even when it comes to the front-wheel drive version, the grip is good and makes you forget that the center of gravity is higher. At the moment, the most frontal rival for the Q3 is undoubtedly the BMW X1, which has mechanical options of 1.5 liters or 2.0 liters turbo as well and the price range is similar. The new-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA is not yet available, although knowing the price positioning of the brand's latest launches, it is highly likely that the next GLA will be considerably more expensive than its competitors.
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