Feb 21 2015
Audi Q3 UK Car Review
Audi’s compact SUV has been well received by the audience, selling in fairly large numbers, which lead the manufacturer to provide it with a well deserved refresh for 2015.
Sharing the same design language with the rest of the Ingolstadt range, the new Audi Q3 is more refined than before, both in exterior appearance and cabin space and is fitted with more efficient engines.
In terms of looks, the fascia is immediately noticeable, as the large grille, spanning more than it has before, sports a more angular contour. Going back to the new TT, this feature has been transplanted to the entire range of vehicles belonging to Audi, in order to consolidate its image in the eyes of the consumer. Framed by a chrome margin, it will undoubtedly stand out.
Flanking it, two horizontally positioned headlamps also incorporate the already traditional LED day running light arranged in a characteristic pattern, specific to each model. In our case, they are laid out in an angular manner, mirroring other elements, such as the prominent central lip of the front bumper. Since we’re in this area, the bumper is characterized by large air intakes, but, to our dismay, they are covered by black plastic covers and aren’t functional.
Unlike the larger Audi Q7 which now looks like a wagon on stilts, the Q3 has retained its mini-SUV identity. Its sides are very athletic, as the roofline falls towards the rear, the effect reinforced by the progressively thinning window line. Aluminum elements, such as the roof rails and the contour of the glass surface give it a livelier image, also aiding the visual impact. Coming standard with 17 inch Y spoke alloy wheels, the Audi Q3 has a muscular appearance, subtly suggested by the flared wheel arches. As a pleasant addition, the vehicle also comes with plastic body protection but unlike some other rivals, it matches the paint of the vehicle.
Moving on to the rear, a roof spoiler adorns its upper side. The headlamps are somewhat similar to those of the last generation and to the ones fitted on the Audi Q5. Lower still, the exhaust tips are now integrated in the rear spoiler instead of being hidden.
Should you want more, there’s always the RS Q3 version, a more potent variation of the compact SUV. With a tweaked suspension system, more nimble acceleration figures (4.8seconds to 62 from a standstill) and a top speed limited to 155 miles per hours, the RS is nothing to sneer at. Add to that the improved looks and select a more eye-popping paintjob and you’ll be bound to be noticed on the road. However, prepare to pay as much as £45,495 as a starting price.
Audi Q3 – 5 Point Car Review
Design
Inside, the Audi Q3 looks a lot like the old one, mostly because the 2015 version is a facelift and not an entirely new generation, as was with the TT. Soft touch materials cover the dashboard, centre console and door faces. A nifty multimedia screen pops up from the dash to display critical info and it can be accessed via steering wheel controls, but it’s still powered by MMI, lagging behind competitors.
The trim choice has improved and you can have various inlays, ranging from aluminum and piano black up to walnut brown veneer. If you still want more, you can always rely on Audi Exclusive, the Ingolstadt manufacturer’s bespoke service, to select a wide range of exterior and interior colours, personalized upholstery, custom inlays and so on. Just make sure your wallet is thick enough!
Driving
Although marketed as an SUV, we highly doubt that the Audi Q3 will see more than a few muddy country roads. After all, the low ground clearance and its other limited off-road capabilities restrict it to (mainly) tarmac.
Inside, the driving position is quite elevated, evading the small SUV image and the lumbar support offered by the seats is top notch. Insofar as the driving experience goes, the compact Audi isn’t the most involving of the vehicles we’ve driven. Put it alongside an Range Rover Evoque and it will hide in shame. However, its best point remains comfort, as the suspension does a splendid job of filtering road imperfections and courtesy of Audi, you have the option of selecting driving modes: comfort, auto, dynamic and efficiency, which, as you might have guessed refer to the prior mentioned categories. The “cushiony” feel of the drivetrain affects in-corner behavior, as the little Audi Q3 does exhibit some symptoms of body roll, but as long as you don’t push it to the max in hairpins, it will do its job quite well.
Reliability
The Audi Q3’s popularity has stemmed from its unique range of offering and one of them is its known reliability. With the new model, Audi has improved both the electrical side and the mechanical part of the car, so issues will most likely be sporadic. In addition, you’ll be happy to hear that each new Audi will receive a 3 year Audi warranty, with unlimited mileage for the first 2 years of ownership and full mechanical and electrical warranty bound to cover you for up to 60,000 miles in the 3rd year. Paint also receives a 3 year warranty, as well as 12 years protection against corrosion and UK roadside assistance for 3 years.
Running Costs
The base SE comes with a price tag of £25,340. For the money, you’ll get a 150bhp, 1.4 litre TFSI engine, coupled to a 6 speed manual gearbox, which has on-demand cylinder deactivation technology, helping you save a bit of fuel when you’re not driving it actively. Fuel economy figures revolve around the figure of 51.4 mpg mixed cycle. The best mileage comes from the 2.0 litre TDI, 150bhp powerplant, which is able to return 61.4mpg.
The top of the line Audi Q3 is represented by the S Line Plus trim; engine choices come in petrol (2.0 TFSI, 180bhp) form and diesel (2.0 TDI 150bhp/2.0 TDI 184bhp). Prices for the respective categories range from £33,675 for the petrol and £34,150/£34,945.
Practicality
On par with the BMW X1, the Audi Q3 has precisely 420 litres allocated to the boot, with seats up. Folding them clears up to 1,325 litres, which should be sufficient for carrying bags and the like, but it won’t be a champion hauler; for something bigger, just look at the Q5 of Q7, if you fancy Audi.
Interior space is plentiful for adults. In the front, the passenger and driver have an excellent position, and the seats allow for an elevated driving position. In the back seat, you won’t feel cramped in the least, as the front seats have recessed backs and there is plenty of head and legroom. However, we wouldn’t advise fitting adults there for a long time, as the transmission tunnel is elevated and the middle seat is a bit narrow, but it should suffice for occasional use.
If you want to know more about the Audi Q3, click here.
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Feb 28 2015
Audi Q7
The massive Audi Q7 was among the last of the German maker’s models to receive its well deserved refresh, as the old generation wasn’t up to date with the latest design elements implemented to the rest of the range.
For starters, its classical, massive SUV footprint has transformed in to a massive wagon footprint, as the car underwent a redesign that makes it look like an A4 wagon with raised suspension kit. This element has brought it massive criticism from the fans, which were bewildered as to why the automaker has resorted to this decision, since the rest of the four by fours in the range have kept their overall proportions.
While we might never get a clear answer from Audi, the big change that occurred was that more than 41% of the car’s chassis and body feature aluminium instead of steel, resulting in a reduction in weight of no less than 325 kilograms.
The front of the vehicle stands out through its huge silver grille. Essentially the same as the one present on the Q3 or Q5 – but bigger, the angular “3D” grille is not there just for show, as behind it, active aerodynamic elements shut the pathway to the radiator when engine cooling is not required, thus resulting in lower drag. However, we’re told that this feature will be present on only some of the examples, presumably the top of the line ones – as implementing them on all levels would be too costly.
The headlamps have a double arrow LED pattern, which serves as day running lights and it offers the car an individualistic appearance once nightfall sets in. Lower still, a subtle a-la-TT slit connects the two massive air intakes from the front bumper. Underneath the body, air channels and plastic cladding make sure that the drivetrain components do not oppose as much wind resistance as the previous version did.
The rear has a pair of taillights that mirror the design of the lamps in the front, as the same double arrow design is employed here. A large roof spoiler, together with a sleek air diffuser which now incorporates a pair of flat exhaust tips rounds off the image of Audi’s new big toy.
Audi Q7 – 5 Point Car Review
Design
A second, standalone screen is embedded in the dashboard, which may also be used for navigation or entertainment purposes. The multifunctional steering wheel mirrors in its centre, the design of the front grille, with the Audi logo embedded in the leather. As part of the new interior arrangement, the dashboard, as well as the central console feature only essential dials and knobs, the rest of the functions becoming controllable via the intelligent software.
Driving
In addition to the seven selectable driving modes (dynamic, allroad, individual, efficiency, comfort, auto and lift/offroad), the new model will also benefit from a technology that permits the rear wheels to steer to as much as five degrees in unison with the ones in the front, in order to improve overall handling. To top it off, the new Audi Q7 uses the MLB platform, which will be used by the upcoming Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne.
Reliability
Running costs
Presumably towards the end of the second quarter of 2015, a second engine will be made available, albeit a less powerful one – the 215 horsepower V6. All power plants will be Euro6 compliant, as the auto giant seeks to reduce its footprint on the environment. In late 2015, a plug-in hybrid, dubbed the Audi Q7 e-tron, will arrive in the UK. Featuring a combination of a 3.0 litre V6 (256bhp) and an electric motor, the end result will be an output of 370 horsepower and 516 lb ft of torque.
Additional info reveals that the expected fuel economy for the model will be 166 mpg, and final emissions will top off at 50g/km, while the 0 to 62 sprint will take only 6.1 seconds. Top speed will be 139 miles per hour but don’t expect to get that fuel economy figure if you’re keen on testing the limits of the car.
No prices have been revealed, but we can expect the new model to have roughly the same price tag as the former generation, perhaps a smidge extra. As a reminder, the former Q7’s cost started from £43,895 up to £65,220.
Practicality
There are three rows of seats in the car, but we would only recommend using the third only for children of in extreme cases for adults, but not for extended periods of time, as things will get uncomfortable. Boot space is impressive, starting with 290 litres with all seats in place, to 890 litres with the third row folded. A maximum of 2,075 litres sit at your disposal if you fold the middle row as well, enabling you to transport small boats with ease.
By Lee Porter • Car Reviews • 0 • Tags: audi, audi q7 2016, audi uk car review, SUV, wagon