Audi Q3 2012-2015 2.0 TDI WCI

Q3 2012-2015 2.0 TDI WCI Review

Audi Q3 is one of the most desired SUVs in the Indian automobile market. The company is currently selling this vehicle in several trim levels among which, Audi Q3 2.0 TDI Quattro high grade is the top end diesel variant. This trim is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo charged diesel engine that is capable of producing 174.3bhp of maximum torque and 380Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox that that helps the engine to produce 15.73 Kmpl. This vehicle is a mix of advanced technology and sophisticated comfort features that makes the journey comfortable. The company has incorporated features like a driver information system featuring a color display, a cruise control system and voice dialogue system, which provides a next level of comfort to the occupants. Also, the company is offering several advanced safety aspects like electronic vehicle engine immobilization device, electronic stabilization program and integrated head restraint system. The best part about this vehicle is its attractive exteriors that are equipped with swanky cosmetics like hexagonal radiator grille, bi-xenon headlamps, alloy wheels and so on. Its interiors are quite spacious, which are made with high quality leather upholstery. However, the seating is available for only five passengers, but the luggage space is quite good with 460 litres, which can be extended further.

Exteriors:

The exteriors of this Audi Q3 TDI quattro high grade trim are neatly crafted down to the smallest detail. On its front profile, it has signature hexagonal shaped radiator grille that is affixed with the company's logo. Surrounding this chrome grille is the sleek headlight cluster that comes incorporated with bi-xenon headlamps along with LED daytime running lights and turn indicators as well. The front bumper has a masculine structure that is equipped with a pair of air ducts, which are further fitted with round shaped fog lamps. Furthermore, it comes fitted with a protective claddin g, which gives an aggressive look to the front. On the sides, it has body claddings all over where the wheel arches have been fitted with a set of stylish 16-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels. These alloys have been covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 215/65 R16. Its door handles as well as the external wing mirrors are in body color, window sills have chrome surround and the B pillars comes with black sash tape. Furthermore, it has ski-racks fitted, which further emphasizes its sporty appeal. Coming to the rear, it has futuristic design taillight cluster that comes incorporated with signature LED light pattern. Its tail gate hosts a license plate console along with a chrome plated company's insignia. The rear windscreen is quite large that is accompanied by a rear spoiler with integrated third brake light. The rear bumper is in dual tone scheme that is equipped with a pair of reflectors along with two chrome exhaust pipes.

Interiors:

Coming to the interiors, this SUV has a spacious cabin that is done with high quality scratch resistant materials. It comes with black colored interiors that is accentuated by and chrome inserts. Its cockpit has a neatly crafted dashboard that is beautifully decorated with 3D aluminum mesh inlays featuring a 'quattro' logo. It is further equipped with an advanced AC unit, infotainment system, an instrument panel and several other utility based features . The front seats are electrically adjustable and features a 4-way lumbar support, which enhances the comforts. The rear seats have 60:40 split folding or fully folding function, which helps to improve boot storage space. These wide and well cushioned seats have been covered with good quality leather upholstery. The company has fitted several utility based features inside like cup holders, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirror, storage compartment, cooled glove box and numerous other such aspects.

Engine and Performance:

Powering this variant is the 2.0-litre in-line diesel engine that comes incorporated with exhaust-gas based turbo charging unit. It comes with a DOHC valve configuration featuring 4-cylinders and 16-valves that displaces 1968cc . It has the ability to churn out a peak power of 174.3bhp at 4200rpm that results in a commanding torque output of 380Nm in the range of 1750 to 2500rpm. The company has paired this motor with a 7-speed S Tronic automatic transmission gearbox that transmits the torque output to all four wheels with the help of quattro AWD technology. This variant takes only about 9.9 seconds to reach a 100 Kmph mark from a standstill and it can reach a top speed of 202 Kmph, which is remarkable. On the other hand, it comes with an ability to deliver a mileage in the range of 12 to 15.73 Kmpl depending upon traffic conditions.

Braking and Handling:

All the wheels have been equipped with a set of high performance disc brakes , which are further accompanied by superior brake calipers. This braking mechanism is assisted by the anti lock braking system in combination with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist function. Furthermore, it comes incorporated with an advanced electronic stabilization program that regulates the braking of each wheel and keeps the vehicle stable. Its front axle is fitted with McPherson Strut type of system along with lower wishbone and aluminum sub-frame. The rear axle is fitted with 4-link type of system featuring separate spring/damper arrangement and sub-frame.

Comfort Features:

This Audi Q3 2.0 TDI quattro high grade is the top end variant, which is blessed with sophisticated comfort features. It comes with an advanced deluxe automatic air conditioning system that keeps the cabin cool irrespective of temperature outside. The list of other features include voice dialogue system, hill-start assist, electromechanical parking brake, reversible load floor, 4-way lumbar support for front seats and a radio remote control . It also comes with engine start/stop function, cruise control, driver information system featuring a color display parking aid plus and an auto release function.

Safety Features:

This SUV comes incorporated with sophisticated comfort features, which protects the vehicle and its passengers as well. The list includes space saving spare wheel, first aid kit with warning triangle, car jack, full size airbags, rear side airbags, tyre pressure monitoring display and an electronic vehicle immobilization device. It also comes with integrated head restraints system, ABS, traction control, electronic differential lock, side-on collision protection, seat belts, child proof locks and seat belt reminders.


Pros:
1. Advanced quattro technology is a big plus.
2. Comfort features are at par with other competitors.

Cons:
1. Presence of service network needs to improve.
2. Cost of ownership can be made competitive.