Audi Q3 2015-2017 35 TDI Quattro Premium

Q3 2015-2017 35 TDI Quattro Premium Review

Audi India is one of the reputed luxury car makers, which is famous for their polished vehicles. The company has rolled out the updated version of its highly acclaimed sports utility vehicle model Q3 in the Indian car market. This Audi Q3 35 Quattro TDI Premium is the mid range trim. It is now available with the same technical specifications along with external and interior modifications. In terms of style, the company has given this variant a new front fascia, which includes a single frame radiator grille and revamped headlight cluster. Other changes include a modified rear bumper, a brand new set of alloy wheels, a large panoramic sunroof and a slightly revised tail lamp cluster. Not only this, the car maker has also made some changes in its internal cabin to give it a classy appeal. The list of updated features are new accents for dashboard and door trims, color display for instrument cluster, 3D aluminum inlays and an advanced Audi MMI system with two SD card slots, navigation system and 20GB hard drive storage capacity. It also has a newly designed multifunctional steering wheel. This sports utility vehicle has an advanced braking mechanism, which is further enhanced by anti slip regulation along with electronic differential lock. It also has electronic stabilization control with roof rack and off-road detection, which provides better stability. At the same time, its dynamic suspension mechanism comes with electronically controlled adaptation and damping control, which keeps the vehicle agile on different driving conditions. In terms of safety, the company has given utmost importance by placing airbags along with 3-point inertia seat belts for all the occupants. It has a rigid body construction with crumple zones at front and rear that minimizes the impact of collision.

Exteriors:

This SUV has an attractive external appearance owing to its trademark features all over and slight modifications as well. To start with its front facade, it is designed with a large single frame radiator grille that has vertically positioned stripes. It is embedded with a prominent company's insignia in the center. This grille is flanked by a radiant headlight cluster, which is powered by xenon plus headlamps for better visibility. Just below this, it is designed with a large bumper, which is fitted with a silver finished cladding under it for preventing from minor damages. This bumper houses a pair of air ducts along with round shaped fog lamps as well. The overall look of the front facet is complimented by a pair of expressive lines designed on the bonnet. Its windscreen is made of heat insulating glass and is accompanied by a set of speed variable intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, it is designed with body colored door handles and external rear view mirrors. The B pillars are done up in high gloss black, while window sill's are in a chrome finish. The pronounced wheel arches are fitted with an elegant set of lightweight alloy wheels, which are further covered with tubeless radial tyres that makes it perfect for off-roading. Its rear end has an ultra modern look as it gets the elegant LED lighting pattern on its taillight cluster. Its boot lid has a smiley like shape, which is fitted with a concave windscreen along with a spoiler and a wiper. 

Interiors:

The company has done up a few modifications to its internal cabin, which makes it more classy and modern. Its cockpit is furnished with well designed seats, which have electrical adjustment for height and proper lumbar support. The rear seat can be folded that helps in increasing the boot volume. Its smooth dashboard is made with high quality scratch resistant plastic and equipped with quite a few features. The list includes a driver information system, climate control unit, an infotainment system and several other storage spaces. The leather wrapped 4-spoke steering wheel is mounted with control switches for audio, Bluetooth and cruise control function for easy access. Its advanced instrument cluster has an integrated color screen along with two round shaped meters, which displays informatics like speedometer, fuel consumption, tachometer, external temperature, tripmeter and several other notification lamps for keeping the driver up to date. The cabin is incorporated with a number of utility based aspects, which are a large glove box with cooling effect, front seat back pockets, front and rear center armrest with stowage compartment, storage box under driver's seat and a sun glass holder, cup and bottle holders, a rear parcel shelf, door map pockets, remote fuel lid opener and so on.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this sports utility vehicle is fitted with a 2.0-litre in-line diesel engine that comes incorporated with exhaust-gas based turbo charging unit and displaces 1968cc. it is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using a DOHC based valve configuration. This diesel motor has the ability of churning 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. It is paired with a 7-speed S Tronic automatic transmission gear box, which transmits the torque output to all its four wheels via a quattro permanent all wheel drive technology. It enables the vehicle to cross the speed mark of 100 Kmph in close to 8.2 seconds from a standstill, while it can achieve a top speed of around 212 Kmph.  

Braking and Handling:

This variant comes with a dual-circuit diagonal-split braking system and all its wheels are fitted with ventilated discs brakes. It is incorporated with an advanced anti lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and electronic stabilization control. Its front axle is assembled with a McPherson Strut type of system along with lower wishbone and aluminum sub-frame. While its rear axle is assembled with 4-link type of mechanism featuring separate spring/damper arrangement and sub-frame. Its cabin is incorporated with a speed sensitive power steering system, which offers excellent response and makes handling simpler.

Comfort Features:

The car maker is offering this model series with a lot of innovative comfort features, which eventually provides a fatigue free traveling experience to the occupants. It is integrated with an efficient automatic AC unit with rear vents. It also has an advanced cruise control with brake intervention system  along with other aspects like auto release function, front center armrest, electromechanical power steering with tilt and telescopic adjustment, electrical sun blind for rear windscreen and storage package. The company has given it an advanced music system with speakers and sub-woofer in rear parcel shelf. There are several other advanced features incorporated inside like a driver information system with color display, front center armrest with storage box and roller shutter, power windows with one-touch up/close function, grab handles, velour floor mats, comfort rear headrest and electrically adjustable front seats. 

Safety and Security:

The car maker is offering this mid range variant with lots of sophisticated protective features, which provides good protection to the vehicle and its occupants as well. It has a list including a central locking system, heat insulating glass, movable sun visors, roof-edge spoiler and anti-theft alarm. In addition to these, it has an advanced engine immobilizer system, first aid kit with warning triangle, tyre pressure monitoring system, a collapsible spare wheel and ISOFIX child seat mounting. 

Pros:

1. Presence of quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is an advantage.
2. Spacious interior design with lavish seating arrangement.

Cons:

1. Ground clearance can still be made better.
2. Initial cost of ownership and spares are quite expensive.