Monday 28 March 2016

The facelifted luxurious compact SUV, the Audi Q3


Those seeking for a luxury VW Tiguan, here is the facelifted Audi Q3.  Not too sure on whether the luxury brand of VW will actually be more reliable or not, and when the dealership is under DRB Hicom, it could add more doubts.  Too many people out there keep complaining the frequency of repairs with the brand, but it still sell well in our market.  Indeed, putting the boring Mercedes and the mass BMW aside, Audi is another German's brand that bring recognition and envy to others.  


Available in 1.4-litre 150hp/250Nm (RM219k) and 2.0-litre 180hp/320Nm (RM255k) engines, the Q3 could be disappointing when the variant available in Malaysia is not the highest range version.  One can see that the headlight is still of Xenon type instead of full LED version.  Both variants now have no front fog lights, which is not much of an issue here in our hot country, and without that, the Q3 looks better, especially with the new front horizontal slats grille.  The previous Q3 grille was plain ugly and uncle-ish.  The lower end 1.4-litre Q3 comes with 17" tires and a 6-speed gearbox, while the 2.0-litre Q3 comes with 18" tires and a 7-speed gearbox.  Other than these two features, both Q3 are very similar in other specifications.


Interior stays pretty much the same as the pre-facelifted car and as an Audi, the luxurious feel is always there.  That's what you get when you are willing to pay RM40k from its sibling VW Tiguan.  For those who are down to earth, and love a compact SUV driving, perhaps the RM179k Tiguan shall suffice.