New 2013 Audi Q3 S review, test drive

Entry into the luxury segment is becoming more affordable. But while most are launching premium hatches, Audi answers with a pared down Q3 SUV.

Published on Aug 08, 2013 04:49:00 PM

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This is a compact SUV, so the cabin is a bit cramped, especially at the rear. Legroom and headroom are just about adequate, but not if you’re very tall. The seats are nicely cushioned and have a nice upright stance that’s good for long drives. Compared to the A-class, the Q3 is far more spacious and practical but then again, compared to the stunning looking baby Merc, the Q3 looks boring. If there’s a weakness, we feel it’s with the Q3’s styling – it’s too generic and fails to excite.

Audi plans to price it at Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), a good Rs 2.5 to 3 lakh less than the current Q3’s starting price. At this price, Audi also hopes it will tempt people who are in the market for other soft-roaders like the CR-V and the Captiva.

As is, the new Audi Q3 S is a reasonably spacious, practical and well equipped soft-roader that will appeal to a broader spectrum of people than its intended competition. It comes with a strong, refined diesel engine, an easy-to-use manual gearbox and has most of what owners will expect from an Audi. We think Audi has a winner on its hands.