Audi Q3

The new Audi Q3 swaps the previous model’s crisp, edgy styling for a more fluid and flamboyant design, while retaining its compact footprint with an unchanged 2,681mm wheelbase. The front gets split headlamps, a wide honeycomb grille and a flat Audi logo that conceals the ADAS radar. The highlight is the Digital Matrix LED lighting, which uses 25,600 individually controlled pixels per headlamp to project light onto the road and illuminate the lane into which the car is turning. Selectable DRL signatures, striking alloy wheels, a floating-roof effect and connected LED tail-lamps with an illuminated Audi logo complete the updates, although the grille’s finish feels a little plasticky up close.

The cabin is a significant step forward, with a curved dashboard panel housing an 11.9-inch digital instrument display and a 12.8-inch touchscreen. Fabric upholstery and hard lower plastics take away some of the premium feel, but the cabin feels robustly assembled. The touchscreen is responsive, and permanently accessible climate controls make everyday operation easier, although the control stalk takes some getting used to and the instrument cluster offers limited customisation. The front seats are generous and comfortable, while the rear is best suited to two adults, with limited room for a third. A third climate zone, USB-C ports, a spacious boot and a space-saver spare wheel add to its practicality.

The Q3 gets a 12-speaker Sonos sound system, a panoramic sunroof, powered and heated front seats with driver memory, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control and nine airbags. However, the equipment list has some notable omissions for a luxury SUV in this price bracket. There is no lane-keep assist, ventilated seats or 360-degree camera, while the reversing camera’s resolution is disappointing. An auto-park function is available, but the overall ADAS package feels limited compared with what some more affordable cars offer. Wireless phone mirroring also suffered from connectivity issues during the test, although this could potentially be addressed through a software update.

The 2.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine is one of the Q3’s biggest strengths, producing 204hp and 320Nm. It delivers smooth, strong performance and pulls eagerly once past a slight hesitation at low revs. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is a good match, responding quickly to throttle inputs and dropping gears readily when more performance is needed. Audi claims a 0–100kph time of 7.1 seconds, while standard Quattro all-wheel drive provides additional traction on slippery surfaces. Multiple drive modes, including an off-road setting, add versatility, although the low-speed hesitation takes away slightly from an otherwise impressive powertrain.

The Q3 impresses with a balance of agile handling and everyday comfort. Its variable-ratio steering is light at parking speeds and becomes quicker and more direct as the steering lock increases, offering reassuring precision on winding roads. Despite the relatively quick steering, the SUV remains stable at higher speeds and changes direction with surprising agility. The suspension is firm but well judged, absorbing potholes and broken road surfaces without making the ride uncomfortable. The high-profile tyres also help cushion impacts before they reach the suspension, contributing to the Q3’s composed ride.

The new Q3 makes a strong impression with its excellent engine, standard Quattro all-wheel drive, polished driving dynamics and a cabin that feels more substantial than before. However, its feature list falls short in areas such as seat ventilation, a 360-degree camera and a more comprehensive ADAS package. At an estimated on-road price of around Rs 65 lakh, it also faces a challenge in convincing buyers to pay significantly more than the outgoing model, whose transaction prices had fallen to around Rs 40 lakh. Nevertheless, for buyers who value driving enjoyment, refinement and a well-engineered mechanical package over an exhaustive list of features, the new Q3 remains a compelling enthusiast-focused choice in the entry-level luxury SUV segment.