By Kap Maceda Aguila

AUDI PHILIPPINES last week locally debuted the all-new iteration of the Q3, the Ingolstadt, Germany-based automaker’s compact luxury crossover. First released in 2011, the Q3 is considered an “all-around SUV that (now) marks a step forward with its spaciousness, versatility, and technology.”

Unveiled at the Power Plant Mall in Makati City, the all-new Q3 “appears not only visually more confident, but is also roomier and more versatile. It has great all-around talents,” said Audi Philippines Head Benedicto Coyiuto in a release. “The all-new Q3’s introduction definitely strengthens our position in the country’s luxury SUV segment. We are quite excited to have this model in our lineup.”

Meanwhile, Audi Philippines Sales Manager and Product Specialist Paolo Brambilla said in an exclusive interview with Velocity that the Q3 has “a lot of current features coming from the Audi Q8 and A8. The full digital cluster is also incorporated in these units. This car is much bigger all over.”

Stretching 4,484 millimeters long, the SUV is 96mm longer than its predecessor. It is also 18mm wider (at 1,849mm, the widest in its segment), and stands shorter by five millimeters (at 1,585mm). Owing to an extended wheelbase (by 77mm to 2,680mm), the Q3 also offers more generous interior space.

Under the hood is a 1.4-liter, inline-four, turbocharged gasoline engine good for 150hp and 250Nm. Drivers can access the performance through a seven-speed, S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. Audi says the Q3 can reach 100kph from standstill in 8.7 seconds — all the way to a top rate of 220kph.

“The all-new Q3’s array of safety features and driver assistance systems include Electronic Stability Control, Electromechanical Power Steering, Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control, Park Assist with Parking Aid Plus, and a rearview camera,” reported Audi Philippines, and makes mention of a “five-star rating in the Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), one of the most important automobile safety tests in Europe. The model has succeeded in the following categories: adult occupant protection, child safety, passenger protection, and vulnerable road user protection.”

The new iteration of the Q3 has also scored a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a Top Safety Pick Plus in crashworthiness. This is the highest rating a vehicle can achieve in the testing.

In its cabin, the Q3 now reflects the feel of “Audi’s parent-class models as it also harmonizes with the digital operating concept.” Of particular interest is the Audi Virtual Cockpit and a 10.1-inch MMI touch display that is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The MMI touch display “is almost imperceptible against the high-gloss black glass-look surround when it is in a deactivated state.” Its octagonal shape, meanwhile, reflects the motif of the Singleframe grille, and is bordered by a wide chrome strip. Audi says the driver “can call up to two different views on the screen, including a ‘dynamic’ screen where the engine and road speed can be seen in square instruments which have red graphical elements.”

Even the luggage compartment grows to a larger total capacity of 1,525 liters with the backrests folded. With these up, capacity is at 675 liters. The Q3’s electric tailgate can open and close with a kicking motion underneath the rear bumper, as long as the key fob is with the user.

“For now, we’re featuring the 1.4 TFSI variant, but next year we plan to bring in the S lines and the RSQ3 variant,” revealed Mr. Brambilla, who added that Q3 units are directly imported from Germany where they are made.

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