The 2015 Audi Q3 looks sharper and gets a much need update to the features list, making it a compelling buy against its rivals once again.
The Audi Q3 was the second of the premium compact SUVs to hit the market and the Ingolstadt manufacturer made sure to get it right from day one. Having completed three years in the Indian market now, Audi India is making sure to keep its entry-level SUV relevant amidst new competition and has launched the 2015 Q3 facelift in the country with prices starting from Rs. 28.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The base trim is now more expensive by Rs. 1.16 lakhs while the mid-level trim is dearer by Rs. 1.46 lakhs, the top-end variant sees a price drop of Rs. 1.09 lakhs. With three new colours on offer, the SUV gets exterior upgrades and a host of equipment inside the cabin. Here is everything that’s new on the Q3 facelift.
Styling – While the overall silhouette remains the same, the front fascia gets a major revision on the Audi Q3 facelift with a new hexagonal shaped single frame grille that extends to the headlights and a revised bumper, which gets larger air intakes. The headlights are sharper and get new pattern LED DRLs while the top-end trims get full LEDs. The side profile is largely the same save for the new alloy wheels and the rear sports a revised bumper, while the tail lights have been updated with dynamic turn signals.
Interior – Inside the cabin, the Q3 facelift retains the same layout for the dashboard but with subtle changes like the new 3D aluminium inlays, which replaces the wood finish and is extended to the door and centre console as well. The black and beige interior colour scheme offers a rich and sporty look. The interior space remains the same as its predecessor since there are no changes to the dimensions of the vehicle.
In terms of equipment, the 2015 Audi Q3 facelift gets a revised multi-function steering wheel, an updated instrument cluster with a colour screen in the centre, an updated MMI system with navigation, Audi sound system with 20 GB hard drive storage, two SD card slots and a mobile phone holder with a charger in the front arm-rest. In addition, the Q3 facelift gets a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines on all trims and a panoramic sunroof.
Engine – Things stay as they are under the hood and power on the Audi Q3 facelift comes from the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TDI diesel engine that is tuned to produce 177 HP at 4200 RPM and 380 Nm of peak torque between 1750-2500 RPM. Power is sent to all four wheels using the Quattro All Wheel Drive system via the 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the Q3 S is powered by the same diesel engine that produces 140 BHP of power, channelling power to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Performance Figures – Coming to the performance, the Audi Q3 facelift is capable of doing the 0-100 km/hr run in 8.2 seconds while the top speed achievable is 212 km/hr.
Fuel Efficiency – The premium compact SUV comes with an ARAI certified fuel efficiency figure of 15.73 km/l.
Rivalling the new Q3 facelift is the Mercedes-Benz GLA that recently commenced local assembly in India and also saw a price drop, while the BMW X1 continues to be assembled at the automaker’s Chennai based facility and the second generation model will be launched in India early next year. The Q3 was dominating the segment until the Mercedes GLA arrived last year, but Audi’s latest update makes sure to keep the model fresh in the market. The automaker will also launch the petrol variant of the Q3 later in the year. With the extensive amount of changes and a strong road presence, Audi surely has a winner up its sleeve once again.
2015 Audi Q3 Facelift Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* Q3 S – Rs. 28.99 lakhs
* Q3 Premium – Rs. 33.99 lakhs
* Q3 Premium Plus – Rs. 37.50 lakhs
Make sure to read our review of the 2015 Audi Q3 Facelift HERE.
