On the 22nd June, we got to experience Audi’s quattro systems firsthand at the Audi Experience x quattro drive event. Audi had 5 cars from their Q lineup, the Q3, Q3 Sportback, the Q5, Q7 and the flagship Q8. We had a quick 5 minute briefing where we learnt the signs the marshals use to guide us. After which we headed to drive the cars on the custom built track.
We sat in the current Baby Q in Audi’s lineup, the Q3. The Q3 is powered by the 2.0 litre Turbocharged EA888 petrol engine, producing 187 HP and 320 Nm of torque. Mated to the 7-speed DCT gearbox, it does 0-100 in just 7.5 seconds. The EA888 engine powers many VAG cars and comes with different power outputs. Audi took efforts in making this experience safe and fun for everyone, making sure there were marshals on every turn and a qualified instructor in the front seat. After changing the drive mode to Off-Road and strapping ourselves in, we set off to experience Audi’s quattro system.
The quattro Drive:
The first obstacle were the Rumblers, which demonstrated the prowess of the quattro system. After which there was Articulation, where the cars would be on an angle with their wheels suspended! Our next obstacle was water wading, which the Q3 despite of its size easily steered through. What came next was the most trickiest obstacle so far.
The next obstacle is called “Slide-Slope”, as the name suggests, the car climbs up a side incline. This had me worried, but thanks to some encouragement from the instructor, the SUV nimbly completed the obstacle. With the newfound confidence I gained with the Q3, we moved on to the last and the most fun obstacle. The MudSlush was where we could let go of ourselves and push the throttle to make donuts! And oh what fun it was making donuts in a quattro! While I am a sucker for big engine displacement, the 2.0L performs just as good as the other big boys.
After filling up our tanks, we got a quick drive around the track in the Q3’s powerful elder sibling, the Audi Q5. The Audi Q5 having more power was much quicker and fun around the track. As much as we wanted to experience either the Q7 or the Q8 before leaving, it was evident that luck wasn’t on our side. Nevertheless, we left the event with a new found passion for off-roading and a lot of fun memories.
