While the luxury segment in India is growing, Audi has made a significant jump in its sales as in FY23-24, it grew by 33 percent. It retailed 7,027 units in the period April 2023-March 2024 and one of its most popular SUVs is the Q3. Hence, to spend some time with the Q3 we decided to take it for a road trip along with living with it on a day to day basis.
 
The Q3 is a compact luxury SUV and within the narrow lanes of Film City, Noida, I was glad that the Q3 is not some huge SUV. Its length is perfect in fact and makes sense for our chaotic urban jungle where space is at a premium. That said, it is larger than the previous gen and is also more proportionate with the large typical Audi grille being a highlight. Wish for better alloys though.
Inside, it comes across a familiar design with, thankfully, loads of physical buttons and that is a relief. There are proper knobs for the climate control and that is a plus. The dashboard is angled towards the driver while the layout is typical Audi. Where it also scores is the toughness and its fit/finish which is on par with more expensive Audi's.
 
 
Hence, while not being as flashy as rivals, the Q3 cabin is a solid, well thought out and a no-nonsense luxury car which you appreciate. Another plus is the digital cockpit which is configurable including the full navigation screen- helpful during our road trip. That said, a 360 degree camera is needed along with some more feel good features which are there these days in other  SUVs. 
 
 
Meanwhile, compared to more low slung SUVs, the Q3 is easier to get in and out with a good amount of space. For our trip, the massive 530 litre boot space gobbled up our luggage and again it's more than rivals.
Our trip was a 600km affair and here, the smooth 2.0 TFSI was a handy companion. It develops 190hp and there is also the Quattro system. These bits are important because it easily goes past its rivals in terms of petrol engine size or even having all-wheel drive. The driving experience was smooth, linear and the drive modes helped here.
 
Out on the hill roads, the Quattro grip came in handy and the tough suspension was also a plus point with enough power so as to not feel strained. In a downsizing world, the Q3 with its 2.0l engine is a plus point and one of the big reasons to buy it. Efficiency is decent at around 9-kmpl in the city while highway runs increase it 17 kmpl.
Priced at Rs 53 lakh for the top-end version, the Q3 in petrol remains a solid but due to its engine and Quattro combo which no other suv in its class offer. The added power helps along with the comfortable ride plus the sorted cabin. While not as flashy as rivals, the Q3 makes sense.

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