New 2022 Audi Q3 Gets Bigger And Bolder — Check Review

Audi Q3 is an important car since it brings back a famous name in the compact luxury SUV space.

Audi Q3

Source : Somnath Chatterjee

New Delhi: Audi has been popular for its SUVs in India and the Q3 has been a big part of that. However, the Q3 has been absent from the Indian line-up for a long time but finally, Audi recently launched the new generation Q3 in India. It is an important car since it brings back a famous name in the compact luxury SUV space. However, now the competition has grown significantly with rivals coming in from everywhere hence, the new Q3 has to be good. Let's see.

First of all, baby Q has now grown up a lot since the new Q3 is much bigger than the outgoing one. In fact, I confused it for the Q5 while a closer look did reveal some design details from the earlier Q3 like the sloping roofline and the side profile. From the front, the new Q3 looks more aggressive though with a larger grille which is shinier than ever while trademark LED headlamps have a cool lighting signature. I like the subtle roof spoiler along with the sharply cut lines which are very Audi and it does attract a lot of attention. That said, the 18-inch alloys do look a bit too plain.

Inside, the previous Q3 was getting old and everything has been overhauled with the new one, especially with a technology-filled cockpit. I also like the way the dashboard is angled towards you and the dash of silver along with the high-quality bits. The instrument cluster is typical Audi too with configurable views along with a sizable touchscreen. One good thing is also the physical controls for the air-con and that is a relief in this touchscreen-dominated era. The feature list includes dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, powered seats and more. I liked the aircon and how quickly it cooled down the cabin while even the audio system is nice. However, the rearview camera quality could have been better.

Being larger, the new Q3 is more spacious and comfortable than some of its rivals while legroom/headroom is ample for even tall passengers. But, it is best suited for two passengers only. The 530-litre boot space beats its rivals too.

But where does the Q3 score? In the driving experience, we'd say with the 2.0-litre turbo petrol pumping out 190bhp and 320 Nm while it also has Quattro all-wheel drive. The standard 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is smooth and there is plenty of power on tap here. It feels light, quick and sure-footed with the Quattro making it more stable around corners than some of its rivals. For everyday city use, it is smooth yet when you want, there is the power to be had and it is much more enjoyable to drive when compared to the previous Q3 although still in a sensible manner.

Also, the suspension seems to be suited to our roads and cushions well against potholes or broken roads- something which is an advantage. It feels tough too and more like a bigger luxury SUV.

In terms of pricing, the new Q3 is a bit expensive especially with the top-end model crossing Rs 50 lakh but it does offer Quattro and more space than rivals while also being good to drive plus of course coming with a pliant ride. Hence, as a petrol compact luxury SUV, the Q3 seems to stack up well and we think you should have this on your shopping list.

What we like — Looks, features, quality, performance, ride.

What we do not — Price, rear camera display, no hybrid or diesel.