We went to Munich for the presentation of the renewed Audi Q3 and RS Q3. Subtle but added changes make a difference in the smallest SUV of the ring brand. It receives a renewed design, but also improvements in engine power and efficiency. Marketing starts in 2015.
The less attentive – perhaps even the most attentive… – will have difficulties in detecting the differences between the current version and the renewed Audi Q3. Indeed, it was necessary to drive the “new” Audi Q3 to see the improvements made by the brand, both in terms of mechanics and in terms of the chassis.
The 2.0 TDI engine in the 143 and 177hp variants gave way to more powerful versions, with 150 and 184hp respectively. More powerful, more efficient (up to 17%) and above all more pleasant to use. As for consumption I registered in a mixed route with the 150hp version, an average of 5.4 l/100km – to be confirmed in a longer test. Maybe that's why this engine is the brand's big bet on the national market.
SEE ALSO: Audi A7 Sportback h-tron: looking to the future
In the field of gasoline engines, the company's star is the 1.4 TSI with 150hp – a 2.0 TFSI block with 220hp is also available. In the 110km that I had the opportunity to roll with the smallest of gasoline engines, the engine captivated by its availability, smoothness and moderate consumption – in a carefree drive I managed to average 6.6 l/100km. This reduction in consumption and CO2 emissions was made possible, in part, by Audi's cylinder deactivation technology (cylinders on demand) present in this unit.
As for the dynamic aspect, the Audi Q3 now has a redesigned chassis and suspensions with new adjustments. Changes that improved the running comfort of this SUV. Another novelty is the Audi Drive Select technology, which allows the driver to adjust the degree of firmness of the active shock absorbers (optional). The Audi Q3 also gets new wheels with sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches in diameter.
As far as design is concerned, the most notable changes are present at the front. The grille was redesigned and now has a three-dimensional structure, connecting more harmoniously with the headlights, also redesigned, with xenon plus technology and LED daytime running lights. As an option, there is the possibility of equipping the Q3 with 100% LED headlamps, an equipment that until recently was only available in higher-end models.
In addition to three new body colors available, there are new equipment levels. Just two: Design and Sport. The Design level has a more adventurous look, with body protections in black plastic, while the Sport version with larger wheels combines elements in body color, for a more urban and sporty look.
Audi RS Q3: a case apart
The arrival of the Mercedes GLA 45 AMG forced Audi to sharpen the RS Q3's 2.5 TFSI block even further. Audi's SUV saw the power of the five-cylinder engine increase from 30hp to 340hp, while torque increased from 420 to 450Nm. The Q3 RS now complies with the Euro 6 standard.
In terms of performance, the new RS Q3 can now accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed limited to 250 km/h. The engine is combined with a retouched seven-speed S tronic transmission. In terms of design, the new RS Q3 receives distinctive bumpers.
At the wheel, the predominant feeling is power, a lot of power. Power to give, sell and lend if possible. In Munich, the struggle between my right foot and the speed camera was a constant. It's only a few weeks from now that I'll find out who won the contest. It's all the fault of the RS Q3's 2.5 TFSI engine, which rolls at unremarkable speeds with disconcerting ease.
Dynamically, Audi engineers did an excellent job, the RS Q3 behaves as well as possible considering the height of the body. RS Q3 deliveries begin in the first quarter of 2015.
SEE THE IMAGE GALLERY:
