AUDI Q3 - Luxury , ride and review

Having driven my Audi Q3 35 TFSI for almost 5000+ kms I think I am in a position to share with you my first insights into how this luxury car-ish SUV feels to drive. 

Bought in July 2022 

Price: 64500 AUD 

Accessories: None except Window tinting - had no money left :(

Positives:

 - Quite cabin - very low road and wind noise

 - Stable ride at high speed like 120 Kmph

 - Spacious (550 ltrs) and usable boot

 - have done Airport runs with 3 max size suitcases

 - Powerful AC - Good Projector Lights and a cool Cockpit

 - Comfortable seats - Amazing built - feels like a tank! 

Some of the positives above were some key negatives in my erstwhile car that I owned - a Honda Civic. 

 

Negatives:

- 35TFSI seems to have a less power to weight ratio as a result you feel the car not pulling up through low gears (Recommend upgrade to 40TFSI)

- In harsh road conditions you feel the ride quality is on a tougher side i.e. not as plush as a Lexus 

- Missing ADAS , only available at higher grades - how could you AUDI! 

Questions:

What's the mileage like?

With 58 Litres full tank I have been able to drive around 760 -780 so approximately around 13 Kmpl.

Note: It drinks premium Unleaded fuel in Australia but things are different in Canada & US where sulphur content in the fuel is lower.

I have often been asked that whether I regret buying an Audi Q3 when the same money would have bought me a Mazda CX9 or Toyota Kluger? - Yes I Do - when I go for camping or I have more than 5 people to accommodate. But again you don't go to camping every weekend and you can hire a car if you have 9 people!

Stylishly Civic...

Honda with its world wide launch of Civic 2017 has re-defined its design language.....and there is no second doubt that Honda has created a beauty yet again..after City!

I have now driven more than 2000 Kms, with a major chunk of it on highway... with 1.8 ltrs - iVTEC  (104 kW@6500 rpm) engine it gives you the right balance of power and elegance...to help you take it confidently over the highways as well as city driving. In mixed driving conditions I have been getting an average fuel efficiency of 11 Kmpl, which I hope should stabilise somewhere around 13-14 Kmpl as I clock more kms.

The suspension is well tuned to absorb mild bumps / pot holes and the ride quality remains stable up to speeds of 100 -105 kmph, beyond which it feels less planted. The speedometer looks a bit sci-fi (I will say a bit overdone to my taste). The sleek center console adds to the overall clean design of the dashboard. You must be wondering where is the power brake; well its replaced by a small push button (marked in pic below)!

Most of the controls like audio & cruise control are conveniently provided on the steering.  Basic version i.e. VTi (in Australia) comes with good amount of gadgets and features.

The seating comfort is good for both the front and rear passengers; though a lot could have been done for lowering the NVH levels which becomes a bit loud over speeds of 80-85 Kmph.
Boot space is decent - but surprisingly less than a Honda City!

Coming to the Pricing bit - In Australia the price range starts from AUD 25 K and goes up to AUD 37K (5 different variances). I am hoping that when they launch it in India later this year - they might do it in three variances - starting from 13 lacs to 18 lacs and hope they do not give a less powerful engine.

Over all a good package  and definitely a value for  money buy....
Parting shot..

Suzuki ertiga : First hand experience

It has been 36000 Kms now....I have done now almost 3 long 700kms+ trips and have one through one major accident...now its a good time to call for revisit of my Cars's review ..the Ertiga ZXI which is now almost 4 years old now...

Few things that I loved till now:

• Reliability of the engine
• Space it gives me at that price point ( 9-10 lakhs)
• Maruti service ( specially after the accident)
• Mileage has been amazing - a whooping 15.9 kmph ( this is with 80% AC and 30% highway) driving

Things that I still don't like or have found it now:

• Stock tyres run out after 20K....I am planning to change them soon. I had at-least 10-12 punctures in last 5000 Kms....planning to change all of them
• the NVH levels are really bad at high speeds...(beyond 80-90 kmph...it becomes really bad)
• The lack of power on hill ascents - had to switch off teh ACs in certain instance and could feel the engine going off-breath...
• The beige interiors are killer dust catcher....a major design flaw

Any other car which I would have loved to exchange thsi with?

When i bought this car, I did not have much options. but in last 2 years there are huge options in thsi range....I would have loved to test out the TUV300, Vitara Brezza, Honda BRV...

I hope that helps, in your decision....

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It has been now 3500 kms with my new car and I believe that it is  time that it deserves a review. I will try to remain to the point and unbiased and paint the right picture,

Model: Ertiga (ZXI)

Few Postives & things which I found worth mentioning:
- Spacious (For passengers)
- Good driveability (feels like a car)
- Powerful 1.4 ltr petrol engine, never found any issues pulling through high gradients
- Good road presence
- Good breaking (ABS)
- Good ground clearance

Few Negatives or areas where things can be better:
- Not so spacious for luggage (If you have 7 people then you need to have a carrier)
- Too much body roll (Even though it has a monocoque design)
- NVH levels could have been better
- Though AC is powerful but No ACC
- The gear shifting is improved with Suzuki standards but still could have been better
- Too much biege-acts like dirt magnet

Few things that could have added more value:
- Split last row sits
- Dark coloured floor carpet
- Automatic Climate control

Essential Fuel Efficiency stats:
- 11.6 Kmpl-11.8 Kmpl City driving (90% AC)
- 12.5 Kmpl - 13.5 Kmpl for long distance driving (70-80% AC)

Do I ever think that I should have gone for another smaller car or Sedan?
- Yes, I do only when I drive through the Mumbai traffic!

To know which other cars where on my list while I was making this purchase decision, please refer to my earlier blog:http://aapkareview.blogspot.in/2013/04/with-options-things-do-not-get-easy.html