Introduction

Even before its launch, the Mercedes-Benz GLA had a new competitor in the Audi Q3 Dynamic. The new variant from the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer is on sale with the aim of maintaining the top spot in the premium compact SUV segment.

A day at the Kari Motor Speedway was well spent trying to find out if the new Q3 ‘Dynamic’ lives up to its name with the Drive Select and off-road package.

Exterior & Interior

The Q3 Dynamic has some subtle changes that set it apart from rest of the variants. It is the new top-end version and gets additional chrome and off-road package. The front has extra chrome in the form of inner vertical stats for the grille and fog lamp surrounds. It is complimented by the off-road package that has brushed aluminium for the roof rails and the front and rear bumper.

The only change to the side is the new superb looking 17-inch alloy wheels. The back looks almost the same, but for the extremely flashy clear lens tail lamps. Although they will get a big thumbs up from the bling-loving Indian buyers, I am personally not a big fan of this specific addition.

The biggest advantage that the Q3 has over its competitors is that it has the looks of an SUV. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the prettiest of the premium compact UVs, but the body styling isn’t exactly of a compact SUV. The BMW X1 certainly doesn’t rank very highly on aesthetics, also with lower height and extended boot it looks almost like an estate car. The Q3 then is the only car that actually ticks the right boxes as a utility vehicle – it may not be beautiful, but certainly feels premium.

There are absolutely no changes to the interior – the beige with faux wood layout is premium enough to do a decent job. I only hope that Audi changes the switches that control the AC temperature; the ones used are not exactly user friendly and should be replaced by conventional dials. There is one additional button on the dash now for the Audi Drive Select that can also be accessed through the central dial of the MMI.

In terms of space as well, the Q3 has an advantage over its rivals – the X1 is extremely cramped both for legroom and headroom, Mercedes has managed to liberate decent headroom, but the leg space in the MFA-based UV is still at a premium. The Q3 can seat four people with their luggage in comfort and at times when there are five in the cabin – the extra person will be more comfortable here when compared to the other two cars.

Performance

The Q3 Dynamic trim is available only with the 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to the Quattro AWD system via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The power output of 174bhp and 380Nm is more than sufficient for every situation be it on city roads, highways or even during little bit of off-roading.

The main addition to this top-end variant is the Audi Drive Select that alters the engine performance, throttle response and steering feel of the vehicle. Set it on the ‘Comfort’ mode and the steering becomes light, throttle response becomes dull and the car is apt for the stress free city driving. This mode with quick upshifts is also beneficial for efficiency as well and is rated at 15.77kpl. The ‘Dynamic’ mode on the other hand is biased towards performance – the steering weighs up, throttle response becomes sharp and add to this Sport Mode on the gearbox and the car becomes absolutely fun to drive. Unlike the more premium Audis, this car does not get dynamic damping – so the suspension does not stiffen up with the Drive Select modes. Nevertheless, the Q3 Dynamic feels good on the race track and the only drawback is that the steering feels artificial and gives limited feedback. It may not be as sharp in handling as the BMW X1, but that also means the ride quality is a lot better.

The ride quality of the Q3 is pretty decent, it is firm yet comfortable. Both the GLA and the X1 have a relatively stiffer suspension setup. This version of the Q3 gets the off-road package including the suspension that we put to test at an off-road track built specially at the Kari Motor Speedway. The car managed to do some astonishing moves, which I am sure are pretty evident from the photos. However, you need to consider that the track was specifically built for this car and things might be a lot different in the real world. It is not a hard core off-roader like the Land Rovers, but this test shows that it is capable of getting you out of extremely difficult situation.

Taking its competitors in to perspective, the Q3 wins hands down with decent power, superb gearbox and most importantly, the extremely capable AWD system.

Verdict

At Rs 38.4 lakh (ex-showroom), the Audi Q3 Dynamic costs around Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh more than the Mercedes GLA and BMW X1 respectively. However, for the additional money, the Q3 also brings lot more value to the table.

The Q3 is a powerful, spacious, gets all-wheel-drive, off road package and has shape that cannot be argued to be of anything but a compact SUV. So if you are looking specifically for a premium compact SUV, the Q3 Dynamic certainly looks like an apt choice.