2019 Audi Q3 - First impression

After a long wait, the new 2019 Audi Q3 was finally launched in Malaysia just late last month. The upscale German automaker has been selling the Q3 ever since 2011, but there weren’t any major changes made to it in all these years. However, with the noose from newer rivals tightening with each passing year, Audi went back to the drawing board and unveiled the all-new second-generation Q3.

As a luxury Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), the Audi Q3 has enjoyed appreciable success in its respective class. Now in its upgraded second-gen iteration, the 2019 Audi Q3 is all set to take the battle right to its immediate competitors - including the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus NX and Volvo XC40.

The 2019 Q3 is built on top of VW Group’s MQB platform, and the German auto major promises to have made it better than ever before on all fronts. Unlike some of its opposition, however, the latest Q3 is currently only sold in one variant in Malaysia - the 1.4 TFSI S-tronic. But having said that, customers can get new Q3 in different colours such as Glacier White Metallic, Floret Silver Metallic, Ibis White, Mythos Black Metallic, Tango Red Metallic, Nano Grey Metallic, Chronos Grey Metallic, Cosmos Blue Metallic and Pulse Orange.

2019 Audi Q3 price:

Variant	Price
1.4 TFSI S-tronic	RM 269,900

Audi Malaysia is currently offering customers a chance to win the ‘Audi Driving Experience’ by way of a lucky draw, an event that will take place in Germany (worth RM 40,000). However, do note that this offer will expire on November 10. Additionally, all customers of the 2019 Audi Q3 will get a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre comprehensive warranty coverage.

Exterior

The design of the previous iterations of the Q3 wasn’t drool-worthy as such, relying more on playing things safe rather than outlandish. Now Audi hasn’t made any radical changes to the latest-gen Q3, but there are enough alterations to help you notice it almost anywhere. The styling and overall proportions look just right, whilst the crossover’s stance projects enough confidence and muscularity.

Upfront, the 2019 Q3’s design is dominated by the brand’s trademark ‘Singleframe’ grille, flanked by more aggressive-looking headlamps and LED daytime-runners. The sportier bumper incorporates a few faux air intakes along with a fake skid plate, functioning air dam, revised bonnet and chrome surrounds on the grille.

The revised side profile of the Q3 brings pronounced haunches over the front & rear fenders, fancier-looking alloy wheels, and comprehensive cladding all around the lower part. The rear gets advanced and stylish LED tail lamps with sequential turn indicators, sporty roof spoiler, and a more urbane bumper unit with fake exhaust tips. The new model is also larger in some key aspects over its precursor.

2019 Audi Q3 dimensions:

Measurements	2019 Audi Q3
Length	4,484 mm
Width	2,024 mm
Height	1,616 mm
Wheelbase	2,680 mm
Boot Capacity	530 litres

The 2019 Audi Q3 sits 23 mm lower than before, though it’s longer by 97 mm, wider by 25 mm, and the wheelbase has been stretched by a noticeable 77 mm.

Interior

The revisions continue once you step inside the 2019 Audi Q3 as well. The interior no longer feels boring or bland, and now boasts a driver-focussed dash with several quirky angles and there’s no shortage of cool materials either. However, despite the added trim materials, fancier designs and more digital displays, this cabin achieves its minimalism goals quite well.

As expected from Audi, the new Q3’s interior feels very well put-together, featuring expensive materials and excellent craftsmanship. Thanks to the increased wheelbase and width, the cabin feels more spacious and open than before -- the seats now feel sporty and offer enough comfort and support.

As for its features list, some of the most important ones in the 2019 Q3 specs sheet are the following:

• Adaptive LED headlamps

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Smart entry with push-button ignition
• Powered front seats with four-way lumbar support
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• Front & rear parking sensors with rearview camera
• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation
• Audi Virtual Cockpit with a 12.3-inch instrument panel
• Audi Drive Select

Powertrain and performance

2019 Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI S-tronic
Engine	1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection
Transmission	6-Speed dual-clutch automatic
Power	150 hp between 5000-6000 rpm
Torque	250 Nm between 1500-3500 rpm
Claimed Fuel Economy	13.8 kmpl

Under the bonnet of the 2019 Audi Q3 sits a turbocharged four-banger that’s good for 150 horsepower, driving the front wheels via a smooth dual-clutch automatic transmission. Performance feels more than adequate under most circumstances as the run from 0 to 100 kmph is taken care of in less than 9 seconds, while top whack is just shy of 210 kmph.

Safety equipment

As with other outgoing Audis, the new 2019 Q3 is also pretty well-kitted with modern safety features. Some of the most highlighted equipment here includes the following:

• 6 airbags (driver and passenger, front side, curtain)
• Automatic headlamps with Auto High Beam (AHB)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC)
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force
• Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The 2019 Audi Q3 may not have the best of everything when compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA or the Lexus NX, but given the price at which it starts, the all-new Q3 seems to be a rather nice car.

Also Read: Audi Malaysia introduces Conformity Check programme