The award-winning Audi Q3 is an all-around SUV
Credit to Author: GENEVIEVE TIU| Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2019 16:14:54 +0000
PGA Cars Inc., the country’s distributor of exotic luxury cars in the country, recently unveiled a game changer in the form of the all-new 2020 Audi Q3. In an exclusive preview on November 8 at the South Court of the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati City, the unveiling was presided over by Audi PH head Benedicto Coyiuto and PGA Cars officials, with select members of the motoring media in attendance.
The event was the baptism of fire for newly minted Chief of Corporate Communications Brian Afuang, a former member of the Fourth Estate.
“In its second-generation form, the Audi Q3 appears not only visually more confident, but is also roomier and more versatile. It has great all-around talents,” shared Mr. Coyiuto. “The all-new Q3’s introduction definitely strengthens our position in the country’s luxury SUV segment. We are quite excited to have this model in our lineup.”
While most SUVs are specific with its target market and usage, the Q3 is a breath of fresh air, as it was designed to cater to every kind of driver, for every kind of need. Tagged as “the all-around SUV,” the all-new Q3 easily fuses spaciousness, versatility and technology. From the get-go, the Audi Q3 is decidedly the grown-up version of its predecessor. The Q3 has a form that differentiates it from its siblings, the Q5 and Q7. Highlighting the side view of the car are the symmetrical graphics of the headlight and rear lights. The shoulder line that connects these elements seamlessly provide an overall athletic impression. To improve visibility, the rear of the car is divided into two zones, with the L-shaped rear lights in the upper section.
Under the hood, the all-new Audi Q3 is powered by a 1.4-L inline-four turbocharged engine. Running on gasoline, it delivers 150 horsepower and torque output of 250 Nm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed, S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission. The combinations allow it to accelerate from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in just 8.7 seconds. Safety features include electronic stability control, electromechanical power steering, hold assist, hill descent control and park assist with a rear-view camera.
In terms of size, it is the widest in its class of SUVs. It is longer than its predecessor, with a total length of 4,484 millimeters and is also wider with a total width of 1,849 millimeters. This extension also adds to an improvement in space with a total wheelbase of 2,680 millimeters. The cargo hold has also improved with a total capacity of 675 liters. With the back seats folded down, you can expect at least 1,525 liters.
The interior design is also as dynamic as its exterior. The architecture of the dashboard is similar to that of Audi’s parent-class models, harmonizing with the digital operating concept. The 10.1-inch MMI touch display is set against a high-gloss black panel that gives the console a clean, almost imperceptible look. Its shape is also complementary to the motif of the Singleframe front grille, contrasting only with a wide chrome strip. In terms of tech, the system is now compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making it flexible for users no matter what their device may be. The screen can be split into two views, offering convenience for the driver.
Another element to note is the all-new Q3’s five-star rating in the Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). It has succeeded in the following categories: adult occupant protection, child safety, passenger protection, and vulnerable road user protection. The Q3 has also acquired the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick Plus” rating, scoring the highest rating a car can achieve in all crashworthiness tests. In addition, the car has won the Reader’s Choice of “Best Cars 2019” by the German Technical magazine, Auto Motor und Sport.
The all-new 2020 Audi Q3 is available for viewing, a test drive, or purchase at the following Audi showrooms: Greenhills, Global City, Westgate Alabang and SM Seaside Cebu.
Text and photos by Genevieve Tiu