Audi Malaysia has launched its new, facelifted Q3 SUV. This one does take us by a bit of a surprise, especially when we know the brand to also be preparing to debut its larger Q7 SUV very soon, as well.
The slightly-refreshed Q3 was globally rolled out nearly a year ago, showing off a new front grille, as well as sharper front and rear lighting designs. The shape of the enlarged horizontal front grille is now more pronounced, just as we’ve seen it on other new Audi models. Unique to the Q3’s front grille however, is a set of “wings” if you will, that appear to lead into the headlamps.
Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI Facelift
For the base front-wheel driven 1.4 TFSI variant, Audi Malaysia will command a competitive RM217,900: a marginal increase over the previous RM216,888. However, there are a few additional features over the previous variant.
The Q3’s 1.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is rated at the same 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque. However, a closer look at the spec sheet reveals that its peak torque now kicks in at 200 rpm sooner than before, and is extended for 500 rpm more – spelling a max torque range of 1,500 rpm to 3,500 rpm.
The 1.4 TFSI is now also more fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly, marginally improving its consumption figures by 0.2 l/100km, to 6.0 l/100km now, and lowering its CO2 emissions from 145 g/km to 139 g/km. Top speed has been increased by 4 km/h to 204 km/h, but it’s century sprint time remains at 8.9 seconds.
Some of these performance changes can be attributed to the new six-speed S tronic, wet dual-clutch auto transmission, put in place to replace the previous dry clutch seven-speed S tronic.
Bar the new looks brought on by the facelift, the new Q3 1.4 TFSI looks very similarly equipped with the previous model. However, for the RM1,012 more that you’d have to pay over the pre-facelift model, you do get the Comfort Key keyless entry system (previously an RM2,500 option) and an engine auto start/stop system as standard now.
Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro Facelift
There’s a significant power increase of 10 hp and 40 Nm of torque more than before. The turbo-four is now rated for 180 hp held between 4,000 to 6,200 rpm, while the 320 Nm of torque isn’t only more than before, but also comes in 300 rpm sooner, from 1,400 to 3,900 rpm.
Utilising the same 7-speed S tronic transmission as the pre-facelifted model, the additional power from 2.0 TFSI variant launches itself from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the pre-facelifted variant. Its top speed has also been increased by 5 km/h to 217 km/h now.
Just like the base variant, the 2.0 TFSI is also more fuel efficient and eco-friendly, claiming 6.5 l/100km (previously 7.7 l/100km), and is rated to emit 150 g/km (previously 179 g/km).
On top of everything the 1.4 TFSI offers, the additional RM35,000 asked for the 2.0 TFSI adds more power, a quattro all-wheel drive system, an additional Park Assist system with a 360-degree display, and larger five-spoke “dynamic design” 18-inch alloy wheels.
The RM252,900 asked for the facelifted 2.0 TFSI quattro is unchanged.
Audi Malaysia has confirmed that the new compact SUV is available for viewing at its authorised dealerships nationwide beginning today, and will be available in five different colour choices: Glacier White, Floret Silver, Utopia Blue and Tundra Brown, and Brilliant Black.
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This jus killed BMW X1… Audi made it superb & good looking as well
they have to launch quietly becaus enow VW and Audi malu betul. So shy. nobody wants cars froma company that lies.
that is why they launched this quietly.
way cheaper than X1 & GLA.
but to be fair I’m not their target consumer.
dammit I’m not supposed to write that.
Buy this and get free defeat device also
you’re killing PT readers with your logic. stop it.
Why are you comparing with the x1?
It should be x3
you are wrong. x3 should be compare with Q5.
Not sure how it will kill the X1. The old X1 still outsold this Audi (which is now just in facelifted form) in Malaysia despite the former being uglier. Mercedes GLA on AWD and FWD are already cheaper than the new X1, and BMW Malaysia already knew this when they launched it and nobody says they will kill the X1. So yeah I doubt BMW sees this as a threat in any case.
Got to disagree with ya. X1 still wins in terms of boot space,interior and exterior design.Look at the international reviews.X1 is clearly better.Only downside is it’s sDrive and not xDrive for the malaysian variant.Another major deciding factor is that the VW group had been pledged with bad press since dieselgate.
You gotta be kidding me. The face looks like a pig. And I actually like Audis. Compared to the handsome X1, this is nothing. It looks more like an angry bird IMO.
This Q3 seems better packaged than BMW X1 & Merc GLA, in terms of pricing & specs
BMWX1 is a brand new model altogether while this Q3 is a facelift but then pricing seems cheaper than X1 no doubt plus CBU as well. Looks is a personal taste, me I think X1 looks way better but pricing wise Audi is ahead, cheaper for the 1.4TSFI. Well new wet clutch 6 speed …. peace of mind compared to dry clutch 7 speed
Both the X1 and Q3 are CBU models and the CKD X1 should be rolling out in later months and a cheaper price to compete with the Q3 2.0 TFSI model and that’s when you will meet the X1 xDrive diesel model plus don’t forget the BMW comes with 5 year free service n warranty. Go see for yourself the Q3 and witness how crap the interior space is for a SUV especially the boot. It feels more like a crossover instead.
Agreed, wet over dry clutch anytime. BMW are excellent cars and worry free ownership for 5 years. But Audi just drives better. I’ve owned a Q5 and and X3 both at the same time and I have to say Q5 is the clear winner… Except when it comes to reliability. For the premium brand and price that you pay for an Audi, you should get the reliability of equal quality to BMW.
I would take this over the new X1. Though I think the X1 may have a bit more interior space, as its a brand new car, whereas the Q3 has been around for a couple of years. Plus, the Q3 which is AWD for the 2.0 spec is cheaper than the sole X1 (which is FWD only). I hope they bring in the illuminated speaker grills on the Q3 – Audi just makes those little details that grab your attention. The new sharper grille just looks the business as well.
Just curious, how is losing one gear does not penalise 0-100 times and even increased top speed marginally?
awesome and superb.. a dream car to own..
For an extra 35k I think most will go for the 2.0 model since your getting quite a bit for your money. The 1.4 model should have been at least 40k cheaper.
Agree but cheaper by 40k would be killing the 1.4 Tiguan
Nobody will buy a car from a liar car maker!
Is the 7speed S-tronic in the 2.0 a dry or wet clutch? Does anybody know? Audi’s and VW’s dry clutch gearboxes I would avoid.