Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI – second-gen SUV at PACE, RM270k

The all-new Audi Q3 was launched in Malaysia last week, and here’s the second-generation compact SUV in the metal, displayed at the paultan.org PACE 2019 event. The Q3 is available here as a 1.4 TFSI S tronic, priced at RM269,900 on-the-road without insurance.

Sitting on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the latest Q3 is 97 mm longer (4,484 mm), 25 mm wider (1,849 mm) and 23 mm lower (1,585 mm) than the original, with a 77 mm longer wheelbase (2,680 mm). The SUV – which rivals the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA – sports new exterior design with cues borrowed from its bigger brothers such as the Q8. Audi’s flagship SUV is sitting next to the Q3 at PACE, and the resemblance is clear.

The Q3’s LED headlamps (with high beam assist) and taillights mimic those on the e-tron, and the signature Singleframe grille has been restyled as well, now sporting an octagon-shaped design with vertical inlays.

We get the advanced styling package that adds on contrasting Manhattan grey accents on the bumpers. Other standard items are roof rails finished in anodised aluminium and 18-inch five-arm alloy wheels, among other things.

Move inside and you’ll find a dashboard layout that like those in the A6 and A7, albeit without the secondary screen on the centre stack. Instead, there’s a sole 10.1-inch central touchscreen linked to an MMI Navigation plus infotainment system with MMI touch and Audi connect.

Other points in the kit list are a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus digital instrument display, powered front seats with four-way lumbar support, leather/leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, Audi smartphone interface, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, black gloss dash accents, door sill trims with aluminium accents as well as Audi drive select. Also on are ESC, hold assist, cruise control, hill descent control and Audi parking system plus.

Under the hood is a 1.4 litre TFSI turbocharged four-pot that makes 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm, with drive going to the front wheels via a six-speed S tronic (wet) dual-clutch gearbox. Zero to 100 km/h is done in 8.9 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 207 km/h. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.2 litres per 100 km.

As mentioned, the new Audi Q3 is on display at PACE, along with the smaller Q2, and larger Q5 and Q8. There’s also a stunning A5 Sportback here in red. We’ve had a chance to sample the Q3 previously, and you can read our thoughts on it here. For the full specifications and to compare the Q3 against other premium SUVs, head to CarBase.my.

Lastly, Audi currently has a lucky draw dangling an Audi Driving Experience package in Germany worth RM40,000. Those who purchase a car from the four rings brand from today till November 10 qualify. Do so at PACE to take advantage of our extra incentives.

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