Audi Q3 103 TDi Quattro

[tricka]

Thought I would share my experience with this car, which I have owned for a month.

Sample photo is below - I'll get some taken of mine at some stage.



I had a Passat Wagon (good open road car, not so good around town I thought, and a bear to park without a reverseing camera) then a Polo Gti (great fun but the ride was waaayyy to harsh over Sydney roads for my old bones, and it was too easy to attract the Speed Cameras). I sold the Polo Gti privately about 8 weeks ago. And bought a Q3.

So far so good. The motor is still running in, so is still a little stiff . Otherwise it seems like a great city car with excellent visibility and comfort. The 103 Tdi won't set the world on fire with pace but it is a really smooth drive that seems to mate very well with the 7 speed auto. Given I crawl from Leichhardt to the city and back each day speed isn't too much of a factor for me. I do miss the extra torque of the 130 Tdi I test drove on occasion, but couldn't justify the extra $$ for it. The 103 Tdi also has the benefit of being a well and truly tried and tested engine, which is well known and well loved the world over.

I bought a grey car (same as the one above), with the Techniks pack (the parking sensors, a reversing camera and park assist). If I had my time over I would have ordered the "Style" pack for $1000, which adds flash 18 inch wheels and Xenons. But beggars can't be choosers when you need a car.

My experience with Audi Parramatta was very good. They let me try a few different models for a day or two, and even lent me a car for a few days when my Q3 was being delivered. Very happy.

Of the different models I drove I thought that the entry level pertol (the 125 TSi) was quieter and faster, and fuel use about the same around town as the 103 Tdi - torque is about the same as the 103 Tdi. I wouldn't bother with the 155 Tsi - the little 125 Tsi is all you need.

Of the diesel's the 130 is definitely quicker around town and is actually a pretty quick car fullstop. But iI found it "jerky" to drive and it tended to hunt around the gears a little in the city. The 103 is much smoother to drive, perhaps because it doesn't have the extra torque.

I bought a diesel because I thought resale would be better and for the highway l/100kms (on the off chance I actually go anywhere). I also experienced high oil use with the Polo Gti TSi, which put me off the Tsi motors a little. Nothing so annoying as having to continually top up the oil on a new car. Audi told me that the 125 Tsi motors were across the oil usage, but it wasn't something I had a lot of confidence in.

The only other SUV I drove that I liked as much was the Lexus RX series - but ultimately it were just too big for our needs and wants (much like the Audi Q5 or Q7). Plus it was 50% more expensive and you felt like you were driving a supertanker - not much "feel". The Lexus cabin finish was really something however, and I could see myself looking at the Lexus baby SUV when it comes out herein 18 months or so , if they fix the lack of steering feel, and don't make it too ricey.

I did drive a Tiguan 103 Tdi, and liked it alot. But by the time you optioned it up to the level of the Q3 it wasn't that much cheaper, and just didn't feel as special as the Audi, so badge snobbery won out and the Q3 is now parked in the garrage. I also liked the driving position in the Q3 more - it seems higher, and the visibility seemed just that bit better.Getting in and out is easier in the Q3.

Negatives? The non included essentials like a reversing camera and parking sensors (grr grrr), the silly rear vision mirror (which is really small but takes up ALOT of space) and the volume knob for the radio etc on the wrong side of the head unit. Not sure sure about Audi's MMI interface either. The VW touch screen seems easier to use. But that is small potatoes. I was lent an A4 for a few days, and I liked the interior much more than the Q3 - it seemed much more upmarket. But you soon adjust to what you have, and I like the interior of the Q3 now.

I'd recommend Audi Parramatta, and the Q3, if anyone is in the market for a baby SUV, and wants to spend mid 50's on one.



Cheers
Andrew