EVER asked a child to buy her a doll but kept postponing, and when you finally bring it home, it becomes her only friend.
Well, that’s an experience I had to go through, after enquiring months on for a test on the latest Q3 range. Aha, there it was on my driveway- Q3 35 TFSI Black Edition, coated in Chronos Gray Metallic.
Suede and leather interior, loved the smell of it, with window trims, and even the badges, all coated in a gloss black.
According to the industry, Audi’s Q3 remains a popular staple in the Audi portfolio and is the firm’s third best-seller- hence the marketing tag ‘FOUR-RINGS’.
Its been a decade since Audi launched its second generation Q3 in the market, and it came out with guns-blazing.
Back to the interior- the Black Edition treatment extends to the interior with tasteful additions to both comfort and convenience. It receives both Sports steering and seat with the latter trimmed in Dynamical microfibre and leatherette as part of the included Sport Package.
The roof lining is black, to match the theme and the door armrests also receive the leatherette treatment. A panoramic sunroof, as always helps to clear a fatigued mind. It knows no boundaries, if you may…
Enhancement can be seen in storage, including the sizeable 530-litre boot, and the Audi Storage and Luggage Compartment Pack.
Sports seats are power adjustable up front and the driver gets a 4-way lumbar support to ensure optimised comfort. This forms part of the Comfort Package Plus that is included in the Black Edition.
Included in the package is comfort access to not only the vehicle itself with the Comfort Key (keyless entry), but a power tailgate as well to allow you simplified access to the boot. Heated seats further enhance the comfort aspect of the Q3 in cooler weather.
Parking Aid Plus and a reverse camera complements the already robust driver assistance aids, making parking and maneouvering the Q3 in parking lots a simpler task.
The Q3 has standard array of ABS with EBD (antilock brakes and brakeforce distribution), an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, ISOFIX mountings for child seats in the rear, Driver Attention Monitor, Cruise Control with Speed Limiter, and 6 airbags.
The exterior of the Black Edition sees the front grille surround, lower bumper air duct details, sheet metal remains the same, with a mild aesthetic makeover.
Gloss black treatment is offered by the 19-inch, 20-spoke alloy wheels. The anthracite colour with machined spokes is ideally suited to the theme. These are shod in 235/50 R19 tyres.
As I took it for a ride to NW, the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 110 kW, with a 250 Nm torque. I pressed it down from 0 to 100 km/h sprint that took 9.3-seconds and it has a claimed top speed of 207 km/h, especially on open roads, Bokone Bophirima is known for.
At least, I must mention, potholes are being attended to though not all. That’s service delivery!
Power is generated from the front wheels, through a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, thanks to its Dynamic Drive Select driving modes option, at most of the times, I opted for the latter.
During the test, it claimed a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.9 l/100km, with figures hovering around the mid 8 l/100km mark.
During heavy rain we experienced when driving through Potchefstroom, its automatic wipes did a sterling job to make sure no drop impaired my driving, so was the rigid steering that at times impacts on other vehicles, resulting in veering off.
As young and old did likewise- taking snaps, one thing is certain- the Q3 35 TFSI Black Edition is going to be another hot property in its market segment, as the festive season fast approaches.
It comes with a five-year/100,000km maintenance plan and one-year/unlimited-km warranty.
The retail price is estimated at R839,600.
That’s “Vorsprung durch Technik” for you, it has and will always be my friend…
Top Image (The sleek Q3 35 TFSI Black Edition knows no boundaries).
