Audi Q3 35 TDI Quattro Dynamic review, test drive

What is it?

Audi has just launched a new range-topping version of its Q3 SUV, which is currently the best-selling car in its segment (of two). The thing is, we quite like the Q3 as it is already – we even really like the ‘stripped down’ manual-gearbox, front-wheel-drive ‘S’ version – so what has Audi done to make this car better?

Well, there is a bit of cosmetic stuff – there’s more chrome on the grille, the bumpers have metallic inserts that mimic bash plates, and the tail-lights are now clear-lens units. Whether all this works for you is up to your tastes; some at the Autocar office felt the tail-lights looked like aftermarket replacements, while others, myself included, really liked them.

In terms of new equipment, there’s only one big change. The ‘Dynamic’ in the model name hints at Audi’s Drive Select system, earlier a feature you’d have to climb further up the carmaker’s model range for. What it gives you is three selectable drive modes – Comfort, Sport and Auto – but while this lets you adjust the steering, engine and suspension in bigger Audis, in the Q3, it affects just the suspension.

Only available in 2.0 TDI Quattro guise with the DSG gearbox, the Audi Q3 Dynamic costs Rs 38.40 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), which is Rs 90,000 more than the next variant down, the Premium Plus. Do the new tech and cosmetic tweaks make it a worthy step up, or is this just a shrewd effort by Audi to drum up more interest in the Q3 before a certain other German compact luxury SUV hits the market very soon?