#TDOTD Test Drive of the Day: Audi’s entry-point SUV is on Q

Engine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder TDI

Output: 177hp/380Nm

Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch S Tronic

Suspension: MacPherson struts (front)/ torsion beam axle (rear)

Tires: 235/50 R-18

Safety: Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), full-size airbags with front-passenger airbag deactivation, front side airbags with curtain airbag, seatbelt monitoring, ISOFIX child seat mounting, anti-theft alarm system

L x W x H (mm): 4,385x1,831x1,605

Wheelbase: 2,603mm

Curb weight: 1,445kg.

MANILA, Philippines - Audi’s stable of SUVs in the Q-prefixed line is an imposing bunch of rides so designed and engineered to evoke not just the Ingolstadt carmaker’s obsession with keeping at the forefront of technology—spurred on by its famous ethos “Vorsprung durch Technik” (“advancement through technology”)—but its unmistakable premium heritage.

As the smallest Q sibling, the timely Q3 neatly falls into compact SUV class—a steadily burgeoning niche that (in varying degrees of success among brands) melds sedan and SUV. This vehicle type additionally addresses the perceived excesses of bigger SUVs in terms of space, abilities and, perhaps most crucially, price, while reaching further in these categories compared to the typical sedan.

Audi packages the Q3 as “an urban vehicle that is equally at home on or off the road,” which actually belies its smart, elegant design. So it would be akin to going hiking in an expensive, comfortable suit—you could, but you’d rather not. This is in no way a knock on the Q3 but, rather, a testament on just how good it looks. Perhaps a better analogy would be trying your darnedest to take care of a pair of expensive and beautiful Jordan kicks.

But I digress. You might not be able to resist pushing the Q3—on concrete or otherwise. Under the hood rumbles a torquey turbodiesel heart which can take the vehicle from standstill to 100kph in 8.2 ticks and a top speed of 212kph.

Even if it is the small brother, the Q3 remains an overachieving one. Subtly athletic lines such as an ever-so-slight flare on the wheel arches plus the coupé-like roofline inevitably lead you to the most compeling visual of this ride: the front fascia.

The huge trapezoidal radiator grille suggests aggression—a theme echoed by the curved bonnet. The sharply shaped wedge headlights squint in an intimidating stare straight ahead; there’s no mistaking the Q3 for a wussy ride. Meanwhile, the “encompassing tailgate” highlights the girth of the vehicle, even as it facilitates easy loading into its cargo area with a base capacity of 460 liters. This can be maxxed out to 1,365 liters when the split rear seat backs are folded down.

Within, the Audi Q3 feels more luxury sedan than SUV and is spacious enough for five adults to enjoy its trappings. Being a premium vehicle, an array of materials and colors are available are at a buyer’s disposal for keen customization.

The seat that offers the most fun, of course, belongs to the driver. Being at the controls of the Q3 is a sublime experience with plenty of nifty buttons (including on the leather-wrapped steering wheel) and legible gauges all in the name of your comfort and one constantly divine drive. The Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) pops up on the dashboard center, providing another source of information plus control—particularly of the excellent sound system. Niceties such as an electromechanical parking brake, parking assistance, and hill-hold assist are appreciated—icing to the proprietary quattro permanent all-wheel drive cake.

A crucial appeal of the Q3 is that it doesn’t drive and feel like a traditional diesel-fed ride. The engine doesn’t go into histrionics when idling, and delivers a manufacturer-rated 19.2 kilometers per liter—further impetus for people to keep taking the Q3. Yes, even when the paved roads end.