Team-BHP - Audi Q3 : Official Review

Hi guys,

My dad recently purchased 2016 Audi Q3 premium variant. The car itself costs about 47lacs on road without bargaining discounts and shockingly there was no proximity sensor based reverse nor a reversing camera. During purchase we were told about this but since we wanted the car for an occassion we insisted we go on with the premium as it was easily available and not premium plus (which is the top of the line having reverse camera) which was informed to us that it will take some time to be delivered. However, the problem is that now Audi says there is no way to retrofit or fit a reversing camera since that would void the warranty of 2 years. We werent told about this and we presumed that we would get a genuine reversing camera after the purchase of the car. Audi India says that they dont do these sort of accessories and we have to make peace with it. We even gave them an option of us importing a genuine retrofit from EU and then they can fix it, but they refused to do that as well. The purchase of the car itself wasnt a very pleasant experinece as there were over promises made such as colour and we had to settle for another color due to unavailability during the requested date. At least a promixity sensor would have made sense but no support while reversing is surely a pain in our country. Had they told this before we would have gladly taken the top of the line by paying the mere 3-4 lac price above premium version.

So now to the question, does anyone have any idea on how to fit or have they made a fix to this reversing camera situation. The car is in Chennai and any guidance is appreciated. Thanks please:

Quote:

Originally Posted by abbyanish (Post 4101652)

So now to the question, does anyone have any idea on how to fit or have they made a fix to this reversing camera situation. The car is in Chennai and any guidance is appreciated. Thanks please:

To my knowledge, I don't think there is an Audi available today, that doesn't come standard at least with parking sensors. Retrofitting a reverse camera is not an option unless you get it done on your own without dealer input and then hope they never notice it.

Check the brochure again, it I impossible that the car didn't come with any sensors as standard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by abbyanish (Post 4102146)

My bad. I missed a thing to tell, there are sensors and the beeping sound comes into place when reversing, but it doesn't show in the screen the side getting close to the obstacle. So basically when i reverse and im obstructed by something I have no idea on which side it is so I have to get down from the car to check it.

To get those indications on screen (does your Q3 at least have an MMI screen??) you'll need to update the OPS module. Audi India will not do it for you because, their rules are to record everything on a GoPro which has a live feed to their factory. So doing such a mod will definitely void your car's warranty.

Having said that, pretty sure there are tons of people in Chennai who are professional VAG tuners and will help you to source and install these additions.

The best part is, taking Indian dealerships for granted. After your install is complete, your dealer will never notice something actually added to your car if you use all OE parts.

Contact Vagtune.com for further info.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aditya9567 (Post 4105189)

Hi guys,

We own a 2015 Q3 35 TDI and wanted to know if there is a steering wheel with paddle shifters that can be done as a retrofit? Analogous to the GTI wheel that can be fit on the GT TSI. Any experinces/info on this would be helpful.

Cheers

Yes, there are wheels with paddles available on Vagtune IIRC, but a bit expensive. You could also try looking for them on ebay or Aliexpress where you could get a sweet deal, albeit only after an extensive search and evaluate process.

Quote:

Originally Posted by abbyanish (Post 4101652)

Hi guys,
So now to the question, does anyone have any idea on how to fit or have they made a fix to this reversing camera situation. The car is in Chennai and any guidance is appreciated. Thanks please:

There are WIFI based reverse cameras being sold online. They don't need any cabling work and the feed can be either viewed on your phone or on a display that comes along with it; depends on which one you prefer.

The Indian version of Q3 misses out on so many features that are being offered in the West. Even the navigation isn't on by default and I heard that one has to be upwards of INR 80,000 to activate it - probably better to buy off a phone with a data plan exclusively for GPS, which would be much cheaper and accurate (Google Maps).

Today I test drove Audi Q3 Premium 30TDI. Overall liked the car. It is compact and seems perfect for a small family. (Then why not creta? errr.. rings you see...)
Positives w.r.t X1
1. The cabin is quiet.
2. Slow speed potholes are felt, somewhat muted. Above 60, sharp bumps , potholes dismissed with a minimum noise. Felt better than X1.
3. People say X1 handles well, but this front wheel drive Q3 handled equally good.
4. 150 HP power was more than adequate for my use.
5. The steering weighs nicely in dynamic mode.
6. It has sunroof!
Negatives w.r.t X1
1. No reverse camera ! It is only available in Technology. Does it take that much Technology to fix a base version camera ? If Audi can make sunroof standard across all variants, then why not camera?
2. No push button start! A kind of a deal breaker; why because I have this nasty habit of taking the key out of my pocket and keeping it in my hand before I approach any lock, be it door,safe or a Car. I have scratched the entire door handle area of my existing car:Frustrati
3. The quoted price is higher than X1! It borders on 320D range which is a very good car.
So I think my next car might be again a sedan. I am wondering, why the SUVs can't match 320 d cabin in NVH levels?

Quote:

Originally Posted by gksunil (Post 4252257)

3. The quoted price is higher than X1! It borders on 320D range which is a very good car.

I also enquired about the Q3 last week. A colleague of mine purchased a Audi Q3 Premium plus (middle variant) Quattro for Rs. 41.yy lakhs in May 2017. At the time, Audi Hyderabad SA told me post GST from July 2017 price would reduce.

Last week for the exact same model (premium plus) I was quoted Rs.42.yy lakhs! I was very surprised, instead of reducing the price, it was more. When asked, did not get a satisfactory answer. Was told, every month offers are different. May 2017 had better offer than currently available. Thought prices were less post GST. In this case it was Rs. 1.yy lakhs more. Very confused how these dealers are pricing high end cars post GST.

Quote:

Originally Posted by geotracks (Post 4252301)

The purchase price of your friend's Q3 could be post negotiations and the price quoted to you could be pre-discounts. Please check the list price then and now and then it will be clear whether the prices have been increased or not.

There is a good amount of discount available on the list price of Q3 at present. When I was talking with them for A4, they tried to push for Q3 saying they can offer higher discount on that.

Booked the 2017 Q3, in Hainan Blue with Pistachio Beige interiors, the variant being 30 TDI Premium. The dealers have limited stock in Inventory as I am given to understand, which I suppose is driven from the bookings placed the last couple of weeks, ahead of the increased cess being proposed. They seem to be holding off on new orders until further clarity emerges on timelines, as it would be billed at the prevailing rates.