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The newest batch of compacts from your favorite Germans pitted against one another. Obviously we're going to be abit biased here but its good for context no ?
When looking at Standard Equipment I am of the opinion that the Q3 walks the competition. Offering panoramic roof, Xenon headlamps, heated leather seats and LED tail lamps and DRL's the Audi is clearly outpacing its rivals. ANd its no accident either.
Audi enjoys a certain strategic weapon when facing its Teutonic rivals. Its called modular, MQB and MLB are their modular transverse and longitudinal platforms that can be scaled up or down at a whim. The Q3 uses the PQ35 platform which is shared with the Tiguan, Scirocco and the Mk5 and on Jettas/Golf. As you can see the platform has done its duty andpaid itself back in spades, this is how Audi is able to offer head and shoulders better standard equipment.
Where the Q3 suffers dearly against its rivals is fuel efficiency. The Q3 is expected to return numbers in the ball park of 22 US mpg, while the X1 offers 28 US MPG and the GLA a significantly better 30 US MPG. This could be the one Achilles heal of the Q3.
Q3 Standard Features:
BMW X1 Standard Features:
GLA Standard Features:
The one thing to consider, is that without Quattro the Q3 will operate as FWD. I'm not completely sure if Quattro will be offered standard, but i don't think so. The GLA also operates in FWD with AWD optional. The X1 may have the most appeal to typical premium shoppers offering RWD standard with optional all wheel. It will be interesting to see how that comes into play as all three diminutive CUV's are priced in the territory of well optioned CRV/RAV4's/Escapes. These shoppers will likely have no issues with FWD, however luxury shoppers coming from an upmarket model may find fault, Say your typical GLK/Q5/X3 owner who has become accustomed to premium RWD...
When looking at Standard Equipment I am of the opinion that the Q3 walks the competition. Offering panoramic roof, Xenon headlamps, heated leather seats and LED tail lamps and DRL's the Audi is clearly outpacing its rivals. ANd its no accident either.
Audi enjoys a certain strategic weapon when facing its Teutonic rivals. Its called modular, MQB and MLB are their modular transverse and longitudinal platforms that can be scaled up or down at a whim. The Q3 uses the PQ35 platform which is shared with the Tiguan, Scirocco and the Mk5 and on Jettas/Golf. As you can see the platform has done its duty andpaid itself back in spades, this is how Audi is able to offer head and shoulders better standard equipment.
Where the Q3 suffers dearly against its rivals is fuel efficiency. The Q3 is expected to return numbers in the ball park of 22 US mpg, while the X1 offers 28 US MPG and the GLA a significantly better 30 US MPG. This could be the one Achilles heal of the Q3.
Q3 Standard Features:
- 200 hp 2.0-liter TFSI® engine with six-speed Tiptronic® transmission
- Panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade
- Audi xenon plus front lighting with LED DRLs and taillights
- Heated, 12-way power front seats
- Leather seating surfaces
- Audi advanced key
- Standard 18-inch wheel
BMW X1 Standard Features:
- Hill Start Control
- Brake Assistance
- Turbocharged 2.0-Liter I4 with STEPTRONIC Manually Interactive Automatic Transmission
- Bluetooth
- MP3/iPod integration
- Dual zone climate control
- 8 way Adjustable, Leatherette Seats
- Trailer Stability Asisst
- Heated Washer System
- Rain Sensing Vehicle Speed Sensitive Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- 17 inch Alloys
GLA Standard Features:
- Collision Prevention Assist
- Attention Assist
- 18 inch wheels
- Chrome roof rails
- 5.8" color display
- Bluetooth
- M270 2.0T 4 cylinder engine
- 7 speed DCT gearbox
The one thing to consider, is that without Quattro the Q3 will operate as FWD. I'm not completely sure if Quattro will be offered standard, but i don't think so. The GLA also operates in FWD with AWD optional. The X1 may have the most appeal to typical premium shoppers offering RWD standard with optional all wheel. It will be interesting to see how that comes into play as all three diminutive CUV's are priced in the territory of well optioned CRV/RAV4's/Escapes. These shoppers will likely have no issues with FWD, however luxury shoppers coming from an upmarket model may find fault, Say your typical GLK/Q5/X3 owner who has become accustomed to premium RWD...
