Ingolstadt goes head to head with Munich in what can be termed as the finals of Bundesliga of compact SUVs. Let’s see who emerges as the ultimate winner
COMPARO STORIES ARE JUST like football matches wherein two teams come together to decide who is better at the sport. This time we bring you the in-depth coverage of a match of a different kind. Now, everyone is quite familiar with the compact SUV segment that has become quite a trend in the west and is catching up pretty quickly in India too. So when Audi launched the Q3 here in India, we decided to stage a match to decide how good this newcomer is vis-a-vis its direct rival, the BMW X1.
Internationally, both the companies compete in almost every segment and the case in India is no different. Thus when BMW brought in their compact SUV, the X1, last year, Audi decided to counter with the Q3. But it took the Ingolstadt-based company more than a year to do so. Anyway, now that both the mini-SUVs are here, let’s see how they stack up against each other.
BOTH THESE COMPACT SUVS
Were made to look like their elder siblings, but, only the Q3 is able to represent the Q family here unlike the X1, which does not bear any resemblance with its elder siblings, the X3 and X5. It has an appearance of an estate rather than a scaled down ‘X’ SUV. It lacks the quintessential feel-good factor that makes you drool at a vehicle. Its recognizable double barrel headlamps, kidney grille and solid build quality do remind you that this is a BMW, but in a very simple way.
Audi, on the other hand, have done a fabulous job with the Q3, which has a modern front end with distinctive looking headlamps studded with piped LED lights, a huge single-piece grille and exquisite looking bumper, which in a combination looks cool enough to make heads turn. The rear end also complements the front with its LED tail lamp cluster and clean tailgate unlike the X1, which remains simple even at the back. The exterior design of the Audi is beautifully carved with a perfect mix of curves and sharp edges, whereas the X1 exteriors look sober and fails to please the eye. The reason for this might be the X1’s age. It was launched internationally almost three years ago and today, when you compare it with the Audi, it looks a little dated. BMW have unveiled a facelift version of the X1, which will appear in the market next year. However, even that one looks very much like the current model. The Q3 is just a year old and, therefore, looks more contemporary compared to the X1.
Even inside the situation remains the same. Both these mini-SUVs feature good quality leather interior with immaculate fi t and fi nish, though the cabin of the BMW stays as simple as its exterior. The moment you step inside the Audi you are greeted by a very welcoming cabin. It features a two-tone beige-black interior that has a healthy dose of brushed aluminium trimmings to give it a modern look, whereas the BMW comes with a black interior and plastics that appear monotonous. You do get a two-tone interior in the BMW, but that is available only in the basic diesel variant. The dashboard steering and instrument cluster combo on the Audi looks modern whereas in the X1 it fails to excite you.
Being compact and having good space is something that not every car-maker can achieve, but both BMW and Audi have managed to deliver decent space inside their respective products. Both the X1 and Q3 offer good leg- and knee-room in the front, although the BMW has an edge when it comes to rear knee-room, which is slightly better than that in the Q3. However, both the X1 and Q3 feel roomier. When it comes to the boot space, both are almost at par. However, the Audi has slightly more room in comparison to the X1.
Feature-wise both the compact SUVs are loaded to the brim with goodies such as Panorama glass-roof, rain sensors, xenon lights, headlight washer, multi-media interface with a decent sized screen, automatic climate control, leather upholstery and good small storage space. BMW and Audi have made sure that people buying these products get good value for their money when it comes to features.
Even though these are two compact SUVs, they feature powerhouses that would normally be seen in large sedans. Audi and BMW both have fitted their products with 2.0-litre diesel motors that develop similar power (180 PS in case of BMW and 177 PS in case of Audi). However, the Audi produces 30 Nm more torque than the X1 (350 Nm in case of BMW and 380 Nm in case of Audi). Both the units are quite punchy and generate a healthy amount of power and torque. Therefore, it’s refinement that decides which of the two is a better engine. It was quite easy to spot the winner here. The Audi clearly scores well over the BMW because of its 1,965-cc motor that not only feels more refined, but also smoother and more responsive than the X1’s. In fact, it feels very close to a petrol engine, even though it’s a diesel motor. The BMW is a little rough; it clearly isn’t as smooth and refined as the Audi and a bit noisy too. Overall, both the engines are almost at par in terms of power and torque, but Audi’s 2.0-litre diesel is quieter, refined, more responsive and fun in comparison to BMW’s.
Moving on to the gearbox, both the X1 and Q3 use automatic transmission, albeit different kinds of auto boxes. The BMW uses a six-speed Steptronic transmission that powers just the rear wheels and the shifts are controlled electronically for optimum performance. The Audi uses its trademark seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission with Quattro and four-wheel drive system that has already proved its technological brilliance in the past. In comparison,the S Tronic gearbox of the Audi feels much superior to the Steptronic box of the BMW. The dual-clutch set-uphelps eliminate shift lag, thus providing better shift timings and response along with improved fuel efficiency. But this does not mean that the Steptronic boxof the BMW is a poor performer. It is quite capable of good performance in its own right. It shifts well when the throttle is pressed gradually. However, if you nail it suddenly, there is a noticeable shift lag. This does get a bit irritating, particularly while overtaking. It can be reduced to a certain extent by switching to the manual mode, wherein you can control the shifts better.
BMW have been making cars that are known for their sportiness and track-focused handling, whereas Audi are renowned for building cars that have a perfect balance of sportiness and comfort. And the two vehicles under consideration here do feature these characteristics. For example, the X1 has a stiff suspension set-up that works very well on smooth roads, delivering sporty handling, but the moment you hit a rough patch, the ride becomes quite harsh. The Q3 features a suspension set-up that has been calibrated perfectly for Indian conditions. It absorbs the unevenness of Indian roads quite well without disturbing the ride quality. And you can push it hard round corners without losing confidence, thanks to a good suspension set-up and Quattro that provide better grip. Body-roll is perceptible in both the vehicles, but it becomes evident in the X1 when pushed hard whereas in the Q3 you wouldn’t feel it intruding so much.
Another thing that becomes quite obvious the moment you start to drive the X1 is its heavy steering. It is particularly heavy at low speeds, when it feels almost like a steering without any power assistance. It does become manageable once you get to a good pace. It feels pretty direct and communicative, but its heaviness is a big let-down. The Q3’s steering wheel, on the other hand, is light, nimble and very responsive, one that literally talks to you. It is direct and communicative with loads of feedback. Overall, the BMW X1 is a nice compact SUV to drive on smooth road, but the moment it finds itself on a rough stretch, it becomes nervous, because of which the ride quality and handling go for a toss. The Audi Q3’s response to such conditions is very positive and you can hardly feel any harshness of the road kicking into the cabin. It gobbles up the roughness quite well, delivering better handling and ride quality than the BMW.
Performance-wise the test results indicate that both the X1 and Q3 are almost at par with each other, be it acceleration or roll-ons. Of course, there is some difference, but that is negligible. The equality in terms of performance is due to similar kerb weight of both vehicles (X1 – 1,575 kg, Q3 – 1,585 kg) and similar power figures. Both perform well, though the Q3 has a better feel when it comes to performance because of its seamless shifts and Quattro.
After assessing both the X1 and Q3, it is quite easy to decide which of these two wins this compact SUV match. The Audi steals the show with its design, space, comfort, driveability, handling, overall fuel efficiency (Audi – 13.5 km per litre, BMW – 12.5 km per litre) and refinement. But the BMW is not entirely disappointing either. It does perform well, handles well on the smooth roads and is at par in terms of build quality and features. But things like stiff suspension, heavy steering and dated looks may make you reconsider your decision to buy one. It seems that the ‘perfectly suited to Indian conditions’ Audi Q3 wins this match with a score of 1-0.
“Performance-wise the test results indicate that both the X1 and Q3 are almost at par with each other, be it acceleration or roll-ons”
HER Perspective
With the launch of both the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, there has emerged a new segment of cars that let the buyers enjoy the pride of owning a luxury brand’s emblem, but within a budget. But how much is being axed out of the car to make it fit into the budget is a moot point. The X1 makes one feel that one sure did shell out money, but not enough to buy a BMW in its true spirit. The cabin quality isn’t up to BMW standards. Some other basic features have also been given a miss and the car feels like a rationed model from the makers. The Q3, on the other hand, has maintained the classiness brand Audi is synonymous with and, despite being the cheapest car of the family, gives the buyer the same pride of ownership which any more expensive Audi would give.
Talking of the drive, the Q3 wins hands down in this regard. If the biggest boy of the Audi Q family, the Q7, is a missile, then the Q3 is surely a mini-rocket. Not only does it win in performance runs against the X1, but its good handling and smoothness make it a much preferred choice too. The X1 with its rock-solid feel and a very heavy steering made me fight with the car to manoeuvre it. The Q3’s better ground clearance over the Beemer justifies its SUV tag well and gave me better road visibility too.
In short, the Q3 comes across as a much better value-for-money package than the X1. Another thing to bear in mind is that the buyer is surely paying less for these compact SUVs, but he will still be a customer of the brand, like those buying the top-end models. Thus his opinion of the brand should matter equally to the makers as that of those buying the cream products.
Story: Ravi Chandnani
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
