Hip To Be Angular

The previous Audi Q3 was a well-rounded, friendly affair. This new generation ushers in hard lines and an angry face. We like.

- Walter Hayward

LUSH IS AN ADJECTIVE THAT’S INFILTRATED MY VOCABULARY RECENTLY. DEFINED BY MERRIAM-WEBSTER AS “appealing to the senses”, it’s important to note here that I pronounce it as loosh. Call me vapid, but I think that’s the correct pronunciation.

‘Where’s this going?’ you ask. Well GQ recently drove the brand new Audi Q3 and – to sum it up – it’s quite lush.

Compared to the first gen the new one is a vast improvement in almost all aspects. The not-so-little SUV has grown thanks to a new platform, ensuring a much roomier cabin – and it’s packed to the rafters with Audi’s latest tech.

Looks wise, it took me a while to get used to the styling. If the previous Q3 was a circle, this one is unashamedly a square. And that’s not a bad thing. If the pug-like looks of the Q2 don’t do it for you, this is the more sensible Audi option. It’s certainly more muscular, with flared wheel arches reminiscent of rally Audis of the past, and angular edges on the bumpers. The polygonal grill and glitzy lights create an unmistakable Audi face.