Audi Malaysia Archives

Audi SQ8 e-tron dan SQ8 Sportback e-tron Dilancarkan Di Malaysia Dari RM519,900

PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) hari ini mengumumkan penambahan dua model baharu ke dalam rangkaian kenderaan elektrik sepenuhnya iaitu Audi e-tron – SQ8 e-tron dan SQ8 Sportback e-tron.

Dua model berprestasi tinggi baharu di dalam rangkaian eletrik SUV dan crossover Audi Q8 e-tron itu ditawarkan pada harga bermula RM519,900 untuk SQ8 e-tron dan bermula RM529,900 bagi varian SQ8 Sportback e-tron.

Rekaan keseluruhan SQ8 dalam bentuk SUV dan Sportback memberi penekanan terhadap prestasi lebih baik, terima kasih kepada kemasan “S”. Rekaan bampar yang lebar kini lebih ekspresif, manakala panel arca roda dengan aliran udara telah dioptimumkan itu memberikan imej lebih maskular. Bahagian belakang diserlahkan dengan peresap udara aerodinamik dan lampu LED yang memberikan gayaan tersendiri pada waktu malam.

Gril Singleframe yang menjadi signatur Audi (dengan lampu projektor) diserlahkan lagi dengan lampu utama jenis Digital Matrix LED. Unit-unit lampu yang canggih ini mempunyai sekitar 1.3 juta cermin mikro yang boleh disudutkan secara individu sehingga 5,000 kali sesaat. Bergantung kepada tetapan, lampu LED dan liputan cahaya sentiasa berubah untuk mengoptimumkan aspek pencahayaan dan mengambil kira keselesaan pengguna jalan raya yang lain.

Pereka Audi adalah perintis dalam membentuk badan untuk kecekapan aerodinamik terbaik. Hasilnya, SQ8 e-tron mampu menurunkan tahap pekali seretan (Cd) di antara 0.24 dan 0.27, bergantung kepada rekaan bentuk badan kenderaan.

Dimensi model-model SQ8 e-tron serupa dengan Q8 e-tron, tetapi oleh kerana rekaan badan kereta dan estetik lebih berorientasikan kepada sporty, model-model SQ8 e-tron adalah 2mm lebih rendah dan 40mm lebih lebar.

Tapak rodanya adalah sama iaitu 2,928mm yang menjanjikan keselasaan dalaman, terutamanya ruang kaki besar dan but yang luas. SQ8 e-tron menawarkan ruang penyimpanan barang sehingga 569 liter, manakala Sportback mempunyai ruang but seluas 528 liter.

Ciri-ciri lain pada bahagian luaran ialah angkup brek berwarna merah, perumah cermin sisi gentian karbon, rel bumbung hitam dan kemasan hitam lain untuk pakej plus. Rim aloi Audi Sport lima jejari dengan gayaan ‘Interferenz’ bersaiz 22 inci berwarna kelabu (Titanium Gray) dan rekaan diamond-turned hadir sebagai ciri standard.

SQ8 e-tron hadir dengan tiga unit motor tak segerak (asynchronous), dua unit dipasang pada gandar belakang untuk menggerakkan setiap roda secara berasingan. Ini menjadikannya model keluaran massa pertama Audi yang menggunakan tiga motor.

Gandar hadapan dipacu oleh motor elektrik dengan kuasa puncak 166hp. Pada gandar belakang pula, dua unit motor elektrik menjana kuasa 131hp secara berasingan. Dalam mode boost, motor hadapan menghasilkan kuasa mencecah 210hp, manakala dua motor di belakang mampu menjana sehingga 185hp setiap satunya. Ini membolehkannya menjana kuasa mencecahi 580hp, tetapi output kuasa keseluruhan sistem tersebut dihadkan kepada 496hp menerusi pek bateri 114kWh.

Di samping pecutan seperti sebuah kereta sport iaitu 0 ke 100km/j dalam masa 4.5 saat dan pecutan maksimum 210km/j, rangkaian kuasa 3 motor itu turut meningkatkan pengendalian di laluan bengkang-bengkok.

Memandangkan dua unit motor pada gandar belakang tidak bersambung dan menggerakkan setiap roda secara berasingan, jadi kuasa tork yang tepat dan pelbagai boleh disalurkan kepada roda-roda berkenaan.

Apabila dipandu secara santai, hanya sejumlah kecil kuasa akan digunakan. Motor elektrik di bahagian belakang lebih banyak digunakan untuk memandu kenderaan dalam kondisi harian biasa. Apabila lebih banyak kuasa diperlukan, kuasa tork disalurkan ke kedua-dua gandar, maka SQ8 e-tron boleh menawarkan karakteristik quattro lagenda, dipertingkatkan oleh vektor tork elektrik.

Sistem elektrikal yang canggih pada SQ8 e-tron boleh mengendali bekalan pengecasan sehingga 170 kW di poin pengecasan DC untuk tempoh pengecasan yang lebih singkat. Tempoh pengecasan di poin pengecas pantas DC boleh sepantas 31 minit daripada 10% ke 80% (SoC). Julat WLTP ialah sehingga 471km untuk SQ8 e-tron Sportback dan 458km bagi SQ8 e-tron.

Soket pengecasan juga boleh menerima 3 mode pengecasan AC standard yang menggunakan Wallbox di rumah atau stesen pengecasan awam. Dengan pengecasan AC, masa yang diperlukan adalah sekitar 9.15 jam hingga 11.30 jam, bergantung kepada bekalan kuasa elektrik. Terdapat juga pengecas on-board yang membolehkan jentera ini dicaj sehingga 22kW daripada pengecas AC.

Bagi memudahkan pengguna, SQ8 e-tron mempunyai soket pengecasan tambahan di sebelah sisi kenderaan. Ini akan membuatkannya lebih mudah untuk disambungkan di mana-mana stesen pengecasan di tepi jalan.

Pemandu juga boleh mengawal jadual pengecasan melalui Audi Multi Media Interface (Audi MMI) di dalam kereta. Dalam 90% dalam semua situasi membrek, SQ8 e-tron tidak akan menggunakan brek cakeranya. Sebaliknya, dengan konsep penjanaan semula pintar, sistem SQ8 e-tron pulih kembali melalui motor elektrik sahaja, tanpa memerlukan brek konvensional yang berfungsi sebagai generator, menukar tenaga kinetik kepada tenaga elektrik yang kemudian disimpan dalam bateri.

Platform chasis elektronik MEB Evo pada SQ8 e-tron mempunyai suspensi udara adaptif sport dengan kawalan redaman untuk roda depan dan belakang. Berupaya mengadaptasi kondisi jalan yang berbeza dengan tepat secara berterusan, aspek keselesaan dan kestabilan dapat dikekalkan sepanjang masa.

Ketinggian juga melarasa secara automatik sehingga lebih 76mm. Di atas lebuh raya, kenderaan boleh direndahkan sebanyak 26mm untuk meningkatkan kecekapan aerodinamik dan kestabilan. Apabila memandu di atas permukaan jalan yang lebih kasar (menggunakan mode Offroad), jarak kelegaan tanah akan ditingkatkan dari 35mm kepada 50mm.

Walaupun ia sebuah SUV, SQ8 e-tron mempunyai titik graviti yang rendah setanding dengan sedan. Aspek ini dibantu oleh kedudukan sistem bateri yang diletakkan di lantai di antara gandar, ia juga membuatkan agihan berat gandar hampir optimum iaitu 50:50.

Kabin yang sporty dan mewah SQ8 e-tron mempunyai kabin seperti model-model mewah Audi yang lain. Bagi mengekalkan imej yang lebih sporty, tempat duduk hadapan dibalut dengan kulit Valcona bersama logo “S”.

Kombinasi material kulit pada bahagian atas papan pemuka serta kemasan karbon dan aluminium di ruang bawahnya menyerlahkan imej mewah dan berteknologi tinggi. Ruang itu dipertingkatkan lagi dengan ciri Ambient Lighting Package plus serta lampu LED pada pintu hadapan dan belakang. Sistem kawalan suhu 4 zon memastikan agihan udara segar dan sejuk ke semua penjuru kabin. Sistem itu turut dilengkapi ionizer udara dengan ciri aromatik yang boleh diubah suai oleh penumpang bagi mendapatkan kualiti udara terbaik.

Audi Virtual Cockpit kini lebih berorientasikan kepada pemandu apabila panel instrumen diintegrasikan dengan papan pemuka dan paparan yang kemas. Paparan Head-Up Display menjadi satu ciri standard untuk meningkatkan keselamatan ketika memandu. Selain dua paparan sentuh MMI yang diposisikan ke arah pemandu, terdapat juga butang operasi berwarna hitam berkilat dengan maklum balas haptik.

Paparan antara muka telefon pintar membolehkan integrasi dengan kebanyakan peranti iOS dan Android, lengkap bersama Audi MMI untuk mengawal ciri-ciri seperti navigasi, muzik dan aplikasi-aplikasi terpilih.

Audio sistem premium Bang & Olufsen dengan 3D membolehkan anda alami muzik seperti yang dirakam, dengan dimensi bunyi keliling. Sistem ini mempunyai satu unit amplifier yang efisen untuk memacu 16 unit pembesar suara berkapasiti 705 watts.

Selain rekaan ruang yang progresif dan elegan, kabin SQ8 e-tron juga menunjukkan komitmen Audi ke atas aspek kelestarian apabila menggunakan banyak material mesra alam.

Banyak komponen berkaitan keselamatan yang digunakan seperti pelindung plastik tali pinggang keledar dihasilkan daripada gabungan plastik buangan automotif.

Selari dengan falsafah jenama, badan SQ8 e-tron dibina daripada gabungan besi/aluminium yang mengimbangi berat kenderaan elektrik bersaiz sebegini bersama pek bateri berkuasa tinggi. Malah, pek bateri dan badan itu membentuk satu struktur hibrid yang 45 peratus lebih kukuh berbanding SUV dengan enjin pembakaran dalaman. Binaan ini kemudian menawarkan kualiti pengendalian lebih baik dan senyap.

SQ8 e-tron memiliki rangkaian sistem keselamatan pasif dan aktif yang merangkumi kawalan jelajah adaptif, amaran penukaran lorong, bantuan membelok dan melencong, serta bantuan lintasan trafik depan dan belakang.

Ciri keselamatan standard yang lain termasuk sistem beg udara SRS di sisi dan belakang, pakej keselamatan kanak-kanak dengan cagak tempat duduk ISOFIX, top tether dan sistem pemantauan tekanan tayar.

Bagi memudahkan urusan parkir, SQ8 e-tron dilengkapi pakej Park Assist bersama ciri park assist plus yang membantu mengesan ruang parkir yang kosong, kemudian memarkir kenderaan tanpa memerlukan input stereng daripada pemandu.

SQ8 e-tron didatangkan dalam pilihan warna yang luas termasuklah kelabu (Magnet Gray), biru (Ultra Blue), kelabu (Chronos Gray), hitam (Mythos Black), biru (Plasma Blue), kelabu (Daytona Gray) dan putih (Glacier White).

Kedua-dua varian SQ8 e-tron boleh dibeli bersama pilihan Audi Assurance Package (AAP) yang menawarkan jaminan lanjutan kenderaan sehingga 5 tahun dengan penyelenggaraan berjadual secara percuma untuk 3 tahun pertama dan bantuan tepi jalan percuma bagi 5 tahun pertama. Sistem bateri pula dilindungi secara berasingan menerusi jaminan selama 8 tahun atau perbatuan sejauh 160,000 km.

Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron Launched in Malaysia From RM519k

PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) today announced the addition of two new models to its fully electric Audi e-tron range – the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron.

The two new high-performance models in the Q8 e-tron range of Audi’s electric SUV and crossover models are priced from RM519,990 for the SQ8 e-tron, and from RM529,990 for the SQ8 Sportback e-tron.

The overall design of the SQ8 in SUV and Sportback emphasises the higher performance thanks to the “S” trip. Bumpers are more expressive while widened, while flow-optimised wheel arch panels give a more muscular image. The rear end, underscored by an aerodynamic diffuser, has LED lamps which provide a distinct visual signature at night.

The signature Singleframe grille (with projector lighting) is flanked by Digital Matrix LED headlamps. These advanced lighting units have around 1.3 million micromirrors that can be individually angled up to 5,000 times a second. Depending on the setting, the LED light and its coverage can be constantly varied for optimised illumination while taking into consideration other road users.

Audi’s designers are pioneers in shaping bodies for the best aerodynamic efficiency and the SQ8 e-tron features include these details, to push the drag coefficient (Cd) down to between 0.24 and 0.27, depending on body style.

The proportions of the SQ8 e-tron models are similar to those of the Q8 e-tron but due to the more sports-oriented bodywork and aesthetics, the SQ8 e-tron models are 2 mm lower and 40mm wider. The 2928 mm wheelbase is similar, ensuring that interior comfort – especially rear legroom – and boot volume is generous. The SQ8 e-tron offers up to 569 litres of storage space while the Sportback unravels 528 litres in the boot.

Other features on the exterior are red-painted brake calipers, exterior mirror housings in carbon fibre, black roof rails and a black appearance plus package. Fitted as standard are Audi Sport 22-inch alloy wheels in the 5-arm ‘Interferenz’ style, finished in Titanium Gray and diamond-turned.

The SQ8 e-tron has three asynchronous motors, two of which are on the rear axle and powering each wheel separately. This is the first mass-produced Audi model with three motors. The front axle is driven by an electric motor with a peak output of 166hp. On the rear axle, there are two electric motors both with 131hp of peak output that separately power a rear wheel. In boost mode, the front motor produces up to 210hp, and the two rear motors up to 185hp each. This would add up to 580hp but the total system output is limited to 496hp by the 114 kWh battery pack.

Besides sportscar acceleration of 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h, the 3-motor drivetrain also enhances handling on winding roads. Because the two rear motors are not connected and power each wheel independently, precise and varied torque levels can be sent to each wheel.

When not required for hard driving, only a fraction of the available output is used. The electric motors at the rear are used more to drive the vehicle in normal daily conditions. When more output is used, the torque shifts to both axles so the SQ8 e-tron can offer the legendary quattro characteristics, enhanced by electric torque vectoring.

The sophisticated electrical system in the SQ8 e-tron can handle charging supplies of up to 170 kW at DC charging points (where available) for a shorter charging period. Charging duration with a DC high-speed charging point can be as short as 31 minutes from 10% to 80% (SoC). WLTP range is up to 471km for the SQ8 e-tron Sportback and 458km for the SQ8 e-tron.

The charging socket can also accept a standard mode 3 charging cable for AC charging with a Wallbox at home or a public charging station. With AC charging, the time will be between 9.15 hours to around 11.30 hours, depending on the power supply. There is also an on-board charger that allows for charging at up to 22 kW from an AC outlet.

For convenience, the SQ8 e-tron has an additional charging socket on the other side of the vehicle. This will make it easier to connect in certain locations where the charging station may be situated by the roadside. The driver can control the charging schedule from within the vehicle via the Audi Multi Media Interface (Audi MMI).

In 90% of all braking situations, the SQ8 e-tron will not use its disc brakes. With an intelligent regeneration concept, the SQ8 e-tron system recuperates via the electric motors alone, without needing the conventional brakes which then work as generators, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy that is stored in the battery.

The MEB Evo electronic chassis platform of the SQ8 e-tron has adaptive sport air suspension with controlled damping for both the front and rear wheels. With precise and constant adaptation to varying road conditions, comfort and stability are maintained at their best at all times.

The ride height also adjusts automatically over a wide range of 76 mm. On the highway, the body can be lowered by 26 mm for enhanced stability and aerodynamic efficiency. When driving on rougher terrain (with Offroad mode selected), the ground clearance can be increased by 35mm to 50mm.

Despite being an SUV, the SQ8 e-tron has a low centre of gravity comparable even to a sedan. This is helped by the placement of the battery system in the floor between the axles, which also creates an axle load distribution that is almost the optimal 50:50. Sporty, luxury-class cabin.

The SQ8 e-tron has a cabin which is like that of the brand’s luxury-class models. In keeping with the sportier image of the model, the front sports seats are Valcona leather with the “S” badge embossed.

Combinations of leather in areas such as the upper part of the dashboard and lower interior elements with decorative inserts in carbon and aluminium look present the image of luxury as well as high tech. This is further enhanced by the Ambient Lighting Package plus and LED entrance lights at the front and rear doors.

The 4-zone climate control system ensures the distribution of cool and refreshing air to all corners of the cabin. Also included in the system is an air ioniser with aromatisation which the occupants can adjust in several stages for the best air quality.

The Audi Virtual Cockpit has a strong driver bias, with the instrument panel integrated into the wraparound dashboard and a sleek display standing visually free in space. A Head-Up Display is standard for enhanced driving safety. Besides the two MMI touch response displays angled in the driver’s direction, there are also Glossy Black operating buttons with haptic feedback.

A smartphone interface allows integration of most iOS and Android smartphones with the Audi MMI to control features such as navigation, music and selected apps.

The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D allows music to be experienced exactly as recorded, with a spatial dimension of height as well. The system has a highly efficient amplifier driving 16 loudspeakers with 705 watts.

Besides the progressive elegance of the unified interior design, the cabin of the SQ8 e-tron also demonstrates Audi’s commitment to sustainability with the use of many eco-friendly materials. Many of the safety-relevant components used – for example, the plastic covers of seat belt buckles – have been produced in part from mixed automotive plastic waste.

In line with the brand philosophy, the body of the SQ8 e-tron has a mixed steel/aluminium hybrid construction which moderates the weight of the electric vehicle of this size with a powerful battery pack. In fact, the battery pack and body form a strong hybrid structure with 45% greater torsional stiffness than a conventional combustion SUV. This construction pays off in better handling as well as reduced noise levels.

The SQ8 e-tron has a range of advanced passive and active safety systems which include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, swerve assist and turn assist, and front and rear cross-traffic assist.

Other standard safety features include front side and rear SRS airbag systems, a child safety package with ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tether, and a direct tyre pressure monitoring system. For ease of parking, the SQ8 e-tron has a Park Assist package with park assist plus helps locate an available bay and then manoeuvres the vehicle in without any steering input by the driver.

The SQ8 e-tron is available with a wide range of exterior colour choices such as Magnet Gray, Ultra Blue, Chronos Gray, Mythos Black, Plasma Blue, Daytona Gray and Glacier White.

Both SQ8 e-tron variants can be purchased with the optional Audi Assurance Package (AAP) which extends the vehicle warranty period to 5 years, with free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years and complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years. The battery system is covered by a separate warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km.

Audi Malaysia Expands e-tron Offerings with Exclusive Campaigns

In response to the growing interest in environmentally sustainable vehicles in Malaysia, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), the distributor of Audi in the country, is expanding its offerings for electric vehicles (EVs). The company is introducing retail specials and exclusive packages for the Audi Q8 e-tron 55 and e-tron GT, making it more accessible for Malaysians to own and experience the joy of driving an all-electric Audi vehicle.

The recently introduced “Go electric” campaign offers potential owners the opportunity to enjoy savings of up to RM93,000, in addition to the significant savings provided by government duty exemptions. The campaign aims to make Audi’s electric vehicles more attractive to environmentally conscious consumers in Malaysia.

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Review: Audi E-tron – Lightning Fast!

Global warming supposedly is said to have peaked in 1988. That is when it became a political agenda and a point of discussion for many, giving rise to environmentalist in the process. However, climate change, as global warming will become known as later, did not truly take the global stage until 2006 – thanks to one Al Gore.

The former Vice President of the United States became one of the most vocal environmental activists and his film ‘The Inconvenient Truth’ can be credited as opening the eyes of the world to the devastation of climate change.

However, it is not all Al Gore of course. The European and American governmental agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the European Environment Agency too played a pivotal role in introducing regulations that directly affected car makers.

The work of the agencies and environmentalists forced automotive conglomerates to take action, and this inadvertently gave rise to the era of the Electric Vehicles (EV).

One could argue that EVs have been around for nearly a century, but it is undeniably that they have never been as popular as they are now. And there are all kinds of EV’s; small scooters, cheap EVs from China and then on the other hand of the economic spectrum, we have EVs such as the one we see here, the Audi e-Tron GT.

Besides being environmentally friendly, the great thing about EVs is that designers can practically throw out the rule book and do just about whatever they want. The regular rules don’t apply – there’s no longer a need for large vents as there is no engine to keep cool, the coefficient of drag also means that an EV needs to be as sleek as possible to maximise range. And this just means that designers can come up with some of the most visually striking cars ever seen.

The Audi e-Tron GT is one of those ‘visually striking’ cars. The world first caught a glimpse of it in The Avengers movie when Tony Stark drove it to his Malibu mansion. Tony Stark aka Iron Man, the character played by Robert Downey Jr, is an eccentric gazillionaire that builds specialized weaponry and drives exotic Audis.

The e-Tron GT made the transition from a big screen special to real world stunner about two years after the movie. We got to drive it around the Sepang International Circuit which proved to be the ideal place to experience its unbelievable power.

EVs and great power seem to be counter productive since EV’s are supposed to be the halo cars, the answer to all of our automotive problems. That is what car makers would like us to believe at least. But on the contrary, EV’s produce power more naturally than internal combustion engine. Unlike the latter, the problem with EV’s is not producing power but managing it, and power is available as easily and as immediately as turning on a light switch.

During the recent track day, there were two models to drive, the Audi RS e-Tron GT and the standard e-Tron GT. We could only drive one model through a draw of the luck system which basically meant you had to drive whatever car that was parked ahead of you, and by sheer luck we were invited into the cockpit of the most powerful of them all – the RS e-Tron GT.

The standard e-Tron is already a force to be reckoned with. It offers 476PS and 630Nm of torque, but it has a trick up its sleeve called a boost mode. When activated, power is hiked to 530PS and 640Nm, and this allows the car to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in an eye watering 4.1 seconds. Which is astonishing for a car that weighs about 2,300kgs.

If you think that is impressive, the RS version is the mad sibling. As compared to its sedate sibling, the RS has 646PS and scarcely believable 830Nm of torque. It weighs about the same as the standard e-Tron but it sees off the charge to 100km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds. However, we managed to hit 100km/h in just three seconds, and there are rumours that it can do so in 2.8 seconds.

That type of performance figures are usually reserved for hypercars like Bugatti and Koenigsegg, so the fact that you can experience it in a car that costs under RM800,000 is quite amazing.

And the Audi is not all about its sexy design and stratospheric performance, it is also one that cocoons you in an interior that is a blend of new world tech and old-world quality.

A familiar smell greets you as soon as you step inside the e-Tron. All Audis smell the same thanks to a dedicated team called ‘the nose team’. First set up in 1985, the nose team has a singular purpose of ensuring that every Audi smells the same.

Ahead of you a flat-bottomed steering wheel waits in command with two shifters right behind it. The shifters are part of the two-speed automatic transmission system. Yes, this Audi has a transmission just like the Porsche Taycan, which is not surprising since both cars are pretty much the same and share the same platform, electric motors and internals. Only the shell and the interiors are different, but more on that later.

The two-speed transmission lets the e-Tron hit a top speed of 250km/h (245 for the non RS). Most EV’s do not have a transmission system with the electric motors feeding power directly to the wheels. This limits the top speed. So by using a two-speed transmission, the Audis (and the Porsches) have a higher top speed which is very much in line with their brand values – performance!

Besides that, there are twin digital monitors aft of the steering wheel. One doubles up as the meter panel and gives you all the usual vehicles telemetries while another is the usual infotainment system and such.

You will notice that the is no gear knob in the traditional sense, but rather it has been replaced by a gear switch which you slide up and down to select your desired movement.

The sports seats are finished in fine Nappa leather while the interior is dowsed in Dinamica microfiber finishing that feels soft and supple.

Despite sharing platforms with the Porsche Taycan, somehow the e-Tron feels bigger, which makes it feel more comfortable especially in the back seats. It can still feel a little tight for taller passengers, especially over longer distances.

The big question when it comes to EV’s is the amount of time it needs to recharge and how far can it go on a single charge. But yet again, the Audi does not disappoint. Packing a 84kWh battery, the e-Tron runs on a 800 volt platform that allows it to provide such high system outputs and yet reduce charging time.

When it comes to range and provided you don’t floor the pedal at every opportunity you get (which is admittedly difficult to do), Audi says the e-Tron will be able to travel 488km. And when it needs a juicing up, and provided you have access to a DC charger, the e-Tron needs just 22.5 minutes to recharge from 5% up to 80% state of charge. Audi did not disclose how long it will take to recharge with an AC charger but simply said that such a charger is better suited for overnight charging.

The Audi e-Tron GT is one of the most electrifying EV’s in Malaysia yet. And priced at RM587,990 to RM792,990, depending on the variant and specifications, the real question here is, should Porsche be worried that the e-Tron might steal some sales from the Taycan? Judging from looks alone, we think it might.

Specifications

Motors: Twin-electric motors

Power: 646PS (RS model in Boost Mode)

Torque: 820N (RS model in Boost Mode)

Transmission: Two-speed automatic

Weight: 2,345kg without driver

Charging Time: 22.5 minutes with DC charger (5% – 80% SOC)

We like: Good looks, mad performance

We don’t like: We can’t afford it

Audi Q3 Sportback: We Try To Justify Its Price

The Audi Q3 was introduced back in 2011 as a subcompact luxury crossover SUV for those who wanted an SUV but found the Q7 to be way too big and the Q5 to be better suited for families.

The Q3 went up against the likes of the BMW X1, Lexus UX, Mini Countryman and to some extent, even the Range Rover Evoque.

When first introduced, there were many criticisms levelled against it, alleging that it lacked space and imagination. And not having enough power.

But since its introduction, over a million units have found a home worldwide. Proving those criticisms to be unwarranted.

Closer to home, the Audi Q3 has enjoyed brisk sales as well. Whether bought officially or from parallel importers, it is easy to find a Q3 on the road as you go about your business in major Malaysian cities. And it is easy to understand why as well.

Over the years the car has grown in size, offering more interior room a comfortable interior and dare we say it – decent power. But other than all of that, it has even become quite efficient despite some models offering all-wheel-drive capabilities which inadvertently equals to increased fuel consumption.

The Audi Q3 Sportback that you see here though takes it all up a couple of notches and even warrants the use of the word stunning; a combination of the sports coupe bodyline and the intense blue colour which Audi calls Turbo Blue.

The colour does seem to suite the overall character of the Q3 Sportback. Afterall the Sportback is meant to appeal to those who wanted all the functions of a compact SUV but with a tinge of style and aggression sprinkled in either to match their age or personalities.

One thing for sure though, everywhere the Q3 Sportback went, people noticed. This was evident by the cringed necks as observers struggled to get one final look or with gawking looks and pointed fingers at traffic lights.

The Q3 Sportback is undoubtedly stylish and that’s saying the least.

But the Q3 Sportback is not exactly new. It has been in the market since 2020, launched by Audi Malaysia right before the pandemic at an eye watering RM360,223.60 with the Audi Assurance Package that provides for a five year warranty and three year maintenance package with unlimited mileage.

As what we have discovered before in our previous reviews of Audi cars in Malaysia, the fact that Audi cars are fully imported units means they are taxed heavily in every way possible. Hence the prices. And the lack of overall demand does not warrant a local assembly program – not yet at least.

You could buy a used one or an imported unit but that would deprive you of access to the official service centres and official Audi spare parts. Besides, a quick check on some of the leading used car websites shows there’s only a handful of units.

So why would you bother with an Audi Q3 Sportback then?

Because in all intents and purposes, the Q3 Sportback is a really nice car to drive and to cocoon yourself in on a day-to-day basis. Let us explain why.

But before that, let’s just make one thing clear, the interior – especially the back seats – are not very big. As we found out after latching on a child seat, there’s not much legroom for a three-year-old seated in his chair. And as soon as a six-footer takes the driver’s seat, there’s very little space left at the back seat directly behind the driver.

But that’s about it though. That is the only complaint we have about the interior. But that can be forgiven if you don’t have a family to transport and don’t intend on using the back seats much either.

Up front, the multi-function, flat-bottomed S-Line steering wheel greets you as soon as you take a seat. It has well placed buttons and dials that have a firm click and feel like they will last a long time.

Directly behind the steering wheel lays a 12.3-inch TFT digital meter panel that gives you multiple readouts and is capable of displaying the navigational map, the music and all of the onboard data, all at the same time.

This is part of the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus system and it is one of the best in the industry. The screen refreshes at a rate of 60 times per second; so fast that the human doesn’t even see it refreshing. Instead, what you see is an ultra-sharp display of all the important readings.

On the left of that is the Audi MMI system that is accessible via a 10.1-inch screen. Here you get access to all of the onboard systems such as Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The software that governs everything is arguably the best in the industry as well. The fact that it is simple and controls are not hidden deep in its programs makes it easy to use even when driving. Car makers like Mercedes, BMW and even Lexus could take a card out of Audi’s software book.

Besides all of those onboard gizmos, the real fun is how the Q3 Sportback drives.

Powering the car is the Volkswagen group’s famous 2.0 TFSI engine that can be found in cars like the Golf. However in the Sportback, the engine has been tuned to make 180PS from 3900rpm and 320Nm of torque from just 1400rpm.

It does the charge to 100km/h in about 7.3 seconds and maxes out at 220km/h. This is decent enough for your day to day business. And if you are the type that likes to attack some corners, the quattro all-wheel-drive system lets you dig deep for traction.

But you can’t rely on the suspension to match your intent though as it is comprised of a regular multi-link set up at the back and MacPherson struts up front without any adaptive capabilities.

If it were adaptive, it would respond to the selected driving mode and would have stiffened up in Dynamic mode for better control. In Comfort mode it would have calmed down and soaked up the roads for max interior comfort.

However, the Sportback is better suited for long distance drives, highway cruises, urban commutes and does an excellent job at isolating the cabin from the outside world. This results in a comfortable and even silent ride quality, which is what ultimately the Q3 Sportback is designed for.

The Audi Q3 Sportback is a fun car designed for daily drives with a focus on comfort, practicality and a tinge of power. It’s Sportback roofline gives an impressive 530-litres of luggage capacity which makes it ideal for small families as well.

Perhaps the only stumbling block may be the price. And the fact that competitors like the BMW X3 are newer and can be had from just about RM329,000. It may seem difficult to justify the asking price of the Audi Q3 Sportback, but there is no doubt that it has quite a lot to offer, but it all comes with a hefty price tag.

Specifications

Engine: 2.0 TFSI, 4-cylinder, Turbocharged, all-wheel-drive

Power: 180PS @ 3900rpm

Torque: 320Nm @ 1400rpm

Fuel consumption: 8.1-litres / 100km

Suspension: MacPherson Struts (front) / Multi-link (rear)

Price: RM360,423.60 with Audi Assurance Package

We like: Does everything quite well

We don’t like: Hefty price tag

Audi Recognition Plan Launched To Support Parallel Imported Models

The Audi Recognition Plan was introduced today by PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) in an effort to encourage the parallel import of Audi automobiles.

Audi Plus, Audi Insurance Plan, Audi Repair Package, and Beyond Economic Repair Assist, which include authentic parts, maintenance, repair, and service for a better customer experience while assuring continuous top-tier performance and safety, are benefits that assist Audi owners under the plan.

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Audi Malaysia Introduces Seven New Electric Models!

Seven fully electric Audi e-tron models were formally introduced to the Malaysian market today by PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), the importer and distributor of Volkswagen and Audi cars for Malaysia.

Erik Winter, Managing Director of PHSAM remarked that response for the Audi e-tron has been overwhelming from dealers and customers alike. “This is the largest product release for Audi in Malaysia, and we are elated to be the first country in the region to launch the Q8 e-tron. These top-of-range, high performance luxury vehicles have been highly anticipated, and are now set to captivate the hearts and imagination of Malaysians seeking a sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility option,” said Erik.

Audi RS e-tron GT and e-tron GT quattro

Advanced aerodynamics with active components, such as controlled inlets to cool the front brakes, air curtains to direct airflow around the vehicle for minimum drag-inducing turbulence, and thermal management with cooling air as necessary, are used while keeping the traditional design lines of GT cars. Depending on the driving conditions, the rear spoiler can be extended into two configurations for the best airflow.

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Audi A5 Sportback: If You’re Tired of BMWs and Benz’s!

“… but in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes,” is a quote penned by Benjamin Franklin in 1789.

And though 234 years have passed since then, the quote still holds true.

The Malaysian automotive tax structure is among the highest in the world. This is great for the government coffers, but not so great for car buyers and lovers since we have to pay tens if not hundreds of thousands more for cars than anywhere else but Singapore.

Because of the taxes, seemingly regular cars that are designed to be affordable elsewhere, are considered a luxury in Malaysia.

Take the Audi A5 Sportback for example. In Germany it sells for 33,300 Euros, roughly about the RM165,000. One could argue that it is priced as such because the A5 Sportback is made in Germany.

In neighboring Thailand on the other hand, the A5 Sportback retails for RM400,000.

In Malaysia, the same car is priced at a little over RM460,000. Which is undoubtedly expensive, but does the A5 Sportback actually warrant such an asking price?

Design & Interior

Sexy, sleek and a definite head turner is how we would describe the A5 Sportback. It is an obvious evolution of the first generation of the A5 which is how Audi likes to do it – a keen desire to moderns its designs with a firm eye on the past, is how I would describe Audi’s design language.

The frameless doors are arguably the best thing about the design of the A5 Sportback. The doors are reminiscent of times of past where frameless doors were cool and extravagant. These days they are found in expensive supercars, in Malaysia at least.

Audi also deserves credit for those hexagonal twin exhaust pipes. Not for the way they look but because they are not just there for show but are actual exhaust pipes. Which is something a lot of car makers love to fake for the sake of design.

Inside the overall design is simplistic yet functional. And again, in usual Audi form, everything feels well built. Though the buttons and switches are obviously from the Volkswagen parts bin, somehow they feel better in the Audi. It’s as if more thought and care was put into assembling the Audi than a Volkswagen.

There are annoying buzzes from the dash over uneven surfaces and at certain speeds, but a quick flick of the volume knob fixes that.

On the topic of knobs, I truly appreciate the fact that the Audi A5 Sportback has not succumbed to haptic buttons like some of the Volkswagen models have. Some of the most basic controls such as air-conditioning and audio controls are still controlled using regular physical knobs. Haptic buttons are horrible especially when you are trying to drive and slide your fingers over the controls at the same time. It is worse if you suffer from sweat palms which makes the buttons completely unusable at times.

So the fact that the A5 Sportback still uses regular knobs is a great thing. But considering that a number of Audi models have already turned to haptics including the latest RS6, it is unfortunately only a matter of time before the A5 succumbs as well.

Space too is a little tight. Though there is space in the backseat for a baby chair, a three year old toddler will find little room to stretch his legs. Space in the 465-litre booth though was decent enough for a weekend getaway with the family including space for a small stroller. And though the driver is able to get comfortable for long distance drives, the passenger sitting directly behind a six-foot tall driver wouldn’t be left with much.

On the other hand, the software of the Audi entertainment system deserves a special mention as it is one of the easiest to use in the automotive business.

It does not hide instructions behind layers of commands and everything is laid out neat and tidy across large tiles that clearly spell out what they are supposed to do. Some car makers (Mercedes especially) can be over enthusiastic with their programs and there are just way too many commands, which makes it difficult to navigate around. Not in this Audi.

And the fact that it comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a definite plus point.

The 10.1-inch Audi infotainment system is faultless as is the Audi Virtual Cockpit which is basically Audi lingo for digital meter panel.

The fully digital meter panel offers three different display styles, each with its own unique style – either basic with minimal information which I like, or Dynamic and Sporty which tries too hard to make it feel like a race car with too much information which can be overwhelming.

Engine & Drive

The A5 Sportback is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine that is mated to a 7-speed twin-clutch S Tronic gearbox. The powertrain is another one from the Volkswagen parts bin, but that is not a bad thing.

And just as you would expect of any Audi, power is sent to all four wheels. The Quattro system has become synonymous with the German carmaker. Afterall, this single piece of technology catapulted Audi to “Gods of Rally” status back in the early 80s. On the road, this translates to enhanced safety especially when driving through the torrential Malaysian afternoon showers.

The A5 Sportback also offers five different driving modes which Audi calls Drive Select. Drive modes is not particularly special since a lot of cars offer it now but the one in the Audi has one called Auto, which basically means that the car is able to “study” your driving style and give you the best efficiency or performance depending on the behavior of your right foot. Now that’s not something a lot of cars can boast about.

On the move, the A5 Sportback offers a serene interior that not even the 35 profile Bridgestone tyres can intrude on. Now that’s saying something as low profile tyres don’t have much rubber to absorb noise before it is transferred back to the cabin.

I particularly liked the Jackly & Hyde character of the A5 Sportback. Depending on the selected driving mode, it can either be a laid back and comfortable car, or in Dynamic mode (which is Sport mode), the car engages the driver with a sportier engine note and sharper handling with the accelerator responding to every little throttle input.

Conclusion

There are very few cars in today’s market that offer four doors, great looks and a fun driving experience while retaining some comfort and perhaps even space for a small, vertically challenged family. The Audi A5 Sportback has all of that, but at RM460,000, it is its own worst enemy.

But the price is not Audi Malaysia’s doing because the A5 Sportback is one of the few European cars in Malaysia that is actually made in Germany and it shows with the quality of the interior and some of the fit and finishing around the car.

But because it is imported, that simply means that buyers will have to pay the usual mountain of taxes.

So should you buy it? Well if you like a car that screams style and elegance then of course you should. Just don’t pay attention to the automotive classified websites where an A5 Sportback with similar specification sells for a fraction of the price. The only thing going for you then would be the fact that you can rest easy knowing you have an official Audi service centre to turn to should anything turn awry.