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Overview

If you took Audi's mid-size Q8 SUV and hit it with a shrink ray, it would turn into the 2021 Q3. From its large trapezoidal grille to aggressively canted rear hatch, the junior Audi SUV does its best impression of the brand's larger crossovers.

Inside, buyers will find a tech-heavy interior, which is expected from modern Audis, but it offers youthful flair in the form of optional brightly-colored suede dash trim and multi-color ambient interior lighting.

A turbocharged four-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive provide decent pep and all-weather assurance, but those seeking outright speed may be disappointed. Still, its agile chassis gives it the moves to challenge driver-favorites such as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-class.

What's New for 2021?

Audi has simplified the Q3 lineup for 2021 by dropping the top-flight Prestige trim level and splitting its features into available Technology or Convenience packages on the remaining Premium and Premium Plus trims.

The entry-level Premium model now comes standard with power-adjustable front seats, lane-departure warning, and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.

The Convenience package now includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated compass, heated power-folding exterior mirrors, and LED interior lighting.

The Premium Plus model gains adaptive cruise control as a standard feature and can be equipped with a new Technology package that includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a larger 10.1-inch infotainment display, a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, and built-in navigation.

All Q3s now come standard with the previously optional S line Exterior package, which includes 19-inch wheels and S line-branded door-sill inlays.

A Black Optic exterior package (unique 19-inch wheels and black exterior trim) is now available, as is a Parking Assistance package, which includes a 360-degree exterior camera system and a self-parking feature.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Premium: $36,995
Premium Plus: $40,295

Although it's now the most expensive model, the Premium Plus trim still represents the best buy in the Q3 lineup.

Its relatively affordable price tag equips it with many desirable features, including a wireless charging pad, blind-spot monitoring, passive entry with push-button start, LED headlamps, and adaptive cruise control.

We'd also suggest the aforementioned Technology package, which unlocks the coolest tech features Audi has to offer.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Q3 is powered by a 228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, its transmission shifted smoothly during normal operation and has sportier reactions when shifted into S mode.

Thankfully, its suspension damped out all but the harshest road imperfections. Direct steering with a light-to-the-touch feel gives the Q3 a sense of agility. The little SUV also moves with the same grace as its larger siblings when pitched down a twisty section of road.

2020 Audi Q3 – ALL-NEW Audi Q3 2020 - YouTube

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

While the EPA hasn't released fuel-economy estimates for the 2021 model year, the Q3's lack of mechanical changes suggest the ratings will be the same as last year. The 2020 Q3 is expected to earn 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Those numbers are between 3 and 4 mpg lower than similarly equipped rivals, such as the X1 and Volvo XC40.

However, the Q3 we tested on our 200-mile fuel-economy route exceeded its government highway rating by 4 mpg (31 total), which matched the real-world figure on the X1 we tested.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Q3's cabin addresses all of our complaints about that of the outgoing model, with a much improved driving position, a user-friendly layout of its controls, and finer materials.

Its standout standard features include a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats with eight-way power adjustments and lumbar support for the driver.

More luxurious options include ambient interior lighting, a fully digital gauge cluster, and contrasting microsuede on the dashboard and doors.

The cabin is also more spacious than the previous model, but its back seat still lacks sufficient legroom to keep adults comfortable on long slogs.

We managed to fit six carry-on suitcases in the cargo area and another 12 bags with the rear seats folded. Those are both less than we fit in the X1 but on par with the Jaguar E-Pace.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Audi equips most Q3 models with an 8.8-inch touchscreen MMI infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A larger 10.1-inch touchscreen is also available with the same content.

We found the interface to be attractive and mostly easy to operate due to its large icons and haptic feedback. However, its low position on the dashboard can be distracting.

Top options include SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker, 680-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 Q3 hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

However, the 2020 version earned a five-star NHTSA rating, and the 2019 Q3 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The subcompact-luxury crossover also offers a wide range of driver-assistance technology, such as automatic high-beam headlights and automated emergency braking. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning
Available adaptive cruise control
2021 Audi Q3

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi provides a competitive limited and power-train warranty on every 2020 Q3. However, its complimentary maintenance falls short of what BMW and Jaguar offer.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles.

Friday, July 31, 2020

2021 Audi Q7 Review

Overview

Among Audi's athletic lineup of tech-laden luxury cars and SUVs, the 2021 Q7 is the one best suited for family duty.

Despite its three rows of seats and slightly stodgy styling, the Q7 maintains the fun-to-drive nature that makes an Audi an Audi.

Buyers can choose from two turbocharged engines—a 248-hp four-cylinder or a 335-hp V-6—both of which offer satisfactory pep for everything from in-town errands to highway cruises.

Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, but the sportier models in the lineup make good use of an optional four-wheel steering system and an adaptive air suspension to deliver even more agile handling.

The Q7's chief rivals are some of the best luxury three-row SUVs on sale today, including the BMW X7, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Volvo XC90. The Audi's all-around skill set makes it a strong competitor to all of them—though it's not as outright sporty as a Porsche Cayenne.

What's New for 2021?

After a thorough freshening for the 2020 model year, the 2021 Q7 sails through with few changes.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now a standard feature and the Premium model's Convenience package now includes a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree exterior camera system.

The mid-range Premium Plus gains an optional Executive package which bundles the contents of the 2020 model's Cold Weather, Warm Weather, and Driver Assistance packages into one.

Prestige models now come with leather-wrapped armrests and center consoles and get heated rear seats as standard.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Premium 45: $55,945
Premium Plus 45: $58,195
Premium 55: $61,795
Premium Plus 55: $64,795
Prestige 55: $72,995
2021 Audi Q7

The decision between the turbo-four "45" power-train and the turbocharged V-6 "55" option is a tough call—and something we're happy to leave up to the individual buyer—but the choice of the Premium Plus trim level is a no-brainer.

Moving up from the base Premium to the Premium Plus adds plenty of niceties, including a surround sound stereo system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory settings, 20-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, and illuminated door sill inlays.

We'd also spring for the new Executive package, which adds, among other things, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and all-weather floor mats.

Audi Q7 2021: First Look, Photos & Price | Car Reviews

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

For 2020, Audi kept the old 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder but added a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that uses a 48-volt hybrid system to make 335 horsepower, and these power-trains carry over unchanged into 2021.

The 2020 Q7 with the new turbo V-6 does 5.0-second zero-to-60-mph time, which is slightly quicker than the mechanically similar two-row Q8 SUV.

Despite its bulk, when the Q7 is fitted with the optional performance tires on 21-inch wheels, it feels low and lithe, like a pumped-up sport wagon.

The adjustability of the optional air suspension, paired with the added agility of four-wheel steering, makes the Q7 surprisingly fun to flog down a twisty back road. It also rides quite smoothly.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Not surprisingly, the V-6 power-train comes with worse fuel economy. The EPA fuel-efficiency ratings are 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, which accounts for drops of 2 mpg across the board when compared to the turbo four-cylinder model.

When we are able to test drive a 2021 Q7, we'll put its efficiency to the test on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route.

We expect the four-cylinder Q7 to return similar results to the 2017 model we tested, which delivered 26 mpg on our 200-mile highway loop.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With its minimalist, contemporary design matched with loads of technology and excellent comfort and build quality, the Q7's cabin is a special place.

Beautiful materials and design highlight the Q7's interior, as do the intelligent layout of its controls and the comfortable seats that feature both ample support and adjustability.

Entry-level Premium versions come nicely outfitted, and the amount of upscale features can get supremely luxurious in the higher trim levels.

As with most three-row SUVs, there isn't a ton of cargo space in the Audi's cargo area when all of its seats are in use.

But it has available space comparable with its key rivals, and the rearmost row can be quickly raised or lowered via power controls, which makes up for the somewhat clumsy operation of the middle row.

With all seats stowed, the 2019 Q7 had room for 25 of our carry-on suitcases, a result we expect the 2021 model to match.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Q7 comes standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a smaller 8.6-incher located below that to adjust the climate control and vehicle settings.

Depending on whether or not you enjoy using touchscreens while driving, you may find the new system delightful or devilish. Our staff is split, but Audi's been busy adding this new infotainment system to its lineup;

it can be found in the A6, A7, and A8 sedans, as well as the Q8 SUV.

All 2021 Q7 models also come with the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.

Audiophiles can revel in several audio options, topped by a Bang & Olufsen system with 23 speakers and 1920 watts of juice.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Although the 2021 model has not been tested by either agency, the 2019 Q7 earned five stars for its crash-worthiness from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and aced the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) crash tests.

Several driver-assistance features are either standard or optional on the Q7, which will make it attractive to buyers transporting precious cargo. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning
Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
2021 Audi Q7

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Q7 carries solid warranty coverage comparable with its peers, although the Acura MDX and the Lexus GX both offer slightly better power-train coverage. Its complimentary scheduled maintenance plan—one year or 10,000 miles—is the lone area where it falls behind the coverage of its key competitor, the XC90.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles.
2021 Audi Q7
2021 Audi Q7

Thursday, July 30, 2020

2021 Audi Q5 Review

Overview

For luxury SUV buyers who prioritize style and technology over driving verve, the 2021 Audi Q5 is a handsome choice with plenty to like. It looks good, treats its occupants right, and won't seem out of place at the valet stand next to its rivals.

Buyers can choose from regular and plug-in hybrid power-trains and the Q5's chassis delivers a quiet interior and a refined ride—but rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the

The Q5 offers enough tech to rival your local Apple store, with a large infotainment display, optional digital gauge display, and a suite of available driver-assistance features.

For 2021, the Q5 gains a little extra power and updated styling, but Audi's not addressed its uninspired handling, so it remains a second-tier choice for driving enthusiasts.

What's New for 2021?

Audi has given the Q5 a light makeover for 2021 to bring its styling up to date with the rest of the lineup. An updated grille, front and rear bumpers, new 18- and 20-inch wheel designs, and updated headlamps and taillights freshen its exterior appearance.

Under the hood, the Q5's standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder receives a 13-hp boost to 261 horsepower; a 12-volt hybrid system is now standard, but Audi says this doesn't contribute to the Q5's boost in horsepower.

Speaking of hybrids, the plug-in hybrid model receives similar updates to the exterior styling and sports unique 19- or 20-inch wheels. It too sees a slight horsepower bump this year to 362-hp.

A Sport Plus package is available for the Q5 PHEV which adds adaptive air suspension and summer tires, among other items. The 2021 Q5's leather seats now come punctuated with contrasting stitching.

All models receive a new 10.1-inch infotainment display with an updated version of Audi's infotainment software and a host of driver-assistance features are now standard, including lane-departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring.

All models also receive a wireless smartphone charging pad and an integrated toll-road payment transmitter.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Premium 45: $44,295
Premium Plus 55: $49,095
Premium 55: $52,895
Prestige 45: $54,995
Premium Plus 55: $56,795
Prestige 55: $62,695

Audi distinguishes the Q5's power-trains with the numbers 45 and 55, the former meaning the standard turbo four and the latter indicates the optional plug-in hybrid setup.

We aren't sure the PHEV is worth the cost of the upgrade, so we'd stick with the 45 models. Of those, the mid-range Premium Plus trim offers the best balance of features and price, and now comes standard with Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2021 Q5 features a standard 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive. The turbo four provides plenty of punch to scoot the Q5 around town or blast down a highway on-ramp, and it is smooth, quiet, and mellifluous.

The plug-in-hybrid variant adds an electric motor that increases output to a combined 362 horses and 369 lb-ft of torque, which Audi claims will improve acceleration. The luxury compact crossover's suspension is well damped and imparts a stable feeling no matter the road or driving condition.

The ride is smooth and controlled—with or without the optional adaptive suspension—even over pockmarked asphalt. The steering is accurate and lightly weighted but provides no discernible feedback from the front wheels. In the Dynamic drive mode, the steering feels heftier but still artificial.

Pitch the Q5 down a twisty two-lane and it'll handle it reasonably well, but a Porsche Macan will show you a much better time.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Q5 and Q5 PHEV haven't been released yet, but the 2020 Q5 earned estimates of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The plug-in hybrid is rated at 25 mpg city and 29 highway for 2020, with a combined gas-electric rating of 65 MPGe. Its 14.1-kWh battery pack also allows an EPA-rated 20 miles of pure-electric driving range.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2021 Q5 provides enough room for four adults to get comfy and offers plenty of upscale features, even on the base Premium model. The cabin is both quiet at speed and easy to get in and out of.

Moving up through the three trim levels—Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige—nets more luxury features, including Audi's slick Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. When it came to seeing how many of our carry-on cargo boxes fit, the Q5 didn't impress. It beat the smaller Macan, but only just and held 18 cases with the rear seats folded.

The Q5's rear seatbacks easily fold in a 40/20/40 fashion, however, providing flexibility that the Lexus RX doesn't

have.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Buyers of even the least expensive Q5 will enjoy an intuitive infotainment system displayed in a dashtop 10.1-inch screen. Most of the expected infotainment features are present and accounted for in the base Q5, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

Things get much more interesting if you jump to the Premium Plus or Prestige trims, as they come with a reconfigurable digital gauge cluster that Audi calls Virtual Cockpit. It provides a wide, 12.3-inch view of the nav map plus selected media, phone controls, trip computer, speed, and tachometer, or a combination of these.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

While the 2021 model hasn't yet been tested, the 2019 Audi Q5 earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It missed a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) due to headlamps that failed to meet that agency's guidelines.

The 2021 Q5 offers standard

Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Available adaptive cruise control
2021 Audi Q5

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi's warranty coverage for the 2021 Q5 is average, and many rivals offer longer coverage periods. Buyers of brand-new Q5 models can take advantage of a free service for their first scheduled maintenance visit at 10,000 miles.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles.
2021 Audi Q5

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Bvlgari Diva - Luxury Lifestyle Watches

Bulgari Diva is an Italian luxury brand known for its jewellery, watches, fragrances, accessories and leather goods. While the majority of design, production and marketing is overseen and executed by Bulgari, the company does, at times, partner with other entities.

Inspired by the beauty of Rome, Bulgari Divas’ Dream collection reimagines its hometown’s sights as dazzling pieces of jewellery. Every year, new pieces will be added to the iconic collection that honour femininity with a rich new colour palette.

From shaped gemstones to intense colour additions, Bulgari's latest interpretation of the Divas’ Dream collection represents the Italian jewellery house’s passion for vibrant hues, audacious gemstone cuts and daring design.

The new masterpieces are designed to celebrate the philosophy that every woman is a secret diva who is sensual, elegant and unique; one who shines and exudes charisma.

With the Italian capital at its heart, the collection's signature fan motif mirrors the colourful mosaics at the Baths of Caracalla, as going to the baths was a fashionable high society pastime during the Roman Empire.

Taking inspiration from ancient beauty rituals, the delightful and thrilling collection is fastidiously sculpted from only the most precious metals, sparkling diamonds and colourful gemstones with an acute attention to detail.