Audi Q3 Journeys special feature: The Power of First

First times are truly special. We forever remember and treasure milestones such as our first job, first salary, first big break and first car. These initial experiences are often shackle breaking moments, opening new avenues in life and setting fresh directions. One such profoundly liberating experience is the first luxury car purchase. In India, many choose the Audi Q3 as their gateway into premium motoring, drawn to its impressive versatility, practicality and renowned brand value. This narrative unfolds the journeys of three such individuals, revealing how the Audi Q3 became an integral part and also an extension of their lives

The enthusiast

Sachit Thakkar, a real estate businessman from Mumbai, is a true aficionado of German quality. A glance into his garage reveals a collection that suggests a high-octane version of Oktoberfest is permanently in residence. Yet, one particular German car undeniably stands out: a white Audi Q3 – among the first 50 units of the car to land in the country. These were complete imports from Ingolstadt, serving as the launch units for a model that would go on to redefine the Indian luxury car market.

Back in 2012, when India’s luxury car market was still nascent, this purchase would have been considered quite a gamble by most. Many people, acutely aware of India’s often challenging road conditions, shied away from buying a luxury vehicle. However, it was the Q3’s SUV stance, its sensible dimensions and Audi’s renowned Quattro legacy that gave Sachit the confidence it could tackle anything thrown its way. And the cherry on top was his favourite feature – the 7-speed S-tronic gearbox. Known for its lightning-fast shifts, often imperceptible to the driver, it delivered a dynamic and sporty driving experience. At the same time, its state of tune also allowed for impressive fuel efficiency. He enjoyed it so much that from his extensive collection of vehicles, this Audi Q3 remained his primary choice for both transport and pleasure for almost an entire decade. “This car taught me to be a better driver and significantly raised my respect for German precision in engineering,” says Sachit.

He has, of course, acquired a few other, newer, German cars since then, but his first luxury vehicle, the Audi Q3, remains his prized possession. Today, the car sits proudly in his garage, still performing as flawlessly as it did on day one. “I love the performance of my Q3 and it has never had any major breakdowns or issues,” affirms Sachit. Sachit’s decade-plus long bond with his Audi Q3 speaks volumes. In a world where possessions are often fleeting, this car stands as a symbol of unwavering performance and deep-seated trust. It not only navigated India’s challenging roads but also solidified his respect for German engineering, proving that true quality isn’t just about a brand, but about a vehicle that consistently delivers, day in and day out, for years on end.

The high flier

To truly grasp the intricate blend of mechanical mastery and heartfelt passion, observe the vehicles a pilot, erm, pilots. A person accustomed to the flawless precision of cruising at 30,000 feet and 840kmph wouldn’t ever opt for a mediocre vehicle to navigate their terrestrial adventures. Megha Vakharia chose the Audi Q3, not only as her first luxury car, but her first car. The engineering prowess she saw on the Audi Q3 wasn’t the only reason she was drawn to the Q3. Coco and J, her two boxers, are her travel partners. And she wanted a car that was both spacious and comfortable enough to take them along on her travels. Her travels, often long and spanning both cities and countryside, see her Q3 as more than just transport. It’s on these extensive journeys with her beloved dogs, that she’s forged an almost sacred bond with the car. “I’ve developed an emotional connection with my Q3 that I believe I’ll never be able to replicate with any other vehicle,” she says.

For her, the joy of driving and exploring alongside her canine companions is clearly a soul-nourishing experience. “I adore the comfort of the seats, the immersive music system and the sheer power this car delivers.” Yet, owning an Audi Q3 also ignited a deeper recognition within herself. “My attitude towards life and my ambitions have evolved dramatically since I bought this car.” The Q3 served as a powerful vessel to push towards a premium lifestyle, solidifying her resolve to work relentlessly, provide for herself and craft the life she desires. It was the impetus she needed to delve deeper and emerge with newfound strength. For Megha, her Audi Q3, shared with Coco and J on countless journeys, is irreplaceable – an emotional anchor in her life. Beyond its comfort and power, this car served a far greater purpose: it unlocked a profound self-awareness, showing her the true depths of ambition and resilience. Megha’s Q3 is a powerful symbol of how a carefully chosen machine can not only enhance life’s experiences but also provide wings to one’s true potential.

A boyhood love

In 2014, a young Manraj Chandhok, still a teenager, witnessed his father bring home the family’s first luxury car: an Audi Q3. He instantly fell in love with it, even though it would be three years before he was old enough to get his driving license and take it for a spin. By then, the Chandhok family was utterly captivated. The powerful 2-litre, 190bhp engine continued to delight them for many years. It was no surprise that Manraj’s father, a car enthusiast with discerning taste, kept the Q3 as his primary daily driver. As Manraj matured, their family’s car collection expanded. Their business in automotive parts manufacturing and marketing gave them unique, first-hand insight into the quality of components used by various car brands. This deep knowledge fuelled their decision to acquire four Audis over the next decade. Their new additions included two Audi Q2s – one for Manraj and one for his sister. The fourth Audi was entirely Manraj’s choice. Ten years after the original Q3 joined them, it was time for a replacement and this one would be Manraj’s car. He didn’t even consider another make or model; only the newest generation Audi Q3 would suffice. Soon after, a striking blue Audi Q3 was welcomed into their home. “I love Audis – their quality and the brand’s character. The car looks premium and classy without being showy,” says Manraj.

His enthusiasm for the brand is infectious; he’s successfully convinced several friends to purchase Audis, a decision they remain thrilled with. Manraj particularly praises the Q3’s practicality. “It’s the versatility of this car that makes it so usable. I drive it for my daily office commute, going out with friends, attending family functions, and even on weekend trips.” Manraj’s loyalty, evidenced by his family’s multiple Audi purchases, speaks volumes about the brand’s exceptional after sales service. Indeed, Audi is the only car brand he and his family have chosen repeatedly. Today, Manraj’s Navarra Blue Audi Q3 isn’t just a car; it’s a testament to a decade of unwavering trust and a passion ignited in his youth. For him and his family, the Audi badge represents more than just luxury – it signifies quality, character and a connection that transcends a simple purchase. As he drives his latest Q3, navigating city streets and open highways, it’s clear Manraj isn’t just a loyal customer; he’s an ambassador for a brand that has truly driven his life forward. Manraj, Sachit and Megha – three lives, three distinct paths, yet all irrevocably shaped by the arrival of a single, iconic vehicle. For Manraj, it was the genesis of a lifelong passion and a family legacy of discerning taste.

For Sachit, it was a bold statement in a nascent market, a testament to unwavering trust in German engineering and a decade of driving pleasure. And for Megha, it became a quiet confidante on long journeys, igniting profound self-discovery and a deeper appreciation for life’s ambitions. The Audi Q3, often the first luxury car for many, proved itself to be far more than just a premium badge or a set of wheels. It became a catalyst for personal evolution, a reliable partner through life’s varied terrains and a cherished symbol of aspiration realised – leaving an indelible mark on its owners and redefining what a first truly means in the realm of luxury.