Tag: Shereen Behind The Wheels

Elegant, Practical and Emotionally Appealing

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The all-new Audi Q3 builds on everything that has made the four rings perfect for premium everyday driving.

Shereen Shabnam

Owning an Audi has taught me that the brand’s greatest strength is in its engineering, design and consistency. Having spent years behind the wheel of my own Audi TT which my daughter drives now, I have come to appreciate the understated confidence that defines every model wearing the four rings. Audi has never relied on unnecessary drama; instead, it quietly perfects the details that make every journey more rewarding.

The all-new new generation Audi Q3 embodies that philosophy beautifully. More expressive in its design, more digital inside and more refined on the road, it evolves one of Audi’s most successful SUVs while remaining true to the qualities that have made the brand a favourite among discerning drivers. Whether navigating city streets, embarking on weekend escapes or tackling long motorway journeys, the Q3 delivers a premium experience that feels both contemporary and reassuringly familiar.

Exterior

The latest Q3 adopts a noticeably more confident presence. A wider Singleframe grille, sharply sculpted bodywork and slimmer lighting signatures create a stronger visual identity, while muscular shoulders give the SUV a more athletic stance without compromising its elegance.

Audi’s renowned attention to detail is evident throughout. The latest Digital Matrix LED headlights featuring micro-LED technology not only enhance visibility but also introduce intelligent lighting functions that improve driver awareness. At the rear, optional digital OLED lighting and illuminated Audi rings create a sophisticated signature after dark, ensuring the Q3 is instantly recognisable from every angle.

Interior

Step inside and the transformation is immediately apparent. Audi has embraced a more immersive digital environment centred around its beautifully integrated panoramic digital stage, where a curved 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen and 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit place every essential function naturally within the driver’s field of vision. The redesigned steering column frees valuable centre console space, creating a cleaner and more practical cabin, while premium materials and ambient lighting reinforce Audi’s reputation for understated luxury.

Versatility remains one of the Q3’s greatest strengths. Sliding rear seats, adjustable backrests and generous luggage capacity make the SUV equally suited to growing families, business professionals and weekend adventurers. Acoustic glazing for the front side windows, introduced for the first time in this segment, also contributes to a noticeably quieter cabin, particularly during longer highway journeys.

Technology

Technology continues to be one of Audi’s defining strengths, and the all-new Q3 demonstrates just how seamlessly innovation can enhance everyday driving. The intuitive infotainment system integrates effortlessly with the driver’s digital lifestyle, while voice controls and smartphone connectivity make accessing navigation, media and communication simple and distraction-free.

Audi’s latest driver assistance systems work discreetly in the background to enhance confidence rather than overwhelm the driving experience. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane change assist, park assist, reverse assistant and fatigue monitoring combine to create an intelligent safety ecosystem that supports drivers across both urban and motorway environments.

Performance

The Q3 has always been more about confidence than outright performance, and the latest generation continues that approach with greater refinement. The 150 hp TFSI engine provides smooth, responsive performance ideally suited to everyday driving, while the more powerful 204 hp TFSI quattro offers stronger acceleration and enhanced stability thanks to Audi’s legendary all-wheel-drive system. Paired with the seven-speed S tronic transmission, power delivery feels seamless and composed across varying road conditions.

Suspension tuning successfully balances ride comfort with engaging handling, while progressive steering delivers reassuring precision through tighter city streets before settling into confident stability at motorway speeds. Like every Audi I have driven, the Q3 inspires confidence rather than demanding attention. It simply gets everything right.

Our Verdict

Audi has always excelled at producing vehicles that blend engineering excellence with understated sophistication, and the latest Q3 continues that tradition with a more expressive design, a beautifully executed digital cabin and technology that genuinely enhances everyday life.

Perhaps my years of Audi ownership make me appreciate these qualities more than most. Living with an Audi has shown me that the true appeal of the brand lies in the way every detail works together to create a car that feels as satisfying on day one as it does years later. The all-new Q3 carries that same philosophy into the premium SUV segment. Elegant, practical and quietly confident.

Style-First Urban SUV with Substance to Match: Lynk & Co 06

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Shereen Shabnam

The Lynk & Co 06 positions itself as a design-led, tech-forward compact SUV aimed squarely at urban drivers who value individuality as much as everyday usability. Experiencing it on the roads of Dubai, the 06 feels perfectly in sync as it is compact enough to navigate tight urban spaces with ease, yet distinctive enough to stand out in a sea of more conventional crossovers.

It blends Chinese engineering with a distinctly European-influenced design philosophy, something Lynk & Co has leaned into since its inception. That dual identity comes through clearly from behind the wheel, where the car balances modern styling and digital integration with a driving experience tailored for real-world city life. Our test drive began at home near Citywalk in the heart of Dubai to weaving through tight urban streets of Bur Dubai where its compact dimensions and light steering immediately proved their worth. Out on Sheikh Zayed Road, the pace picked up, and the 06 settled into a composed, confident cruise, showing a different side to its personality.

Exterior

Visually, the 06 makes an immediate statement. It adopts Lynk & Co’s now-familiar split lighting signature, with slim daytime running lights perched high on the hood and the main headlamp units set lower into the bumper. The proportions are compact, yet the design manages to project a sense of solidity and presence. Strong character lines along the sides and contrasting trim details give it a slightly sporty edge, while the overall stance feels more “urban chic” than rugged SUV.

Interior

Inside, the cabin reflects a modern, minimalist approach with a clear focus on digital integration. The layout is clean and uncluttered, anchored by a central touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster. There is a noticeable influence from Volvo in the ergonomics and overall layout, which lends the interior a sense of familiarity and usability. Material quality is respectable for the segment, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas and more durable plastics lower down. The seats are supportive and styled with a slightly sporty flair, reinforcing the car’s youthful positioning. Space in the front is comfortable, while the rear seats are adequate for daily commuting.

Technology

Technology is where the 06 punches above its weight. The infotainment system is modern and responsive, offering smartphone connectivity, a clear user interface, and a suite of convenience features that would have been considered premium just a few years ago. Higher trims add a 360-degree camera system and a comprehensive set of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping support.

The overall experience is very much screen-centric, with most functions routed through the touchscreen.

Performance

Under the hood, the Lynk & Co 06 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing around 181 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. On paper, the numbers are solid for the segment, and on the road, they translate into brisk, confident performance. Acceleration is more than adequate for urban and highway driving, with enough punch for overtaking when needed. The transmission shifts smoothly under normal driving conditions, though it can feel slightly hesitant at low speeds, a common trait among dual-clutch setups. The ride quality leans toward comfort, absorbing road imperfections well, while the steering is light and easy, making the car particularly well-suited to city environments.

Our Verdict

First impressions are clear that Lynk & Co 06 comes with a distinct sense of style and a strong focus on technology, positioning itself as a fresh alternative for drivers who want something that reflects the energy and individuality of discerning drivers. The Lynk & Co 06 stands out visually and offers strong value for money and filled with safe, predictable options which ultimately, is its biggest strength.