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Long-Term Review

Audi E-tron GT 2023 long-term test

We are starting a long-term test of the Audi E-tron GT 2023, and I am genuinely interested in this electric GT car and excited to see how our time together will unfold. I am eager to begin this journey and am not starting with any cynicism or ambivalence.

One positive aspect is that this Audi has already proven to be excellent company. It’s not without flaws – it is quite wide, and the parking sensors are overly sensitive – but it glides through the world like a mechanical panther. It is quiet, sleek, smooth, and incredibly fast with its 472lb ft of torque.

The various aspects of the car, such as the cockpit, steering, and overall aesthetics, are more impressive than Audi’s current offerings in other models. The E-tron GT doesn’t try too hard to impress, unlike the RS7, which makes it easy to warm up to. Even in the bright Tango Red color, which isn’t my preferred choice, the car’s rakish silhouette manages to make it work.

So what exactly is this car? We will delve deeper into its Taycan-shared platform later, but it presents itself as a four-door fastback capable of reaching 152mph while remaining low to the ground. It has air springs (standard on the Vorsprung trim) and a motor on each axle, with the rear motor utilizing a two-speed gearbox. The battery, with a capacity of 93.4kWh, is located under the floor. The whole car weighs 2347kg, which is quite heavy, but it is managed effectively.

With a price tag of £113k, the Audi E-tron GT is undeniably expensive. However, when you consider that BMW is asking £85k for an M3 Comp and a 911 Carrera S costs £110k, it becomes a bit more reasonable. Furthermore, when you take into account that £113k is the price for the fully-equipped Vorsprung model with features like a B&O hi-fi system, head-up display, rear-steering, matrix headlights, Pro sports seats, and acoustic glazing, it seems like a justifiable investment. The base E-tron GT, priced at £85k, offers good value for a cutting-edge and sleek vehicle.

I am quite fond of the Audi E-tron GT. However, I can’t help but wonder how it would perform with a 450bhp inline-five engine longitudinally placed in its sloping nose. My logical side says yes to the idea, and my heart agrees, although not with the same conviction as my head. While it may be heavy and require frequent recharging, there is no denying that this car is authentic. In terms of what it represents and its execution, the E-tron GT is the most thrilling Audi since the rear-wheel-drive R8. Converting it to run on gasoline would undoubtedly diminish its authenticity, though it would likely improve some aspects.

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5 Reasons Why The Maruti Wagon R Is A Good Choice As A First Car


The Maruti Wagon R has kept things simple, be it inside or out. This work in its favour, especially for new drivers

Maruti Wagon R

When one thinks of the bread-and-butter models for Maruti Suzuki, the Wagon R is one of the most common names to pop up in their mind. The compact hatchback – now in its third generation – was given a minor model year refresh in early 2022, and still continues to be one of the leading best-sellers in our country every month. Here’s us decoding its popularity and why it makes sense as the first car:

Basic Yet Functional Design

Maruti Wagon R front

Even with the third-gen Wagon R being on sale since 2019, the hatchback has managed to age well, although with the help of a minor facelift. While the Wagon R’s design isn’t a headturner like some of its rivals, it’s no bad thing either as it plays things safe. The hatchback’s typical tallboy stance is still prevalent and is one of the reasons why people with bigger and taller frames prefer it.

Maruti Wagon R rear

With the minor refresh last year, its design only got sweeter with the inclusion of dual-tone paint option and blacked alloy wheels. Things are simple at the back too as the Maruti hatchback sports elongated taillight units and a chrome plate on the tailgate featuring the ‘Wagon R’ insignia.

Comfortable And Airy Cabin

Maruti Wagon R cabin

Maruti has given the Wagon R a dual-tone cabin theme (black and beige), offering a sense of airiness inside. It also helps that the hatchback’s dashboard layout is simple and minimalistic while being ergonomical, all of which will take no time to get used to for a newbie.

Maruti Wagon R front seats

Tall seat height and roofline, wide opening of doors, and good road visibility are some of the factors that instantly help the Wagon R score some brownie points. Even the seats in the hatchback (both at the front and rear) offer plenty of comfort for all passengers, including those measuring over six feet, where they can sit comfortably back to back.

Maruti Wagon R rear seats

Although adjustable front headrests are missing, the Wagon R offers enough room to stretch your feet out and have a relaxed ride. It can be a good option to ferry five average-sized passengers but will only provide the option of seating up to four occupants if there are two plus-sized people at the back.

Also Read: These 7 Cars Under Rs 15 Lakh Get The Most Affordable Top-end Variants In Their Segment

Covers The Essentials

Maruti Wagon R 7-inch touchscreen system

The carmaker has ensured that the Wagon R packs almost all the essentials one would expect at this price point and more so if it’s the first family car. It is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, all four power windows, a manual AC, keyless entry, and electrically foldable ORVMs.

Maruti Wagon R safety

Maruti has provided its safety net with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. That said, the hatchback scored a 1-star rating from Global NCAP when it was tested in early 2023.

Easy To Get Moving

If you are new to the driving world, Maruti has kept the ball in your court by giving you the preference to choose from a set of three powertrains for the Wagon R. They are as follows:

Specification

1-litre, 3-cylinder petrol

1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol

1-litre, 3-cylinder petrol+CNG

Power

67PS

90PS

57PS

Torque

89Nm

113Nm

82Nm

Transmission

5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT

5-speed MT, 5-speed AMT

5-speed MT

Maruti Wagon R

While both the petrol engines of the Wagon R are quite refined, it’s the larger 1.2-litre unit which is surely to be more appreciated, especially by beginners or those getting back to driving after a long time. It is the same peppy unit found on some other Maruti hatchbacks like the Swift and Baleno, and can attain high speeds easily (even sustaining the 3-digit figure well), offering a good balance between city and highway driving.

Maruti Wagon R AMT gearbox

If you are someone who wants to use the Wagon R as a daily car on the traffic-laden city streets, picking the AMT variant will be like a no-brainer as it is one of the better units at its price. The shifts are smooth and it even drops down two gears if you want to make a quick move on.

Cushion-y Drive Throughout

The Wagon R’s soft suspension setup helps it tackle small potholes and speed breakers easily, without passing on any of the jolts inside. Be it daily city runs or frequent highway outings, the Maruti hatchback stays well planted in all scenarios, with only big and sharp undulations being a major cause of worry. That said, it is a good option if you plan to carry your entire family around and will not create any issues whatsoever in your daily commutes.

Maruti Wagon R

Straight line stability is good, but the Wagon R is not the car for the enthusiast. Its soft suspension and tall handling means it rolls around corners.

Maruti Wagon R

The Wagon R is available in four broad variants – LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+ – priced from Rs 5.55 lakh to Rs 7.43 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It goes up against the Maruti Celerio, Tata Tiago and Citroen C3.

Also Read: Global NCAP To Hand Over The Reins Of Crash Testing India-specific Cars To Bharat NCAP Starting 2024

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