Presentation and road test of the Audi Q3 Sportback: SUV sportiness

A few months ago, Audi launched the renewed Audi Q3 onto the market, an SUV that changes radically from the previous generation, gaining in interior space and exterior robustness. But within the SUV segment, demand for sportiness keeps growing, and to meet that demand, Audi is launching the coupé version of the Q3, becoming the second coupé SUV it debuts, after the Audi Q8.

The Audi Q3 Sportback masterfully blends a coupé line with an imposing, elegant design, maintaining headroom similar to the conventional model and with sportiness at its core. To get to know it in depth, we traveled to Granada, where we got behind the wheel of the new Audi Q3 Sportback.

Design: coupé line for an imposing SUV

Outside, this Q3 Sportback stands out for its sloping roofline, marking a coupé design that is nonetheless aggressive in its lines, as it keeps the muscular image of the Q3. At the front, the sportiness shows in its huge air intakes, and at the rear the rear diffuser stands out, along with the coupé finish and the rear spoiler.

At first glance it looks taller than the conventional Q3, but that is an illusion, because it actually keeps the same dimensions as the Q3, except for the height, which is 3 cm lower. The huge wheel arches, its imposing front and rear all radiate sportiness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsT4jSEvlC8

Inside, the driving position is the same as we already know from the Q3, standing out with the new version of the Audi Virtual Cockpit (with three different display modes) and the central screen from which we control all the multimedia functions of the car, a screen inherited from its bigger siblings in the range.

The upper part of the dashboard has a customizable finish, depending on the exterior color, and front headroom is identical to its non-coupé sibling. Rear headroom does suffer because of the exterior design, and it loses 5 cm of height in the rear seats. That said, the rear seats can slide longitudinally (a practical detail) and the backrest is adjustable for recline.

The boot volume stands out, unchanged from the conventional version, with its 530 litres of capacity. The capacity with the rear seats folded is indeed smaller, but still sufficient at around 1,400 litres of total capacity. Although rear headroom is reduced, the adjustable rear seats add greater versatility, and you will notice less that you are in the coupé version of the Q3.

Sport suspension and Audi Drive Select as standard: behind the wheel of the Q3 Sportback 35 TDI 150 CV

The sportiness is not only noticeable in its exterior design; Audi wanted to put emphasis on this point, which is why it offers sport suspension as standard, paired with Audi Drive Select, which lets us choose between several driving modes.

The unit we tested in the mountainous area of Granada was equipped with the entry-level diesel engine, that is, the 2.0 TDI 150 CV with S-Tronic automatic gearbox and 4×2 drive. In the first kilometres, especially on country roads and motorways, it stands out for its excellent interior comfort and how well insulated it is; moreover, on uneven asphalt you simply select “Comfort” mode and you will isolate yourself from the outside.

The driving position is high, very high, although the seats offer good body support and allow us to enjoy demanding roads comfortably. In terms of dynamics, the sport suspension is noticeable, making it a very fun and composed SUV on tricky roads (like the one Audi had prepared for us to test the car).

That said, the 150 CV diesel engine falls somewhat short in terms of sportiness, and without doubt, for those who want a sportier response, the 190 CV diesel or the petrol unit is the better choice, because this 35 TDI does not push with the force such a car demands. Another factor to consider is the Quattro all-wheel drive, which noticeably improves cornering and adds more sportiness.

Engine range: from 150 CV to 230 CV with ECO label

At launch, the Q3 Sportback is available with two diesel and two petrol engines. The diesel is the two-litre unit under the name 35 TDI with 150 CV, paired with the S-Tronic automatic gearbox and 4×2 drive, while the top of the range will be the 40 TDI of 190 CV S-Tronic with full Quattro drive.

In petrol, the entry engine is the 1.5 TFSI (35 TFSI) with 150 CV manual and 4×2 drive, while the top of the range is the 2.0 TFSI of 230 CV (45 TFSI) with Quattro drive and S-Tronic gearbox. Before the end of the year, a version with mild-hybridisation will arrive for the 1.5 TFSI 150 CV engine, which will carry the well-known ECO label.

Equipment and price: Audi Q3 Sportback available from 39,220 euros

As standard it includes unintentional lane change warning and Audi Pre-Sense, which can brake the vehicle in the event of a collision. Optionally, systems such as adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic assist or assisted parking stand out.

The base trim includes as standard LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, MMI Radio Plus with an 8.8-inch screen and the safety systems mentioned above. The next trim level is Advanced, which adds LED rear dynamic indicators, 18-inch alloy wheels, an electric tailgate and parking sensors (+2,800 euros).

There is the option of extra exterior sportiness with the S-Line trim, which adds sport-cut bumpers, sport front seats and 19-inch wheels (+2,000 euros over the Advanced). Finally, the Black Line trim will be available, adding specific black details, darkened rear glass and 20-inch wheels (+2,000 euros over the S-Line).

The new Audi Q3 Sportback is available from 39,220 euros for the 150 CV 35 TFSI petrol engine, while the 35 TDI starts at 40,690 euros. The more powerful versions, the 40 TDI quattro S tronic, is priced at 45,350 euros, and the 45 TFSI quattro S tronic from 50,660 euros.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira