Test drive: Audi Q3 Sportback, a scale Q8… and at half the price

Audi completes the Q3 range with the Sportback version which, thanks to its coupé-style bodywork and sporty approach, becomes a kind of “mini Q8”.

We haven’t lost our minds and, indeed, this is not about comparing the new Audi Q3 Sportback with the Audi Q8. But we couldn’t help it: during our first contact with the Sportback version of the Audi Q3, many memories of the road test of the Audi Q8 came flooding back.

After all, the Q3 Sportback is the second Audi SUV with coupé bodywork after the Q8. And more will come. To begin with, the next one will be the Sportback version of the Audi e-tron. Here you can read our first test of the electric SUV from Audi. More surprises will follow.

Going back to the Q3 and its “kinship” with the Q8, the fact is that we have a very similar formula, but at a different scale in size and, logically, in price. We are looking at a compact SUV derived from the Q3 (the Q8 would be the “brother” of the Q7), with a bodywork featuring a coupé-style rear and some other design details that set it apart from the Q3.

Static images of the Audi Q3 Sportback

The two complement each other, forming a range where you have two options to choose from: the Q3 in the role of the “family” car or for all-round use, versus the more dynamic and sporty approach of the Q3 Sportback. The thing is that, if the roles were reversed, the Sportback does the first job better than the conventional Q3 does the second, as we will explain throughout the test.

By the way, both bodystyles will have top-of-the-range versions signed by Audi Sport, the already announced Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback, with a 5-cylinder engine producing 480 CV.

But that is another story. For now, before going on with the test, I recommend you watch how well the new Audi Q3 Sportback looks on the tarmac in this video.

https://youtu.be/zRDRjZsiza4

The main differences between the Q3 and Q3 Sportback

If you don’t have them side by side, the most obvious one is the downward sloping roofline of the Q3 Sportback, which also makes the car 3 cm lower. The remaining dimensions barely change by a few millimetres. But many more things change on the outside: small details.

The shoulder line, for example, is lower on the Q3 Sportback, which also has more pronounced rear skirts and a different design of the diffuser, the air intakes and the bumpers. On the Sportback, black finish for the wheel arches and side skirts is also standard.

However, from the doors inwards there are no design differences between the Q3 and the Q3 Sportback… except for the space available to passengers in the rear seats. Everything else is identical, and what we said in our test of the Audi Q3 would apply in terms of presentation, build quality, materials, ergonomics and finish.

Where there are differences is in rear passenger space and boot capacity, although less than one might expect from converting the Q3 into this coupé version. Rear passengers lose a few centimetres of legroom and headroom. But they remain perfectly usable seats, even on long journeys for adults who are not much taller than 1.8 metres.

Audi Q3 Sportback: exterior and interior details

In addition, the rear bench retains the ability to recline the backrest in several positions and slide longitudinally 13 centimetres, versus the 15 allowed by the Q3. In its most favourable configuration (rear seats moved forward), the boot volume of the Q3 Sportback is identical to that of the Q3, with a generous 530 litres.

It therefore outdoes one of its main rivals, the BMW X2, which stops at 470 litres, although the X2 has smaller external dimensions. The difference when it comes to loading luggage is that the Sportback reaches 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded, versus the Q3’s 1,525.

More expensive than a Q3, but also better equipped

And now that we have seen the design differences and what this means in terms of functionality, you are surely wondering how much more a Q3 Sportback costs than a Q3. This also requires an explanation.

Comparing the prices of the Audi Q3 Sportback with those of the Q3, choosing equivalent versions by engine and trim, the Q3 Sportback costs about 2,800 euros more than the Q3. Of this amount, we can say that 2,000 euros are attributable to the difference in bodywork and design, and the other 800 are due to the additional standard equipment on the Q3 Sportback, which must be paid for separately on the Q3.

This extra equipment on the Sportback is linked to its sportier approach and includes the following: variable-ratio steering, the Audi drive select system with different driving modes, and sport suspension with firmer damping calibration, although the comfort suspension can also be requested at no extra cost.

These are the prices for the Q3 Sportback

• Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI 6-speed: 39,220 euros
• Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro S tronic: 50,660 euros
• Q3 Sportback 35 TDI S tronic: 40,690 euros
• Q3 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S tronic: 45,350 euros

Video comparing the Audi Q3 and the Q3 Sportback

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsT4jSEvlC8&feature=youtu.be

The commercial offer is identical to the Q3 in terms of trim levels and equipment. So, on top of these base prices, add 2,800 euros for the Advanced versions, which add LED headlights with dynamic indicators, electric tailgate opening and closing, rear parking sensor, 18″ wheels and Audi Smartphone Interface, which enables compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

S Line models cost 2,000 euros more than the Advanced and add design details to this equipment, such as a specific diffuser, contrasting side skirts, 19″ wheels, sport front seats, chrome inserts in the grille and a black-lined interior roof.

The top of the range is the Black Line trim. It adds another 2,000 euros to the price of the S Line and is distinguished by 20-inch wheels, black finishes on the diffuser, grille and mirrors, and tinted glass.

The optional packs are especially worth considering, as they allow savings of up to 40% compared with fitting the individual items separately. The technical pack includes MMI Navigation plus, the spectacular Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus and the powerful Audi Sound System. The comfort pack, priced at 1,500 euros, adds an anti-glare rear-view mirror, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, comfort key and the rear bench plus.

Behind the wheel of the Audi Q3 Sportback

Since the Audi Q3s we were able to drive at the presentation, as well as in our test of the Audi Q3 35 TFSI S line, were fitted with sport suspension (optional, at 270 euros) and progressive steering (340 euros), both standard on the Sportback, we cannot establish any differences in dynamic behaviour.

The Q3 Sportback is therefore just as agile, stable, comfortable and precise as the Q3 when fitted with these options. A car that is perfect both for enjoying a long motorway journey without having to pay much attention to the steering wheel, and for having fun on your favourite winding road. Its driving is very satisfying, helped by good sound insulation, the feel of the steering (especially the progressive type, standard on the Sportback) and excellent grip.

With the sport suspension I find it offers a perfect balance, and the only thing you might miss is the “comfort” suspension when the Q3 is fitted with l18 or 20-inch wheels with very low-profile tyres. In that case, my recommendation would be to spend the 960 euros on the electronically controlled damping suspension.

A suspension that is not very firm, combined with wide, low-profile tyres offering a lot of grip, improves comfort. But it can compromise dynamic behaviour when driving sportily. This is solved by variable-hardness damping, with which you can choose the softest or sportiest calibration via the Audi drive select, or an automatic mode that adapts the dampers to the driving style at any given moment.

Awaiting the 35 TFSI with Mild Hybrid technology

The engine range for the Audi Q3 Sportback is exactly the same as for the Q3.

On petrol, it starts with the 1.5-litre 35 TFSI producing 150 CV, with a 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. It is followed by the 40 TFSI quattro S tronic with 190 CV and the 45 TFSI quattro S tronic with 230 CV. Among the diesel options, for now the 35 TDI S tronic with 150 CV and front-wheel drive is offered, along with the 40 TDI quattro S tronic. Before the end of the year, the 35 TFSI S tronic with 48-volt Mild Hybrid technology should be added to the range, paired only with an automatic gearbox.

Now that, between the Q3 and Q3 Sportback, we have been able to drive all of them except the Mild Hybrid, which will bring a consumption reduction of around 0.5 l/100 km and the advantages of carrying the DGT ECO label, we can close the loop.

Both 150 CV versions perform very well, but now that we have been able to drive the 35 TDI S tronic more thoroughly, it is hard to resist its ability to devour kilometres with very low consumption, without having to keep an eye on the accelerator pedal, and always in the “eco” mode of the Audi drive select. Since the 35 TFSI has a manual gearbox, for now we stick with the TDI, which pushes harder and better than the equivalent petrol, and uses around 2 l/100 km less. At least until the 35 TFSI S tronic arrives Mild Hybrid.

Among the two most powerful petrol versions, the 40 TFSI with 190 CV should be around 44,500 euros, by simple calculation from what the Q3 costs with this engine. A very worthwhile option. But if you want a powerful petrol that really goes, a Q3 Sportback that could carry the “GTI” badge without any shame, then you should look at the 45 TFSI with 230 CV.

We have had the chance to drive the most powerful Q3 Sportback on a long motorway journey and many kilometres of really winding road, and it is a true marvel: smooth and restrained on fuel consumption when it needs to be, but with a pushing power that invites you to drive the way fewer and fewer people do now, enjoying the sensation of watching the rev counter needle climb and a chassis that obeys without hesitation.

Exterior image gallery of the Audi Q3 Sportback