Test drive Audi Q3 Sportback Black Line 35 TDI quattro S-Tronic, inimitable

A little over a year ago, Audi launched a version of the Audi Q3 called Sportback, which was basically the coupé version of the well-known German SUV. We have tested the entry-level diesel engine, called 35 TDI, which delivers 150 CV, but paired with quattro all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

This Q3 Sportback is for those who want an SUV that is different from the rest of the models on the market, and also has a certain sporty stance thanks to the well-tuned chassis.

Design: coupé lines for a fully redesigned SUV

The Audi Q3, in this new generation, has undergone an intensive tuning process that completely renews the design, both exterior and interior, of this well-known SUV from the brand with the four rings.

The exterior main lines convey robustness, unmistakable 4×4 character and a muscular design that has nothing to do with the previous generation. At the front, the huge grille stands out (even more so thanks to the gloss black finish), and from the side the most significant feature is the enormous wheel arches.

Its calling card is the rear, where the coupé design is combined with a bumper that gives a sense of height, and with the lower moldings (also in black) marking the sporty character.

Its interior incorporates the brand’s new avant-garde design, already seen in other models, with a somewhat abrupt touch, but which achieves a perfect middle ground between elegance and the rugged lines typical of an SUV.

As the crowning touch to the design, there is the grey velour finish on top of the central console. Regarding this finish, Audi has tested different colours and has chosen those that age best given the wear that the passage of time or the sun can cause, reducing the options to just three colours.

The black console is inherited from the rest of the German brand’s models, as is the touchscreen with an outstanding feel. Overall, the finishes and materials are up to the standard of a model of its characteristics.

The driving position is elevated, with seats that in our unit featured electric adjustment and heating (and are leather, although ventilation or perforated leather is missed for the hottest days). The instrumentation is fully digital, allowing a lot of information to be displayed, and you can choose between a more traditional or avant-garde cluster (with the navigation occupying much of the instrumentation, for example).

Space in the rear seats is adequate, although access is not very comfortable due to the height and the narrow opening angle of the doors. It has rear air vents, and headroom is not very generous because of its design. The boot has a capacity of 530 litres.

Engine and performance: the entry-level diesel is the best manual

Although 35 TDI appears on the tailgate, the engine actually hidden under the bonnet is the 2.0 TDI with 150 CV, that is, the entry-level diesel in the range.

This unit is an old acquaintance of the German manufacturer, and although it is modest in performance for this SUV (even more so with 20-inch wheels), it is sufficient for most drivers who do not seek a sporty touch at the wheel. That said, the combination of the S-Tronic gearbox and the engine block is not as refined and smooth as it should be, and with a manual gearbox you could get more out of each of those 150 CV.

The gearbox at times over-revs the engine and detracts from the refinement of the drive. Meanwhile, the engine responds vigorously within its limits, especially in Dynamic mode.

It offers several driving modes: Off-Road, Efficiency, Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual. The Off-Road mode improves the response of the traction, engine and gearbox when driving off tarmac, while in Dynamic mode this Q3 Sportback gives its best.

Handling: more horsepower, please

When we get behind the wheel of this German car, the first thing that stands out is the good chassis tuning, which without a doubt calls for more horsepower, with outstanding stability through corners.

It has a very stable ride, it is comfortable and can even be smooth, even with this diesel unit. I insist that for those seeking a relaxed drive, its 150 CV will be more than sufficient and will even allow some sporty liberties, as long as we have Dynamic mode activated.

Consumption

A priori, the combination of 20-inch wheels, full traction and an automatic gearbox doesn’t seem very economical, but after several days behind the wheel of this Audi, it pleasantly surprised us.

On

the open road

average consumption hovers around 6.5 litres per 100 km, a very reasonable figure, while on the motorway on our usual route it came to 7 litres per 100 km. In town, consumption does rise, in this case up to 9.2 litres per 100 km on our usual route around Vigo.

Equipment

Our unit featured the eye-catching

Black Line Edition

finish, which, based on the S-Line trim, adds sportiness with black exterior elements, 20-inch alloy wheels and a sport-cut interior.

Among the standout optional equipment are the Matrix LED headlights -905 euros-, with outstanding illumination on any type of road, even on winding, poorly lit roads.

The sound system also stands out, the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound, made up of 15 speakers with a subwoofer and a 16-channel amplifier with a total output of 680 W. Its quality is outstanding (it doesn’t reach the perfection of the one fitted to other higher models such as the A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q8), but objectively it is a highly recommended extra at 645 euros (plus the technology package).

Among the driver assistance systems, some are standard, such as pre-collision, and others are optional, such as the traffic sign reader, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, among others.

Personal opinion and price of the Audi Q3 Sportback Black Line Edition

This Audi Q3 Sportback is a car that exudes style in its design. The four-ring brand has managed to update a model that has sold well, and at the same time give it a very personal and eye-catching design.

If we add to this a dynamic that is closer to a passenger car than an SUV, what our bodies ask for is more horsepower to enjoy this Q3 Sportback on a winding road. That said,

are 150 CV enough?

It will depend on how you drive. This is the entry-level version and the car calls for more power, but objectively for 90% of situations it is more than enough, even when tackling an overtake on the motorway or a winding road.

An area for improvement is its interior space, especially in the rear, where the design takes up part of the interior room. Access is neither comfortable nor generous, but this is normal for this type of coupé design.

The Audi Q3 Sportback is available from 40,340 euros, while our unit with the Black Line Edition finish and various options comes to 56,525 euros.

Photos | Test team