Audi is expanding its Q3 range with the addition of the Q3 Sportback model at a time when the SUV segment is seeing massive growth as car market patrons shy away from sedans.
The thing about coupe-like SUVs is that these models offer an outstanding balance between sporty and practicality, yet the latter is debatable.
Set to go head to head with the likes of the BMW X2, Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar E-Pace, Volvo XC40 as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Q3 Sportback joins the market in two variants; 35 TFSI and 40 TFSI Quattro.
I spent time putting the range-topping 40 TFSI through its paces in and around Gauteng at its local launch.
Design-wise, the Q3 Sportback is simply the coupe version of the regular Q3, and while it gets the same ingredients, it is sporty, thanks to its coupe shape and sleeker design.
Speaking of the dimensions, the Q3 Sportback is 4 500 mm long, 1 557 mm high and 1 840 mm wide. Also, it is worth mentioning that the Q3 Sportback is 16 mm longer, 29 mm flatter, and 6 mm thinner than the regular Q3.
The Audi Q3 Sportback comes standard with the S line exterior trim and can be ordered in ten exterior colours. The S line guise adds aluminium trimmings around the grille, bumper and air inlets.
It rides on a set of standard, sexy 18-inch alloy wheels and buyers can upgrade to 19-inch wheels at an additional charge.
A Black Styling Package adds dark detailing on the bumpers, single-frame grille, rear diffuser while the trim strips on the side windows are finished in gloss black.
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If you are familiar with the current Audi products, the Q3 Sportback follows the same route, and it comes with standard LED headlights and rear lights while Matrix LED technology can be had at an added charge.
The interior is beautifully designed and won’t leave buyers complaining.
It boasts adequate space for the driver and passengers, thanks to the movable rear seats that can be moved 130 mm longitudinally as standard.
The boot space is also not something to lament about at 530-litres (1 400-litre with the rear seats folded down) and I have no doubt it can gulp sizable items and few luggage bags.
Should you wish to keep your stuff out of sight, the loading floor can be adjusted to two levels, and the rear shelf is located beneath it. The storage and luggage compartment package is a further available option.
There is an optional Comfort Package that sees the addition of an electric tailgate, electronic heated front seats.
Depending on the equipment, there are sports seats with contrasting stitching and coloured stripes (orange or grey steel are options for colour choices) along with the side panels.
The seat upholstery is available in a combination of leather and leatherette as standard. Optionally available is also Alcantara upholstery.
Other Audi products inspire the interior, and it stands out while the MMI touch infotainment system is a breeze to use. There is a digital instrument cluster with an 8.8-inch screen and comes with integrated MMI touch radio plus as standard.
A virtual cockpit can be had at an added charge.
The system replaces the digital instrument cluster with the brand’s virtual cockpit.
The range-topping Technology Package sees the addition of Audi’s virtual cockpit that comes with a 12.3-inch screen diagonal along with MMI Navigation Plus. The system incorporates Android and Apple CarPlay.
There is an optional Audi phone box, Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with virtual 3D sound.
As mentioned, at the launch, I only got to sample the 40 TFSI that packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that pushes out 132 kW and 320 Nm of torque. This model comes fitted with the quattro all-wheel-drive system plus a seven-speed S tronic gearbox.
The range-opening 35 TFSI uses a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque plus a six-speed S tronic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.
On the road, the Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI is sophisticated, upmarket but slightly falls short as the best driving SUV in the market today.
Road handling is reasonably good, thanks to the quattro system that ensures confidence on the road. The ride is comfortable, yet the powerplant feels a bit underpowered during intent acceleration but not in a wrong way, so a little patience is needed before initiating overtaking manoeuvres.
Not a rocket by any stretch of the imagination, but Audi says it can dispatch to 100 km/h from rest in 7.8 seconds and that is enough to get you going. The 35 variant gets the same job done in 9.3 seconds.
Safety comes courtesy of lane departure warning, and the lane change warning, pre sense, 360-degree cameras, park assist, rear cross-traffic assist Rear parking aid.
The new Audi Q3 Sportback can be ordered in six packages that include Comfort, Technology, Sport, Parking, S line interior and Black styling.
In conclusion, the Q3 Sportback is a well-built SUV with all the latest tech and if there is one thing I love, it is its styling.
The model range is priced as follows:
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic: R 693,000
Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S tronic: R 737,000
Both models come standard with the five years / 100 000km Audi Freeway Plan, inclusive of all taxes.
Written by Ntsako Mthethwa
