Audi Q3 Sportback Review

What’s new?

The obvious difference with the Q3 Sportback is the sloping roof, but this SUV is also longer, lower and less wide than the standard Q3. Audi says that it’s been done in a way to offer limited compromise when it comes to interior space too.

Elsewhere it’s business as usual in regard to the standard Q3, with the Sportback getting the same modern interior using the latest screens and displays that Audi has to offer. There’s also a newly-introduced plug-in hybrid available.

What’s under the bonnet?

There’s a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines available on the Q3 Sportback. A manual gearbox is still available on entry-level models, while Quattro four-wheel-drive comes on the more expensive engines.

Starting with petrol, there’s the option of a 148bhp 1.5-litre (badged 35 TFSI) or a 2.0-litre with 187bhp or 242bhp, which are badged as the 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI respectively.

As for diesel, there’s a single 2.0-litre TDI unit available with either 148bhp or 187bhp. If you’d rather a plug-in hybrid, there’s the 45 TFSI e, which pairs a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 242bhp. You can expect a range of around 30 miles once the battery is fully charged too.

What’s it like to drive?

The Audi Q3 Sportback is a very well-rounded package behind the wheel. All the engines suit the Q3 and there’s no real weak link. Refinement is a strong point across the range and makes this SUV well-suited to longer journeys, and providing you stick to the smaller alloy wheels, has a fairly comfortable ride as well. You might want to consider the adaptive suspension upgrade for maximum comfort, however.

Though the Q3 isn’t the most involving car in its class, but ticks all of the right boxes for a car in this class.

How does it look?

The main draw to a coupe-SUV is the way it looks, and the Q3 Sportback adds plenty of style compared to the standard SUV. The sloping roofline gives it a sportier appearance, and when you consider the details such as a large singleframe grille and fancy LED lighting, this is one very eye-catching car indeed.

If you want the most in style, we’d perhaps skip the entry-level Sport trim as the small silver alloy wheels do it no favours, but the S line and Black Edition models bring plenty of style and are the ones to go for if a car’s looks are a priority.

What’s it like inside?

There’s a lot to like about the Q3 Sportback’s interior. With all cars getting a high-tech touchscreen and impressive digital instrument cluster, it gives the Q3 a modern feel, even next to newer rivals. The quality on offer is excellent throughout as well, with only the best materials being selected.

Not surprisingly given the sloping roofline, there’s not quite as much headroom in the back of the Sportback compared to the standard SUV, though anyone up to about six feet tall should have enough room. Sliding rear seats are also included to maximise practicality, while the boot measures a useful 530 litres.

What’s the spec like?

Regardless of version, the Q3 Sportback comes with plenty of standard equipment. Highlights on the Sport trim include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, an electric boot and dual-zone climate control.

The S line grade brings larger 19-inch alloy wheels, upgraded lights and a full S line sports styling kit. The Black Edition currently heads up the range, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels, puddle lights and a full gloss black styling kit.