The Q3 Sportback widens Audi's reach in the premium compact SUV segment. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Audi extends its Sportback franchise into the SUV sector with this compact stylised Q3 Sportback model. It's aimed most precisely at BMW's similarly-sized X2, but potential buyers will also be looking at upper-spec versions of premium small crossovers like the Range Rover Evoque, the Mercedes GLA and the Lexus UX. There's mild hybrid electrification, trendy media connectivity and a cool Audi cabin. Just as you'd want.

Background

Pay more, get less. Coupe models have always unblushingly offered this curious proposition and this one continues the tradition, Audi's Q3 Sportback. This, as you can see from the picture, is one of those 'coupe-style' compact SUV models, a sub-niche of the market already populated by BMW's X2. This fashion-led derivative has a roofline 49mm lower than that of its standard sibling and virtually all the bodywork panels are different, only the front wings being shared with the standard Q3. Plus mild hybrid petrol engine technology features at the foot of the range. Sounds quite promising.

Driving Experience

The range kicks off with a 150PS 35 TFSI 1.5-litre petrol engine using Audi's latest 12V mild hybrid technology and S tronic auto transmission. This unit is aided by cylinder-on-demand technology, which at low and medium loads deactivates the second and third cylinders to reduce consumption. Manual transmission is also available with this derivative, which only comes with front wheel drive. Further up the range, it's a 4WD-only line-up. There's a 45 TFSI quattro model that uses a 2.0 TFSI unit and offers 230PS. If you want a diesel, there's the usual 150PS 2.0 TDI engine in the 35 TDI quattro. Plus there's a 40 TDI diesel variant with 200PS. There's also a 45 TFSIe Plug-in variant which uses a 1.4 petrol engine with a combined 245PS output. The top RS Q3 Sportback uses a 2.5-litre 400PS TFSI petrol unit. Audi has tried to make this Sportback variant a little more dynamic to drive than the ordinary Q3. Sport settings for the front MacPherson strut and four-link rear set-up are standard across the range in the UK, and strike an impressive balance between absorbency and assured handling. For the 4WD models, an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch on the rear axle can begin sending a proportion of the torque from the front to the rear axle right from the point of turn-in to a bend. Combined with torque vectoring, this makes this Audi an impressive rapid point-to-point compact SUV.

Design and Build

The Q3 Sportback measures 4,500mm in length, stands 1,567mm tall and is 1,843mm wide, which makes the SUV coupe 16mm longer, 49mm lower and 6mm slimmer than an ordinary Audi Q3. The wheelbase is exactly the same with both model variants but this Sportback model's lower roof curvature and elegant shoulder line makes it look a slightly bigger car. At the rear, a long roof edge spoiler sits above the slim window to emphasise the width of this crossover. Inside, it's pretty much as in any other Q3. The focal point is a reductive two-level instrument panel incorporating the brand's 10.1-inch high resolution MMI touch display, giving access to the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus system. Audi says that this SUV coupe has been designed as a fully-fledged five seater. The rear seats can be moved 130mm longitudinally as standard; their backrests are divided into three sections, and their inclination can be adjusted in seven stages. Behind the rear seats, the luggage compartment can accommodate 530-litres, and when they're folded down, up to 1,400-litres can be liberated. A standard powered tailgate makes gaining access to this space easy, and for added convenience the loading floor can be used at various levels.

Market and Model

Q3 Sportback prices sit just around £1,600 above those of an ordinary Q3, primarily pitched in the £32,000 to £52,000 bracket.There are 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Vorsprung' trim levels in the mainstream line-up, plus the top RS version. For this kind of money you'll expect cutting-edge media connectivity - and you'll get it. Take the 'MMI navigation plus' package for example, which recognises the driver's preferences based on previous journeys, allowing it to generate suitable route suggestions. Buyers get a 3 year subscription to the usual 'Audi connect' media package which uses the super-fast LTE Advanced standard and provides its services like high resolution satellite images of Google Earth, a traffic information online system and a point-of-interest search function. Hybrid radio is also included in the specification. Depending on a station's signal strength it automatically switches between FM, DAB and the online stream to ensure optimum reception at all times. This Q3 is near the top of its class when it comes to assist systems. Audi Side Assist blind spot monitoring and a lane departure warning function. Plus Audi's 'pre sense front' autonomous braking system is also included. To suit the mood of the moment, there's a bit of autonomous driving tech too, courtesy of the optional adaptive cruise assist, which works with the S tronic auto transmission and incorporates the functions of adaptive speed assist, traffic jam assist and active lane assist.

Cost of Ownership

The big efficiency development here relates to the base 35 TFSI petrol model, which features Audi's MHEV mild hybrid drivetrain, which uses a 12V on-board electrical system. This reduces fuel consumption by recovering up to 12kW of power during deceleration via its belt alternator starter (BAS) and feeding this into a compact lithium-ion battery. If the driver lifts off the throttle at speeds of between 24mph and 99mph, the Q3 Sportback 1.5 TFSI MHEV rolls in neutral or coasts with the engine switched off. The engine management system selects one of these functions depending on the driving situation and the operating state. As soon as the driver accelerates, the belt alternator starter restarts the 1.5 TFSI quickly and smoothly. When accelerating from low speeds, it supports the driver. The start-stop range begins as low as 13mph. That should deliver diesel-like WLTP emissions and fuel consumption, but don't expect that from the other petrol unit, the 2.0-litre powerplant in the 45 TFSI quattro variant. This manages up to 32.8mpg and up to 195g/km of CO2. Which compares to up to 43.5mpg and 149g/km for the 35 TFSI. And up to 55.4mpg and up to 135g/km for the 35 TDI quattro. The TFSIe plug-in variant has a range of up to 31 miles and can be charged via an AC wallbox in 3hrs 45 minutes. Depreciation figures for the Q3 Sportback range should be as strong as they usually are on Audi models. It's a little disappointing though, that the brand sticks to its usual 60,000 mile limit on the three year warranty. Optional extra-cost packages can extend the cover to either four or five years. Pre-paid servicing packages are also available.

Summary

The Q3 Sportback doesn't do anything fundamentally better than the standard model upon which it's based, but it looks significantly more desirable. Enough to justify its price premium? We think most potential buyers will think so. These people probably won't care that there's slightly less rear seat and boot space than in a normal Q3. They may not even be bothered that, in truth, this Audi isn't quite as good to drive as rival BMW X2 and Range Rover Evoque models. What's important is that this car comes with an added dose of that cool charisma that Ingolstadt does so well. If for you the ordinary Q3 is a bit, well, vanilla, this version serves up that confection rather differently. With a flake if you like. We can all identify with that.

Body Glass

Rain and light sensors

Acoustic windscreen

Variable front intermittent wipers

Rear wiper

Front and rear electric windows

Brakes

Hill hold assist

Hill descent control

Electromechanical parking brake

Electronic stabilisation control including ABS, ASR and EDL

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Sports suspension

Communication

Voice control system with natural language interaction

Audi connect safety and service

Phonebox light with wireless charging

Bluetooth interface

Audi smartphone interface includes wireless Apple carplay/Android Auto

Driver Aids

Camera based traffic sign recognition

Audi drive select

Audi lane departure warning

360 degree camera

Progressive steering

Parking system plus

Distraction and Fatigue warning

Cruise control + speed limiter

Driver Convenience

Start stop system with recuperation

Power operated tailgate

Driver Information

MMI Navigation Plus with high resolution 10.1 inch touchscreen colour display

Audi Virtual Cockpit - 10.25" display

Service interval indicator

Legal emergency call

Driving Mirrors

Electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors with integrated LED side indicators and kerb view function for passenger side

Automatic dimming door mirrors

Auto dimming frameless rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Detail dashboard around MMI touch colour display in glass look, black with surround in aluminium look

Micrometallic silver inlay

Aluminium look interior elements

Entertainment

SONOS premium sound system

DAB digital radio module

2 USB-C ports with charge and data functions

Exterior Body Features

Bumpers and underbody protection in contrasting manhattan grey paint finish

Panoramic glass sunroof

Door sill trims with illuminated aluminium inlay

Front side air inlets in Manhattan grey metallic

Diffuser grille in grained matt black

Aluminium window trim

Honeycomb design radiator grille in matt anthracite black

Rear side wing doors

Diffuser trim in manhattan grey metallic

Grille surround in aluminium silver matt

High gloss black finish B and C pillars

Exterior Lights

LED third brake light

Matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights

Front fog lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone electronic climate control

Interior Features

Front centre armrest

Luggage compartment sill protection in stainless steel

3 spoke multi-function leather steering wheel

12V socket in rear centre console

Lunar silver cloth headlining

Height and reach adjustable steering wheel

Packs

Non smoking pack - Q3

Safety

Seatbelt monitoring

Audi pre-sense front with pedestrain and cyclist recognition

Front seatbelt reminder

Pre sense basic

6 airbags - Driver, front passenger, curtain and side windows

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure warning

Electrically operated child locks on rear doors

Seats

Heated front seats

Electric lumbar support

Front and rear headrests

ISOFIX child seat mounting for front passenger with airbag deactivation and outer rear seat including top tether attachment point for outer rear seats

Electrically adjustable front seats

Single front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

40:20:40 folding with manual adjustment for 60:40 forwards/backwards position and backrest angle

Security

Advanced key

Anti theft wheel bolts

Remote central locking

Immobiliser

Thatcham approved category 1 anti theft alarm

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 162

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 152

Engine and Drive Train

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Gears: 6 SPEED

Transmission: MANUAL

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

CC: 1498

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 39.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.1

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 23E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 150

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: Sport [Tech Pro]

Coin Description: TFSI

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Top Speed: 127

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.4

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R18

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 DOUBLE ARM

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R18

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2022

Height: 1567

Height (including roof rails): N

Wheelbase: 2680

Length: 4500

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2020

Minimum Kerbweight: 1450

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 58

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 570

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 530

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.8

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1400

Driving Mirrors

Carbon door mirror housings

Exterior Body Features

Special solid paint

Metallic paint

Audi exclusive/customised paint

Interior Features

Twin leather/Microfibre dinamica upholstery with front sport seats + Adjustable rear seat bench/backrest with centre armrest/cupholder

Packs

Storage pack - Q3

Multi coloured extended ambient interior lighting pack - Q3

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Glacier white

Metallic - Mythos black

Metallic - Nano grey

Metallic - Navarra blue

Metallic - Chronos grey

Metallic - Progressive red

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arkona white

Paint - Special

Audi Exclusive - Custom

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Towing

Foldable tow bar

Trim - Cloth

Index cloth - Black/silver with front sport seats

Trim - Part Leather

Microfibre dinamica/twin leather - Black with front sport seats/leather stripes + Adjustable rear seat bench/backrest with centre armrest/cupholder

Wheels - Alloy

19" 5 spoke arm dynamic design alloy wheels

18" 5 spoke Y design diamond cut finish alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Space saver spare wheel and Tool kit and Jack