The style SUV coupe It has more and more weight, especially in terms of certain luxury brands. In fact, you just have to see the wide range of this type of models in companies such as Mercedes o BMW, having recently joined Audi. A few months ago we were getting to know the Audi Q8, while in this article we will tell you the first impressions of the Audi Q3 Sportback after testing it in its national presentation.
This Q3 Sportback hits the market as an alternative more stylized of the Listen Q3. As you are going to discover in the following lines and, above all, through the video and images, the Sportback shows a more striking and less sober aesthetic. In addition, the price difference with its brother is not great, so it is expected to be very successful. Welcome to this first contact with the new premium C-SUV Coupe, the Audi Q3 Sportback.
Increased aesthetic appeal
As I said, the Audi Q3 Sportback is a new model, but it takes the base of the Q3 "to dry". This bodywork provides more youthful and sporty style. The main difference is in the side view, with a smoother silhouette that gives it that coupé look. Later we will check if it penalizes the habitability of the rear seats. As we see, the rear pillar and rear window they are very lying down, resorting to stronger tension lines on the entire side.
But there are more changes. For example, I must point out that the bumpers in the most accessible version they are already very dynamic, and proof of this is that the same ones are used as in the normal Q3 with the S line. Other important aspects is the shiny black of the grill Octagonal Singleframe, the voluminous air inlets. Also, I must mention that the overall height is 29mm lower on this Sportback model, giving greater feeling of width.
The part back it is also very characteristic. A marked spoiler appears in the upper area, but the lower part is more striking, where a prominent black diffuser stands out. Yes indeed, no trace of exhaust outletsThey are hidden under bumpers.
An almost traced interior, well done and with enough space
The general line of design in the interior is practically identical to that of Q3, with some minor insignificant change. This means that we find a 10,25-inch digital instrument panel as standard, optionally expandable with the Audi virtual cockpit Plus at 12,3. Its visibility, honestly, is very good and it is also easy to control.
In the central area of the dashboard appears the main screen infotainment, which is 8,8 inches as standard. Of course, we can optionally opt for the MMI Navigation Plus system, which comes with a 10,1-inch screen.
Everything is well organized and within reach, especially the main controls. Regarding the screens, the tested unit had the largest ones. I find the handling difficult to overcome, these systems being quite intuitive. In addition, the graphics, details, resolution and fluidity are of very high quality.
I like least, for example, the Black panel around the central screen, which it goes in glossy black and therefore catches dirt very quickly. Audi is a brand that uses gloss black the most in its interiors, something that in my opinion is not recommended because it costs a lot to keep it clean and, on the other hand, it scratches relatively easily.
On the other hand, and as usual in most Audi models, the feeling of quality and construction of the cabin is very good. In addition to the use of soft and padded materials on the dashboard, and good quality upholstery on the doors and roof, in this Audi Q3 Sportback we see some details in Alcantara on part of the dashboard on the passenger side and also on the armrests. This material is always very nice.
Roominess of the Audi Q3 Sportback
Moving on to talk about space interior, the Q3 Sportback has a front seats spacious in which two adults of practically any size can travel. Obtaining a comfortable driving position is easy because we have adjustment in height and depth of the steering wheel, seat with multiple adjustments (electric in the tested unit) and seat belt also with height adjustment.
Although we could think that -because of their external shape- the rear seats are not wide, the truth is that we have taken quite a positive surprise. Headroom is partially reduced, but they are still very practical. With my 1,76 height I have several centimeters left to the ceiling. Perhaps people who are 1,85 meters or so can already look a little less comfortable. For space for the knees and feet there are no problems if we have a medium height.
I must emphasize that, as in the Audi Q3, this Sportback has longitudinally sliding bench in 13 centimeters, which allows to distribute the space between this second row of seats and the trunk. The backrests can also be adjusted in inclination, enjoying up to 7 positions.
Here behind we find good qualities in the door trims, adjustable rear air vents, pockets on the backs of the front seats to store some objects such as newspapers or folders, as well as a central armrest with two bottle holders. What is missing are USB sockets, something that I think should come. Now let's go to the trunk.
It maintains the 530 liters of trunk, a point very much in its favor
A highlight of the Audi Q3 Sportback is its trunk. Despite the shape of the body, this model maintains the 530-liter trunk of the "normal" Q3, which in my view is something very noteworthy. The forms continue to be cubic and usable, with a double-height floor and a net to hold luggage. If we knock down the seats we have a cargo space of 1.400 liters, which is a little less than in its range brother, but the difference is not great.
Mechanical offer of the Audi Q3 Sportback
Moving on to its mechanical part, the Audi Q3 Sportback is available in Spain at the moment with two gasoline versions and as many diesel versions, all of them four-cylinder. The powers range from 150 to 230 hp, although a sports Audi RS Q3 Sportback with a 2.5 five-cylinder engine and 400 hp has already been confirmed.
Offering gasoline consists of versions 35TFSI and 45TFSI. The first is a 1.5 hp 150-liter and cylinder deactivation, while the second uses a 2.0-liter block to develop a power of no less than 230 hp. The 150 hp comes with front-wheel drive and six-speed manual gearbox, while the most powerful is Quattro drive and has the S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
If you wonder about the mechanics diesel, their denominations are 35 TDI and 40 TDI. Both use the well-known 2.0 TDI engine block, giving 150 hp in the first case and 190 hp in the second. In the case of the less powerful diesel version, it is linked to the S tronic transmission and has front-wheel drive, while the 190 hp is automatic and has four-wheel drive.
All of them have the DGT sticker C. In any case, the range will soon be expanded with a 48 volt microhybrid version which will receive the ECO label. It will be the 35 TFSI variant linked to the S tronic transmission.
Behind the wheel: We drive the Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TDI S tronic
In this national presentation we put ourselves at the controls of the Audi Q3 Sportback in 35 TDI S tronic version, one of the mechanical variants that will achieve the most sales. This mechanic has performance of 150 CV between 3.000 and 4.200 revolutions, as well as a maximum torque of 340 Nm between 1.750 and 3.000 revolutions. Its maximum speed is 205 km/h and it accelerates from 0 to 100 in 9,3 seconds. As for fuel consumption, it approves a mixed consumption of between 5,9 and 6,3 l/100 km (depending on the equipment and, above all, wheels and tires used).
Starting with the behavior of your engine, the 2.0 TDI 150 hp of this 35 TDI variant is enough to move the Q3 Sportback with some ease, although it is no less true that if we are going to go out on the road a lot or drive with a lot of load, it may be more interesting to take the step to the 40 TDI with 190 hp. It's not that the engine doesn't run, it runs fine, but there are times, like when overtaking on secondary roads, that extra power doesn't hurt.
Anyway, what I liked least about its engine is the refinement. The TDIs of the Volkswagen Group, despite having a long and successful tradition, suffer from being a bit noisy at idle or during relatively strong accelerations. It is not an exaggeration, but I think they should be better isolated, especially when we are talking about a car that exceeds 40.000 euros.
Regarding his relationship with the seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearboxThe combination seems correct to me. Not that the transmission is very, very fast when engaging gears, but it's not slow either. Of course, I found that it has a smooth operation, something that is appreciated, especially when maneuvering at very low speed.
Continuing with the driving of the vehicle, this unit had suspension adaptive, being able to vary the hardness of the shock absorbers depending on the driving mode selected in the Audi drive select (the driving modes). It has a slightly hard tare, reducing rocking well, but without being dry or uncomfortable in bumpy areas.
As standard, this model comes with a non-adaptive but harder-rated suspension compared to the normal Q3. Yes indeed, it is appreciated that we can request a comfort running gear (the same as the Q3) for those who prefer a more comfortable configuration at zero cost, that is, for free.
I don't want to forget the address. The Audi Q3 Sportbacks come standard with the progressive direction, which varies the ratio depending on the steering angle. In this way, on fast roads it does not cause stress to the driver and prevents us from constantly having to make corrections, since in the first few degrees the steering wheel "does not turn much", while in twisty areas or in the city -where we turn the steering wheel more- , the wheels turn more, making driving easier and making changes of direction faster.
Generally speaking, this compact SUV with a coupé silhouette is a car with a quiet roll, but that is stable and solvent in all kinds of situations. As I said a few paragraphs above, it may be interesting to consider the 190 hp engine if we are going to travel heavily loaded, with several occupants or on roads where we need to overtake frequently. For daily journeys or motorway trips at normal rates, this 150 hp TDI mechanic will meet expectations.
Regarding the consumptions, well, you know that we don't like to talk a lot in presentations, since we don't drive for many hundreds of kilometers and driving is not very natural since we make several full accelerations demanding a lot from the engine, we play with the gearbox to check their behavior and we also spend time standing still taking some photographs and, as in this case, video.
In spite of this, mentioning that during the approximately 180 kilometers of testing, with some city driving, many routes on twisty roads at a happy pace and about 80 kilometers on the motorway at a normal pace, the computer has registered a average consumption of about 8,4 liters per 100. I think that under normal conditions the mixed consumption will drop by about a liter or so, but this data must be taken with tweezers and wait to test it carefully during a longer assignment.
Main security equipment
Having seen the dynamic behavior, I wanted to mention the security equipment. Serial, all Audi Q3 Sportback marketed in Spain bring LED lighting, lane departure warning with steering control, blind spot sensor and emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. To this must be added the Audi pre sense basic, which tightens the seat belts, closes the windows and activates the warnings in emergencies.
In addition, in superior finishes or choosing optional we can have Matrix LED lighting, adaptive cruise control, heavy traffic assistant, automatic high beams, 360 degree camera, parking assistant, cross traffic assistant and the emergency assistant. This last system is capable of stopping the vehicle in its own lane by itself and activating the four turn signals if it detects that the driver is inactive, due to fainting, for example.
Conclusions
The first impressions of the Audi Q3 Sportback have been good, although it is true that there are some details that have not completely convinced me, such as the noise of the diesel engine or the benefits that for many may be a bit fair for the 35 TDI with 150 hp.
We have not been able to put ourselves at the controls of any other mechanical version, but on paper I miss an intermediate gasoline engine, like the 2 hp 190-liter engine offered by the manufacturer in other models. Perhaps the 150 hp is a bit fair for many customers and the 230 hp is too much...
Otherwise, I think it's quite logical to think that this product will be successful, because the price difference with a normal Q3 is about 2.500 euros and the aesthetic change is very interesting, all with good space in the rear seats and a trunk that does not lose a single liter of volume. In fact, Audi believes that sales between Q3 and Q3 Sportback will be divided into 60% for the first and 40% for the second. And it is that already put in a car of about 40.000 euros, this important aesthetic change I think it compensates.
In my opinion, it is a well-made product, with a more dynamic and youthful design than what we usually find in the SUV range of the brand with the four rings, and with the good quality that characterizes the company. If you are wondering about their rivals, looking at BMW, the Q3 Sportback is located by size and price at a point intermediate between BMW X2 y X4, so it is also good news for those from Ingolstadt. Now I leave you with the list of equipment and the prices of each version.
Equipment Audi Q3 Sportback
Basic
- Headlights in LED technology
- Dual zone air conditioning
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- MMI Radio Plus with 8,8-inch touch screen
- Pre sense basic and Pre sense front
- Lane Departure Warning
- Heated mirrors
- multifunction plus steering wheel
- Audi Connect Safety & Service
- Audi drive select
- sports suspension
- progressive steering
Advanced (adds to basic)
- LED headlights with rear dynamic turn signals
- Tailgate with electric opening and closing
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Audi Parking System rear
- Audi smartphone interface
S line (add to Advanced)
- Chrome inserts inside the singleframe grille
- Contrast heel cups
- Sport specific diffuser
- Alloy wheels in 19 inches
- Sports front seats
- Headlining in black
Black Line (add to S line)
- black style package
- Grill frame in black
- Black window surrounds
- Black bumper moldings
- Rear diffuser in black
- Audi Sport wheels in 20 inches
- Darkened rear windows
- Mirror caps in black
Comfort Package (1.500 euros)
- Frameless anti-glare interior mirror
- comfort key
- Reversing camera
- Exterior mirrors, heated, folding and with anti-dazzle function
- Audi Parking System Plus
- rear seat plus
Technical package (2.500 euros)
- MMI Navigation plus
- Audi Connect Navigation and Infotainment
- Apple CarPlay wirelessly
- Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus
- Audi SoundSystem
Audi Q3 Sportback prices
| Version | Power | Change | Traction | Finished | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Version | Power | Change | Traction | Finished | Price |
| 35 TFSI | 150 CV | manual 6v | Front | Basic | € 39.220 |
| 45 TFSI | 230 CV | Stronic 7v | Quattro | Basic | € 50.660 |
| 35 TDI | 150 CV | Stronic 7v | Front | Basic | € 40.690 |
| 40 TDI | 190 CV | Stronic 7v | Quattro | Basic | € 45.350 |
| 35 TFSI | 150 CV | manual 6v | Front | Advanced | € 42.020 |
| 45 TFSI | 230 CV | Stronic 7v | Quattro | Advanced | € 53.570 |
| 35 TDI | 150 CV | Stronic 7v | Front | Advanced | € 43.490 |
| 40 TDI | 190 CV | Stronic 7v | Quattro | Advanced | € 48.150 |
| 35 TFSI | 150 CV | manual 6v | Front | S-line | € 44.110 |
| 45 TFSI | 230 CV | Stronic 7v | Quattro | S-line | € 55.560 |
| 35 TDI | 150 CV | Stronic 7v | Front | S-line | € 45.580 |
| 40 TDI | 190 CV | Stronic 7v | Quattro | S-line | € 50.240 |
| 35 TFSI | 150 CV | manual 6v | Front | Black Line | € 46.110 |
| 45 TFSI | 230 CV | Stronic 7v | Quattro | Black Line | € 57.640 |
| 35 TDI | 150 CV | Stronic 7v | Front | Black Line | € 47.580 |
| 40 TDI | 190 CV | Stronic 7v | Quattro | Black Line | € 52.240 |
