The new Audi Q3 Sportback costs $3,500 more than the regular Q3 SUV, but is it worth the
extra cash? We're on the local launch of the brand new compact Audi SUV to find out.
This sporty looking Q3 is a style-driven compact SUV. It's available now, and the sassy German
run-about starts from around $50,000 and rivals the BMW X2 and Volvo XC40. Compared to the
regular Q3, this slinky machine is more fashionable, thanks to the standard fitment of the S-Line
body kit. The sloping rear-end design, lower roof line and a sportier front-end design
make it appear lower, longer and leaner as well.
Inside, first impressions are really positive. I love this ultra-modern pared-back dashboard
design. Everything has a place, but these minimalistic controls, really appealing. I
like it. But apart from this lovely Alcantara trim here and here. Everything is the same
as the regular Q3. This is not a bad thing. The virtual cockpit with Google Earth maps
looks amazing, and the upgraded 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and has
crisp clear visuals. When you've got wireless phone charging, wireless Apple Car Play, Android
Auto, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, these things make life very easy in this vehicle.
But again, you get all these things in the cheaper Q3.
Back seat room is pretty decent for a small SUV, and it's good to see they've got air
vents and USB ports back here as well. Boot space is the same as the Q3, according to
Audi, but there's not much vertical space in the back due to that sloping tailgate.
Folding the rear seats down opens a little more room, and the tailgate is power-operated
too, which is a nice touch.
On the Road, the Q3 Sportback is smooth and refined, just like its bigger, more expensive
SUV siblings. And it's got all the autonomous driving assistance you'd expect as well. Being
an SUV, it gets the high ride height that everybody wants, and that gives you really
good vision out the front and the sides. But that skinny rear window and those thick pillars,
they make rearward vision, well, a bit average. This top spec Q3 Sportback is all drive, but
you can get front wheel drive too.
Considering this model rides on big 20-inch rims and doesn't have adaptive suspension,
ride comfort is not bad. The power train generates plenty of thrust when you need to gun it.
The 2 litre turbo petrol engine and seven-speed automatic transmission performing like Torvill
and Dean. Unlike the regular Q3, every Sportback model comes with adjustable steering, so you
can put it in Comfort or you can put it in Sports mode and it does make it a little bit
more engaging. It also has an adjustable engine mode. So when you slot it into Dynamic, it
puts a little bit of fire in the belly. It does make it quite fun to drive. One thing
I don't like so much is the location of the volume dial. It's way down here and even with
my ultra-long arms, it's hard to reach. However, there is a dial on the steering wheel. So
it's not too bad.
At the end of the day, the only real difference between this and a regular Q3 is the exterior
styling and the sports body kit that comes as standard. Beyond that, you're losing practicality
with the boot space and there is no roof rails either. If it was me, I wouldn't spend the
extra 3,500 for this vehicle.
Don't get me wrong, I really like what Audi has done with this slinky little SUV. It's
a lot of fun to drive and it looks fantastic. But if you're looking for meaningful differences
over the regular Q3, you won't find them here.
You could say Audi's put the sport back in the Q3. Ugh, I had to say that.