AT THE WHEEL
Audi Q3 Sportback
This segment came about when several companies including Nissan (with its Qashqai) and later, BMW (the X1) released compact SUVs or crossovers based on their mid-size hatchbacks. They were soon followed by Mercedes-Benz’ GLA-Class, Range Rover’s Evoque, Jaguar’s F-PACE/ E-PACE and others.
As if that wasn’t enough, a few years later, it launched coupelike compact SUVs. That in itself isn’t difficult to comprehend, considering that regular sedans have a matching hatchback and/or wagon, and sometimes a sporty coupe version.
Several manufacturers released coupe style premium compact SUVs such as BMW’s X2, Volvo’s XC40 and Jaguar’s I-PACE.
Some of these coupe-like versions are more aesthetically pleasing than the models they’re based on. In our humble opinion, the Q3 Sportback is a much better-looking car than the regular Q3, which seems to walk in the shadow of the mid-size Audi Q5.
Since of late, Audi and many of its rivals have churned out doppelgängers when it comes to styling across models. Reasons include marketing gurus wanting to promote a ‘brand corporate image’ and the savings that can be derived using one platform across several models.
The Q3 Sportback is cut from the same Audi cloth but stands apart from the rest of the SUV lineup. The Sportback’s raked roofline and sloped tailgate add to its sporty stance. Many of these SUV-based coupes differ from their siblings only from the B-pillar backwards. But in the Q3, even the front windscreen is raked further, making it rather stunning in the eyes of the beholder.
Its front grille has a diamond cut pattern compared to the regular model’s vertical elements. There are haunches above the rear wheel arches that make the car look wider and give it a muscular look when viewed from the rear.
The cabin of the Q3 Sportback is also a beautifully designed space with little premium touches that make the difference between nice and fabulous – as far as places to spend your
time go. On the higher end models, there’s Audi’s new virtual cockpit plus with plenty of personalisation of readings.
An optional 12.3 inch driver’s display shows the navigation screen with an overlay of the satellite image along with inserted speedo readings inserted. The dash and seats can be ordered with contrasting Alcantara trim, which made our test car really stand out.
Of course, as with any car at the bottom end of the range, some scratchy cheap plastics feature lower down the foot wells and door cards.
Even the central display is a customisable 10.1 inches that combines Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a wireless charging base ahead of the gear selector lever that looks rather dated since most manufacturers have done away with gearsticks.
On the highway, we felt the car was set up for a sportier drive; but this could perhaps be easily rectified by ‘optioning’
Audi’s adaptive damper pack. Round the twists, the Q3 Sportback shone bright with no significant body roll.
The turbo 1.4-litre/1.5-litre engines (the latter is combined with a 48v mild hybrid system to achieve better fuel economy) with 148 bhp aren’t going to leave anyone behind at the lights – especially considering the gross weight.
Meanwhile, the 2-litre turbo petrol unit mated to the sevenspeed S tronic is a much livelier combination. For heavier right footed drivers, there’s a RS Q3 Sportback that sees a 2.5-litre ‘five-pot’ (jargon, meaning cylinders) turbo petrol unit with an optional sports exhaust that’ll give you dreams of demons chasing you as you drive.
Do consider it alongside the BMW X2 and Volvo XC40 – but keep in mind that some recent Audis have minor complaints about build quality such as electrical issues and rattles in the cabin. That said, we do recommend the Q3 Sportback for buyers with smaller families.