The Q3 Sportback will be on sale imminently. It’s an ever so slightly less practical but more stylish version of the standard Q3 Crossover.

The Q3 Sportback is Audi's answer to vehicles such as BMW's X2, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and to an extent the Lexus UXand Range Rover Evoque.

The Q3 Sportback is set to go on sale in SA during September 2020. It will sit above the standard Q3 in terms of price and performance. The major difference with the Q3 Sportback is the lower rear roofline that slopes downwards giving it a coupe-like look. The sloping roof accounts for 29 mm less height than the standard Q3.

The Q3 Sportback is available with a 2.0-litre 40 TFSI turbopetrol engine, which is also fitted with quattro all-wheel-drive, somethingthe standard Q3 models has. The 40 TFSI puts out 132 kW and 320 Nm of torque, imbuing the top-of-the-range Q3 Sportback with added performance. Zero to 100 kph takes 7.8 seconds with the standard S-tronic gearbox. The other engine on offer is a direct transfer from the standard Q3 – the 35 TFSI. Its 1.4-litre turbopetrol is good for 110 kW and 250 Nm.

A sports suspension is fitted as standard on the Q3 Sportback along with progressive steering that speeds up the more lock you apply to make it feel more dynamic in sharper bends. It also features several driving modes that configure the suspension and drivetrain for off-road driving as well as sportier driving.

In terms of practicality, the Q3 Sportback can hold 530 litres of luggage, only 20 litres less than the standard Q3, and retains the sliding and reclining rear seats of the standard model. The sloping roof will make it more difficult to stack taller items towards the rear of the loadbay area. Option packs can be added to snaz up the interior with electrically adjustable Alcantara sports seats, stainless steel pedals and interior ambient lighting. Audi has grouped many of its popular options into packs that can be selected. The options are grouped into Comfort, Technology, Sport, Parking, S line interior and Black styling. Audi’s local configurator helps you select which options are in which group.

The infotainment system and interior design mimic that of the standard Q3. The instrument cluster features a digital 8.8-inch digital layout but we would highly recommend forking out for the Virtual Cockpit which allows you to customise what you see in front of you in very crisp, hi-resolution. The Technology package features Audi’s most up to date infotainment system, comprising of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, complete with navigation although, with Android and Apple capability, it’s simpler to use your phone’s apps, which are easily displayed on the car’s touchscreen. Apple Carplay is even available wirelessly on the MMI navigation plus system. Part of this smartphone interface option includes the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.

Certainly one of the most useful packages on offer is the Parking package which combines 360-degree cameras with park assist (automatic parking), removing most of the hassle from tight parking and accidental collisions.

Pricing

Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic: R693 000

Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S tronic: R737 000

Both models come standard with the 5-year/ 00 000km Audi Freeway plan.

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