Car review: Audi Q3 Sportback

The car’s visual rakishness is not reflected in its dynamics, which are all but identical to the standard Q3, although according to Audi, all Sportbacks get sports suspension. So, expect sometimes knobbly riding characteristics – a feature of many Audis anyway - not greatly affected by adjusting the dampers, speedy, precise steering, a commendable lack of body roll, and excellent brakes.

We tried a 2.0 petrol, which had four driven wheels and a seven-speed, self-shifting S tronic transmission. From rest this was a bit flaccid, but was otherwise smooth and speedy enough going up and down the ratios.

The dash and minor controls are shared with the regular Q3, so have the same slightly flashy aesthetic, and are straightforward to use. The ‘virtual cockpit’ instrument display, which will shift digital dials, introduce maps and other bits of information, is as clever and effective as ever.

Our test car was dripping with options, which bumped up its on-the-road price of £39,305 by almost £10k. Without them it wasn’t austere, but would have left front seat occupants slumming it with manually adjustable seats, which is the sort of thing that matters to some premium car buyers.

The Q3 is one of Audi’s biggest sellers in Britain, and it expects pushing 40 per cent of the sales will be made by the Sportback, so its buyers will pay about £1,600 more for a little less space and a bit more glamour.

Details: Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro 230PS S line S tronic


0-62mph 6.5sec,

144mph top speed

31.2mpg (combined)

171g/km CO2

Price: £39,305.