2020 Audi Q3 Sportback overview

The 2020 Audi Q3 Sportback has joined the rising checklist of coupe-like SUVs as an growing variety of patrons transfer away from standard hatchbacks.

Primarily based on the new-generation Audi Q3 five-seat soft-roader that went on sale domestically late final yr, the Audi Q3 Sportback takes the identical substances however packs them right into a sleeker physique with a singular inside. Though it seems acquainted, the Audi Q3 Sportback physique is decrease, longer and barely wider, with a coupe-like roof tapered on the rear.

There are initially three fashions within the new Audi Q3 Sportback vary: the 35 TFSI S Line from $49,900 plus on-road prices, the 35 TFSI Launch Version from $56,450, and the flagship (till the high-performance Q3 RS fashions arrive later within the yr) 40 TFSI Quattro S Line from $61,900. The costs symbolize a rise of about $3500 over the equal Q3 SUV fashions.

Each 35 TFSI editions are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (110kW/250Nm) that drives the entrance wheels by way of a six-speed automated transmission. Gasoline consumption is rated at a median of 7.3L/100km.

The 40 TFSI variant is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (132kW/320Nm) paired to all-wheel drive by way of a seven-speed automated. Gasoline consumption is rated at 8.3L/100km.

Throughout our preview drive of the 35 TFSI and 40 TFSI, we dipped effectively under these numbers on freeways and used greater than the claimed common in metropolis and suburban driving. Each engines desire premium unleaded (95-octane minimal).

Previously, Audi has had lengthy choices lists, however the Q3 Sportback bucks that pattern with complete commonplace tools. Commonplace fare on the Q3 35 TFSI Launch Version contains superior security aids comparable to autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, adaptive headlights, a 360-degree-view parking digital camera, in addition to entrance and rear sensors.

An digital tailgate with foot-swipe, hands-free ‘gesture’ management can be commonplace, as are scrolling rear indicator LEDs, privateness glass, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI Launch Version comes with a sensor key and push-button begin, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wi-fi smartphone charging with, pleasingly, sufficient area to accommodate gadgets with cumbersome protecting instances.

It was the primary time I’ve used wi-fi Apple CarPlay and I am now transformed. No must fumble with a wire to cost the cellphone, simply drop the cellphone onto the charging pad and let expertise do the remaining. Superior.

The Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI additionally comes with 10-speaker premium audio, a ten.1-inch high-resolution infotainment display with embedded navigation and digital radio, plus the ten.25-inch widescreen digital instrument show. Drivers have the choice of utilizing one display or each screens for navigation directions, which embody Google Earth imaging.

Further cellphone charging factors embody one USB, one USB-C and one 12V socket within the entrance cabin, and two USB-C and one 12V socket for again seat passengers.

Rear passengers additionally get the comfort of air vents, and the again seat itself tilts and slides to create additional leg room or cargo area. The cargo maintain is huge, about 1m by 1m of ground area, and a complete capability of 530L with the again seats in place (the identical capability because the Q3 SUV).

When the again seats are stowed, there’s 1400L of space for storing out there as much as the again of the entrance seats, about 125L lower than the standard Q3 SUV. Beneath the boot ground is a space-saver spare tyre.

The Audi Q3 40 TFSI Quattro S Line positive aspects a good sportier look, with Audi Sport trim entrance and rear, distinctive 20-inch wheels, in addition to automated excessive beam, automated parking and heated electrical entrance seats – along with its stronger engine.

The guarantee for Audi vehicles is three years/limitless kilometres and repair intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Pre-paid service plans value $1610 for 3 years and $2630 for 5 years.

The Audi Q3 Sportback has a hanging presence on the street. Its sleeker, decrease physique helps it slip by way of the air extra effectively, and likewise helps it hug corners because it’s not throwing its weight round as a lot.

The inside is a refreshing change from most different luxurious vehicles. The mix of sharp strains and clear controls makes it look each futuristic but user-friendly.

Visibility is okay, though the over-shoulder view when altering lanes is restricted barely by the sloping roof line and small glass space, however the aspect blind-zone alert (which flashes a lightweight within the aspect mirror housing) alerts you in the event you’re about to maneuver into an occupied lane.

As with many new vehicles today, the Audi Q3 Sportback has lane-keeping help. None of those methods are excellent, however they’re getting higher. The Audi was in a position to ‘learn’ the street forward with cheap accuracy, although the roads we had been on had been clearly marked and the climate was effective.

The automobile can detect lapses in focus or in the event you’re not in correct management of the steering wheel, flashing up a warning to pay higher consideration to the street. If the automobile does sense you’re wandering out of your lane – or not travelling within the centre of your lane – it is going to both advise you with a warning on the sprint or give the steering a delicate nudge to drag you again in line.

As we mentioned, these methods will not be excellent and will not be designed to interchange correct driver consideration, however they’ve the potential to mitigate fatigue or inattention in the proper circumstances.

We began our drive within the 35 TFSI and, to be frank, it doesn’t really feel sluggish regardless of what the numbers counsel (0–100km/h declare is 9.3 seconds, faster than a Toyota Corolla, however a contact slower than an everyday VW Golf). It felt effective within the bump and grind of metropolis and suburban driving, and was simply in a position to glide on freeways. 

When you’re questioning whether or not it’s worthwhile to go the entire manner and go for the two.0-litre turbo over the smaller 1.4-litre turbo, you should definitely take the 1.4-litre for a drive first. You might be pleasantly shocked.

One different that Audi says patrons will possible undertake: the 1.4-litre 35 TFSI optioned with extra luxurious tools. This mixture will nonetheless value lower than the two.0-litre 40 TFSI.

Tyre noise is all the time a problem on vehicles with huge wheels and low-profile (but grippy) tyres. The rubber on each variations of the Audi Q3 Sportback we examined had been comparatively quiet on easy bitumen, however acquired a bit rowdy on sure coarse-chip surfaces. That is the compromise for having glorious grip, moist or dry.

The consolation over bumps for each fashions was surprisingly spectacular provided that low-profile tyres normally don’t take up impacts effectively. Nicely-sorted suspension and cushioned tyres imply you get the perfect of each worlds: handsome wheels and a easy experience.

The one time the Audi Q3 Sportback acquired a contact upset over bumps was on abrupt enlargement joins within the metropolis and suburbs. As soon as on the open street, it was a easy operator, whether or not on winding again roads or main freeways.

Each automated transmissions (the six-speed and seven-speed) are seamless as soon as on the transfer, however have a slight hesitation on take-off from relaxation. This isn’t a fault, merely a trait of the sort of design, and also you quickly modify your driving model to accommodate.

Each engines have loads of zip for day by day driver use, however there isn’t a doubt the turbo 2.0-litre will enchantment to patrons who need a bit extra oomph. With a claimed 0–100km/h time of seven.8 seconds, it’s not far off hot-hatch territory. Name it a heat hatch, then.

General, although, each variations of the brand new Audi Q3 Sportback are effectively executed and effectively outfitted.

The Audi Q3 Sportback is a refreshing tackle the acquainted coupe-like SUV theme, and can most likely win patrons on seems alone.

It seems sharp inside and outside, has most mod-cons lined, and is snug to drive.