Design and Build

The Q3 Sportback measures 4,500mm in length, stands 1,567mm tall and is 1,843mm wide, which makes the SUV coupe 16mm longer, 49mm lower and 6mm slimmer than an ordinary Audi Q3. The wheelbase is exactly the same with both model variants but this Sportback model's lower roof curvature and elegant shoulder line makes it look a slightly bigger car. At the rear, a long roof edge spoiler sits above the slim window to emphasise the width of this crossover. Inside, it's pretty much as in any other Q3. The focal point is a reductive two-level instrument panel incorporating the brand's 10.1-inch high resolution MMI touch display, giving access to the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus system. Audi says that this SUV coupe has been designed as a fully-fledged five seater. The rear seats can be moved 130mm longitudinally as standard; their backrests are divided into three sections, and their inclination can be adjusted in seven stages. Behind the rear seats, the luggage compartment can accommodate 530-litres, and when they're folded down, up to 1,400-litres can be liberated. A standard powered tailgate makes gaining access to this space easy, and for added convenience the loading floor can be used at various levels.

Market and Model

Q3 Sportback prices sit just around £1,600 above those of an ordinary Q3, primarily pitched in the £32,000 to £52,000 bracket.There are 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Vorsprung' trim levels in the mainstream line-up, plus the top RS version. For this kind of money you'll expect cutting-edge media connectivity - and you'll get it. Take the 'MMI navigation plus' package for example, which recognises the driver's preferences based on previous journeys, allowing it to generate suitable route suggestions. Buyers get a 3 year subscription to the usual 'Audi connect' media package which uses the super-fast LTE Advanced standard and provides its services like high resolution satellite images of Google Earth, a traffic information online system and a point-of-interest search function. Hybrid radio is also included in the specification. Depending on a station's signal strength it automatically switches between FM, DAB and the online stream to ensure optimum reception at all times. This Q3 is near the top of its class when it comes to assist systems. Audi Side Assist blind spot monitoring and a lane departure warning function. Plus Audi's 'pre sense front' autonomous braking system is also included. To suit the mood of the moment, there's a bit of autonomous driving tech too, courtesy of the optional adaptive cruise assist, which works with the S tronic auto transmission and incorporates the functions of adaptive speed assist, traffic jam assist and active lane assist.

Cost of Ownership

The big efficiency development here relates to the base 35 TFSI petrol model, which features Audi's MHEV mild hybrid drivetrain, which uses a 12V on-board electrical system. This reduces fuel consumption by recovering up to 12kW of power during deceleration via its belt alternator starter (BAS) and feeding this into a compact lithium-ion battery. If the driver lifts off the throttle at speeds of between 24mph and 99mph, the Q3 Sportback 1.5 TFSI MHEV rolls in neutral or coasts with the engine switched off. The engine management system selects one of these functions depending on the driving situation and the operating state. As soon as the driver accelerates, the belt alternator starter restarts the 1.5 TFSI quickly and smoothly. When accelerating from low speeds, it supports the driver. The start-stop range begins as low as 13mph. That should deliver diesel-like WLTP emissions and fuel consumption, but don't expect that from the other petrol unit, the 2.0-litre powerplant in the 45 TFSI quattro variant. This manages up to 32.8mpg and up to 195g/km of CO2. Which compares to up to 43.5mpg and 149g/km for the 35 TFSI. And up to 55.4mpg and up to 135g/km for the 35 TDI quattro. The TFSIe plug-in variant has a range of up to 31 miles and can be charged via an AC wallbox in 3hrs 45 minutes. Depreciation figures for the Q3 Sportback range should be as strong as they usually are on Audi models. It's a little disappointing though, that the brand sticks to its usual 60,000 mile limit on the three year warranty. Optional extra-cost packages can extend the cover to either four or five years. Pre-paid servicing packages are also available.

Summary

The Q3 Sportback doesn't do anything fundamentally better than the standard model upon which it's based, but it looks significantly more desirable. Enough to justify its price premium? We think most potential buyers will think so. These people probably won't care that there's slightly less rear seat and boot space than in a normal Q3. They may not even be bothered that, in truth, this Audi isn't quite as good to drive as rival BMW X2 and Range Rover Evoque models. What's important is that this car comes with an added dose of that cool charisma that Ingolstadt does so well. If for you the ordinary Q3 is a bit, well, vanilla, this version serves up that confection rather differently. With a flake if you like. We can all identify with that.