Audi Q3 Sportback Review: Should You Consider This Over The Standard Q3?

Last year, Audi India reintroduced the Q3 with new generation ammunition, taking the premium compact SUV segment by storm. This year, the company decided to take the plunge and introduce a sportier and snazzier version of the Q3 in the form of the Audi Q3 Sportback. It comes with some exciting changes compared to the standard Q3, making it stand out from the crowd, but to get this, you will have to shell out an extra Rs. 1 lakh over the standard version of the SUV. Why that extra moolah, you ask? Let’s find out.

Exterior

The purpose of the Audi Q3 was to attract younger and more affluent buyers looking for an SUV that was practical, stylish and didn’t burn a hole in their pockets. With the Sportback, Audi has tried to add character to the SUV, and I must say that they have achieved it in abundance. The coupe-SUV treatment gives it a sporty stance and certainly adds to its road presence. But to adapt this frame, the SUV had to drop its roofline by 49 mm, narrow down by 6 mm, and grew in length by 16 mm, all to look sexy and practical at the same time.

And Audi did not restrict itself to changing just the body style. It also adds the S-Line package to the game, which enhances its visual appeal. The redesigned front section has S-Line styling written all over it, and the result is quite fresh and modern. The matte black treatment adds character, but it looks far more elongated than the standard version and wears brighter hues rather well.

Our test vehicle is wrapped in Turbo Blue, an exclusive option on the Q3 Sportback, and sits on new 18-inch alloy wheels. But the focus is, of course, on the rear section with the sloping roofline. It's sleek and curved now instead of straight, and that makes all the difference.

Tech & interior

The inside is quite identical to the standard version of the Q3, albeit with a few tweaks here and there to enhance its sporty quotient. It has the vibes of the larger Q8 SUV for sure, and the black/brown or even the black/white theme feels quite fancy. Possibly, one of the best cabins in this segment currently. An upright dashboard, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit standard with a 10.1-inch centre display and a 12.3-inch driver’s display, along with conventional knobs and buttons, make up for a nice blend of tradition and modernity.

What the car misses out on, though, are features like ventilated seats, memory settings for the front seats, and a 360-degree camera, which are now common with several budget cars as well. Till now, the SUV feels quite practical, but it’s in the back where the differences are more apparent.

The drawback with such a body style is that you compromise on the convenience of the rear passengers. For reference, I’m 5’9’ and there’s just about headroom, primarily because of the raked roofline. It’s not a dealbreaker, but this is not the case with the standard version. So before buying this car, I would recommend that you and your family test it out. The rest of the proportions remain unchanged, with ample room for your knees, well-bolstered seats, and nice under-thigh support as well.

For a dose of practicality, the Sportback retains the adjustable rear bench that both reclines and slides fore and aft. Speaking of practicality, there’s barely a change in the boot space of the SUV, as it still holds the same 530-litre as the Q3, but it loses out slightly when the backrests are tumbled over in the 40:20:40 formation.

Engine & Transmission

We’ve dwelled extensively on the looks and features of the car, so now, let’s get driving. Audi truly believes in its single petrol option strategy, and that’s true for the Q3 Sportback as well. It employs the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol TSI petrol engine from the standard version, developing 187 bhp @ 4,200- 6,000 rpm and 320 Nm @ 1500–4100 rpm of peak torque, badged the 40 TFSI. The engine comes with a 7-speed wet clutch S tronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

And I must hand it to Audi, the car is exceptional to drive. Nevertheless, it has its flaws. Remember when I mentioned Audi’s single petrol option? Well, rivals such as the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA both offer diesel versions, while the XC40 comes with an electric alternative. So, in the larger scheme of things, the Q3 Sportback brings some, if not complete, credibility to the range.

Ride & Handling

Despite its hefty weight, the Q3 Sportback manages to jump ahead at the tap, accelerate instantly, zip through traffic with ease, and even munch miles on the highway without any hiccups. It juggles the two roles quite effortlessly. The driving experience of the Q3 Sportback is exceptional, with a smooth and responsive engine, precise steering, and excellent handling.

The car's suspension is slightly on the firmer side, so ride quality is not exactly cushioned but certainly comfortable. I even like the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, it provides excellent traction and stability in all conditions. It is an even better handler of corners.

Verdict

Is there any significant improvement in the Sportback version over its SUV counterpart that justifies the additional premium of Rs. 1.04 lakh? It does, if you're looking for a unique and eye-catching SUV and don't mind paying that premium.

Also, consider that the Q3 Sportback doesn’t have a direct rival, so it inevitably stands out in the crowd. Having said that, even the standard version Q3 is a well-packaged product, both in practical terms and affordability-wise.

Photography by: Jitendra