Audi Q3 Sportback

Does a better and more sporty looking Q3 appeal enough? Let's find out!

Last year, the lovable Audi Q3 made a comeback in a new generation avatar Months down the line, its Sportback sibling is here. The Audi Q3 Sportback is essentially the Q3 but with certain distinctive highlights, mainly limited to the exterior appearance. So, let’s see if the Sportback makes sense with a marginal premium or should you rather stick to its SUV version?

The Q3 Sportback looks largely like its SUV sibling and the only differentiator comes in the form of the coupe-inspired styling at the back. However, thanks to this, the Sportback does give out a sportier look and a flashier vibe. You might also feel some resemblance to the Audi Q8 or the Lamborghini Urus, thanks to the derriere. 

Overall, the Q3 Sportback looks compact and cute. Sharp creases and strong shoulder lines dominate its design and give it a bold look. The 18-inch alloys are better looking than the Q3 but, compared to the 19-inchers on the overseas model, they’re still a bit bland. Thanks to Audi, we have the S Line package exclusively for the Sportback which makes it look sportier and aggressive. 

The Sportback is a head-turner, but most might end up confusing it with the Q3. But once seen closely, you might take a liking to its exclusive design and if you do get one, take a look at this Smurf-inspired Blue colour, which looks funky and eye-catching. 

Interior

The Q3 Sportback sports a rich and classy cabin which feels good to be seated in. No doubt, the layout looks like a Q8-derivation, which to the people familiar, will serve as a nice touch. Buyers who are sitting inside for the first time, will find it quite fancy and luxurious. 

The three-layered dashboard adorned with soft-touch materials, feels top-notch. The gloss black element and the black-background touchscreen system gel nicely and are eye-catching. The 30-colour ambient lighting is another cool element you get in the cabin and at night, when the ‘Quattro’ badging on the dashboard lights up, it looks quite attractive. 

Features

A 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, a 10.1 inch touchscreen system with a 10-speaker sound system, 30-colour ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, wireless charger, powered front seats, and the frameless IRVM are most of the niceties that this Audi offers. The list is the same as you get on the Q3. 

The touchscreen system with the black background looks really good. The interface is very crisp, easy and smooth to use. No complaints at all in that matter. The other “cool-looking” thing is the Virtual Cockpit Plus, VAG speak for fully digital driver’s display, which shows an array of information. With several customisation displays, you can switch between full screen maps, old-school tachometers, and full digits. 

The cabin of the Sportback, like its SUV counterpart, is kitted out nicely. But, for this price point, you would expect certain more features like ventilated seats, memory function for the front seats, and a 360-degree camera. These features are now available in a Rs 15-20 lakh car these days. 

The shape of the boot hasn’t hampered the 530-litre capacity, compared to the Q3 SUV (on paper). It can fit a couple of suitcases and a few duffel bags, enough for a weekend outing. For more luggage, you will be removing the boot cover which gives you more usable space. The split adjustment for rear seats frees up loads of space. However, the usable space of the Sportback’s boot is less when compared with the Q3. 

Enough about the practicality and features and looks. Driver’s seat is one place where you will enjoy the Q3 Sportback a lot. The 2-litre turbo-petrol TSI develops 190PS and is mated to a seven-speed DSG and the powertrain can be described in one line - a hoot to drive! 

The Q3 Sportback, like its SUV brother, is fun and engaging to drive. You will love the ability of this car to switch from smooth and easygoing to a pocket-rocket in a switch of a second. It’s easy to drive in the city, at low speeds, and in traffic snarls. Out on the highways, you can achieve high speeds very quickly. 

The seven-speed DSG is tuned nicely to the engine and is quick on its toes. The shifts are smooth and give an almost instantaneous response when you start picking up the pace. Sudden sprints are also very much welcome here as the car jumps ahead at the tap of the accelerator and the DSG supports you in that sprint. 

The highlight of the Q3 Sportback’s engine, like it is with the Q3, is that it does the job of a city commuter and a high-speed mile muncher with a nice balance. A diesel motor option, found on its rivals like BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, is still missing. Not that this engine feels wanting for that extra torquey nature but at least you know there are two options with a diesel on offer. 

Ride And Handling

Ride quality of the Q3 Sportback is very comfortable and the car manages to keep most of the potholes at bay. You can barely feel any surface changes and even bad roads are only slightly felt inside the cabin. German quality at its best! 

Due to its compact dimensions, it’s easy to drive around within a city’s narrow and traffic-ingested roads. Move to the highway and you’ll immediately feel that the high-speed stability is also one such aspect where the coupe-SUV excels at. The cabin has good noise insulation that stops most road noises from filtering inside. 

In case of handling, it’s agile and composed. Despite being an SUV, it feels just like a hot hatch to drive. Pushing it through corners feels very fun and sporty. The balance between comfort and sporty drive is what will keep the drives engaged and full of adrenaline rush. 

Now, the Q3’s top-spec Technology variant touches Rs 50.39 lakh. The Sportback asks you about a lakh rupees more and it goes for Rs 51.43 lakh (ex-showroom prices). For that premium, you’re getting an SUV-coupe which is more handsome and more sporty to look at. The compromise is minimal and is just restricted to the headspace and boot space. So, if you prefer looks over practicality, the Sportback is a good choice. Moreover, with this, you’re getting a car that’s a looker, has a posh cabin, and is engaging and fun to drive.