The Audi Q3 Sportback is 16mm longer than the standard Q3.
The roof height has been decreased by 29mm.
Interior of the Audi Q3 Sportback is heavily inspired by the standard Q3.
It gets some additional features to differentiate from the regular version.
Under the hood, it comes with petrol and two diesel engines. A new mild-hybrid 1.5L petrol engine will be added next year.
Audi has unveiled the new Q3 Sportback SUV that shares interior cues and mechanicals with the standard Q3. Styled in an SUV-coupe fashion, the new Q3 Sportback gets additional design elements and a slight change in proportions. That said, it measures 16mm longer and the roof height has been decreased by 29mm compared to the regular Q3. Even though it is narrower than its donor model, the new 3D-profile grille and sharp lines make it appear wider. Both models have the same ride height, albeit Q3 Sportback receives a lower hip point.
Styling elements such as redesigned bumpers, a standard gloss black trim package and a large roof spoiler differentiate the Q3 Sportback from the regular one. It additionally receives standard LED headlamps and an optional full-matrix LED units. Interior is copiously inspired by the standard Q3, with the driver’s seat positioned at the same height. What sets it apart from the regular model is the addition of some new features such as ‘car-to-x’ system which informs the driver about traffic lights turning green. It also gets integrated Amazon Alexa voice control. The sloping roof causes a reduction in the headspace, however, the boot space remains the same as Q3 at 530-litre.
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While both Q3 and Q3 Sportback share mechanicals, the steering system with new hardware and a variable ratio suited for handling the SUV better during bigger inputs are some of the extra bits specific to the Q3 Sportback. A sport-suspension system can be availed for the Sportback, whereas the adaptive dampers are offered as optional.
Under the hood, it gets a 2.0-litre TFSI engine which puts out a maximum power of 226 bhp. The diesel version is calibrated to belt out power in two states of tune-147 bhp and 187 bhp. The 147 bhp is used for the 35 TDI trim and the 187 bhp unit powers the 40 TDI grade. A 147 bhp, 1.5-litre, TFSI, four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mid-hybrid system will be added to the 35 TFSI variant early next year. The seven-speed automatic gearbox is paired with the petrol engine and the 187 bhp diesel engine, however, the 147 bhp diesel engine gets a six-speed manual transmission with power channelled to the front wheels. While India will receive the second-generation Audi Q3 early next year, there is yet no clarity if the Sportback version will also be launched here.
