Top 4 things to know about the Audi Q3 Sportback
According to Audi South Africa, the Q3 Sportback is planned for local introduction in the fourth quarter of this year. Here are four noteworthy facts about this exciting fastback SUV.
1. It will cost more than the standard Q3
The Q3 Sportback is the halo model of the range, in terms of its enticing design and looks, an Audi spokesperson told AutoTrader. “Therefore, it will be offered at a slight premium to the standard Q3. Pricing will be released closer to the launch,” she said. In the UK, the Sportback is about R60 000 over the standard Q3, so the same might be true for South Africa.
The Q3 is available in three derivatives, namely standard, advanced and S Line. The Sportback is expected to have the same trim lines. Sports suspension is likely to be standard in the Sportback, with comfort suspension as a no-cost option. Other features that could be included (thanks to the price premium) are progressive steering and Audi drive select with six profiles – including offroad.
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2. Not just the boot lid will be different
When looking at the two body shapes in profile, the stark contrast between them is very obvious. Apart from the sloping roof, the Q3 Sportback also appears longer than its sister model Q3, but the newcomer is just 16 mm longer. The reduced roof height is less of an optical illusion, as the SUV-coupé is almost three centimetres (29 mm) flatter than the standard Q3. This makes it appear more muscular, just like the Q8 does versus the Q7.
The boot promises to be spacious. It’s 530 litres big, in Euro spec, and the rear bench seat can be moved fore and aft by 130 millimetres. The backrest angle is adjustable and legroom for the rear occupants is plentiful. In spite of rakish roof, there’s sufficient headroom in the rear quarters for those under 1.9m tall.
Related: Audi Q3 35 TFSI Advanced Line (2020): Video Review
3. There will be a choice between two engines
In terms of models planned, the engine line-up will be the same across the Q3 range. There will be a 35TFSI (1.4-litre turbo petrol, 110 kW) and a 40TFSI (2.0-litre turbo petrol, 132 kW). The 35TFSI will power the front wheels, and the 40TFSI will likely have the same set-up. In other markets, the 45TFSI with its 169 kW engine will have the Audi quattro system. That variant is not destined for South Africa – not in the near future, anyway. Both will use a transmission of the dual-clutch automatic variety. Hopefully they will be more intelligently programmed than before, as these particular Audi autos can be confused and hesitant at times.
4. Your smartphone can start this car
Many Audi connect functions are bundled in the free myAudi app, which connects the driver’s smartphone to the Q3 Sportback. For example, it can be used to easily transfer navigation routes to the MMI system: As soon as the driver gets into the car, route guidance is switched to the onboard monitor. When the user gets out of the car later on, to walk the last 500 m to the destination, the smartphone takes over again. The app also supports music streaming and displays the smartphone calendar in the MMI.
If that’s not enough, the Q3 Sportback can be unlocked and locked remotely using the same myAudi app, and the engine started too. Owners can also view the vehicle status, find where the car is parked, and get directions to the car’s location. These services are part of the Audi connect remote & control package, starting from MMI radio plus. There will be USB and USB-C ports to take care of charging and connectivity.
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