First Drive: Audi Q3 Sportback
We recently spent the afternoon with Audi to attend the launch of the all-new Q3 Sportback. Now if you are someone who appreciates a sporty design, then the Audi Q3 Sportback is just the fit for you, it looks quite appealing. The new Audi Q3 Sportback will be available in both 35 TFSI S Tronic and 40 TFSI Quattro S Tronic form.
The Audi Q3 Sportback will be available in two petrol engine options, which is new, considering that the latest-generation Q3 models have only ever been in one engine option. First, we have the standard 1.4 TFSI in the Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI which delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. It's powered by a six-speed S Tronic transmission and claims a 0-100 km in just 9.3 seconds.
Next is the Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI Quattro S line which comes fitted with a 2.0 TFSI engine that produces 132 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque. It's powered by a seven-speed S Tronic transmission does a quick 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
On the exterior of the new Q3 Sportback is a fresh new sporty bumper that includes a black octagonal singleframe grille. The low roofline gives way to flat D-pillars and ends in a roof edge spoiler. The SUV-coupe is also three centimeters flatter, giving it a sportier appearance. To further ensure its sporty appearance, Audi has included a two-piece panoramic glass sunroof.
Audi has also given two lighting options which ranging from LED headlights and rear lights as standard, to the optional upgrade to Matrix LED technology, whose adaptive high beam intelligently illuminates the road to the best quality given any driving situation.
The Audi Q3 Sportback also comes in ten exterior colours which include the new metallic paint colour called Dew Silver, which is exclusive only to the Q3 Sportback. Audi S line exterior trimmings come standard across the range, this will include distinguishing aluminum elements around the grille, bumper, and air inlets.
The Q3 Sportback will ride on a standard wheel size of 18-inches with the optional upgrade to a larger 19 inch. As always Audi will make the optional Black Styling Package available which makes the Q3 Sportback look a whole lot sportier. As its fitted dark surfaces on the bumper, the Singleframe, the rear diffuser, and the trim strips on the side windows are finished in gloss black.
The cabin of the Q3 Sportback is larger than its sibling, the Q3. The same sporty design on the exterior can also be seen carried over to the interior. The Q3 Sportback is a very comfortable five-seater, but Audi has taken it upon themselves to offer the optional Comfort Package which seems quite appealing. It includes electrically adjustable and heated front seats. The seat upholstery comes available in a combination of leather and leatherette as standard, with the optional Alcantara upholstery being available. If this isn’t appealing and you want a sportier interior the S line package is available, it comes with S logo seat backrests and a sports leather steering wheel with the same logo. It has a stainless-steel footrest as well as pedal caps.
Audi will also be offering two lighting packages to highlight specific areas of the interior, ranging from the ambient lighting package which comes standard to the optional multi-colour contour/ambient lighting packages.
Audi has ensured us that the Q3 Sportback is progressive, logical, and easy to understand in terms of a digital sense. In doing so, it will come standard with a digital cockpit that comes with an 8.8-inch screen that is operated by the driver via the multifunction steering wheel. It also comes integrated with MMI Touch Radio Plus as a standard feature. It will come with an Audi smartphone interface that will ensure that there is continuous connectivity between the car and smartphone. It can be integrated with both Android and iOS cell phones. The MMI display offers Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
In terms of safety, the Audi Q3 Sportback comes with lane departure warning and lane change warning. There is also then Audi pre-sense basic system outputs which acoustic and haptic warnings which are sent to the driver in the case of a collision. In case of an emergency, it will cause full braking and will initiate the Audi pre sense basic safety measures. Ultra-modern optional extra systems include 360-degree cameras that help with parking and maneuvering.
As Audi’s way of making things simple, they have broken down a range of packages for the customers to select from, now keep in mind each package has its own selective features and will range from Comfort, Technology, Sport, Parking, S line interior, and Black styling.
The Audi Q3 Sportback is not only good-looking and luxurious but it is also spacious with superb ride quality. We only had the 40TFSI available to test at launch and this engine proved to be the sensible choice, offering a decent amount of power with impressive fuel consumption. Just be careful about the options which can become quite costly, pushing the price of our launch vehicle up to R 929 000. If you are looking for that additional power, then you will have to wait for the RSQ3 Sportback which we hope will get to SA in 2021.
Both models come standard with the 5 year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pricing
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic R 693,000
Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S tronic R 737,000
