The compact crossover Audi Q3 entered its third generation quite recently: the basic version was presented in June. But since 2019, the Q3 model has had a coupe-like version with the Sportback prefix, and Audi decided to keep it, despite the public’s declining interest in this crossover format. Now the new generation Audi Q3 Sportback SUV has been presented.
Of course, the main difference between the Sportback version and the base crossover is the rear of the body with a sloping roof, which has become 29 mm lower. The coupe-like SUV also got rid of the luggage rails . The shape of the fifth door and the spoiler on it have been changed, but the narrowed lights with an LED strip across the entire width of the stern have been preserved. Otherwise, the appearance of the Sportback version repeats the appearance of the base Q3 model. Two new options have been added to the range of body colors. The wheels can have a diameter of 17 to 20 inches, including special aerodynamic options. However, the crossover itself cannot boast of impressive streamlining: the Cd coefficient is the same 0.30 as the regular Q3 .
The interior design of the Audi Q3 does not depend on the body type. The instrument display (11.9 inches) and the touchscreen media system (12.8 inches) with the Android Automotive OS shell are installed in a single unit on the front panel . There is no separate climate control remote control in the new generation, the transmission control is assigned to the right steering column switch, and the left lever combines the control of the wipers and the outside light. Options include a projection display, an advanced Sonos audio system (twelve speakers, 420 watts) and advanced contour lighting in the cabin. Also, for the first time, you can order double-layer glass for the front doors, which reduces noise in the cabin. The trunk volume of the two varieties of the Audi Q3 is the same (488-575 liters depending on the position of the rear sofa), but if you fold the backrests of the rear sofa, a difference still appears: 1289 liters for the Sportback version versus 1386 liters for the regular Audi Q3.
There are no more manual transmissions — only a seven-speed S tronic “robot” with two clutches. The initial versions with front-wheel drive are offered with a 1.5 TFSI petrol turbo engine or a 2.0 TDI turbodiesel. Both develop 150 hp, but the torque differs dramatically: 250 Nm and 360 Nm, respectively. But cars with a two-liter petrol turbo engine are equipped with a quattro all-wheel drive transmission (with a clutch on the rear axle) by default. There are two versions: the younger one develops 204 hp and 350 Nm, and the older one — 265 hp and 400 Nm.
At the top of the range is the plug-in hybrid Audi Q3 Sportback e-Hybrid. Between the 1.5 TFSI turbocharged petrol four (177 hp) and the six-speed “robot” is a traction electric motor (116 hp). The peak output of the system is 272 hp and 400 Nm, but the drive is only to the front wheels. The traction battery with an effective capacity of 19.7 kW h provides 118 km of electric range, that is, 1 km less than the base Q3.
The first commercial crossovers of the new generation Audi Q3 Sportback will appear at European dealers only in November, but the prices are already known. In Germany, such an SUV will cost at least 46,450 euros, that is, 1,850 euros more than the usual Q3. The plug-in hybrid will cost from 51,150 euros. Production of all models of the new generation Audi Q3 is carried out at the plant in the Hungarian Győr, but some of the kits with assembled and painted bodies will be sent to the head office in the German Ingolstadt.
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