Audi Q3 Sportback Review 2026
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Audi Q3 Sportback Verdict
Based on regular Q3 with coupe-inspired rear end. Better looking with very little sacrifice in room inside. 48v Mild Hybrid system overcomes hesitation of 1.5TSI drivetrain. More equipment, fewer options than usual with an Audi.
Deliveries from autumn 2019. Expensive. Basic prices £32,440 to £47,640.
Find out more about the Audi Q3 Sportback
Based on the Audi Q3, the Q3 Sportback is 16mm longer, 49mm lower and 6mm slimmer than the standard car.
Audi says it's been designed as a 'fully-fledged five seater', with practicality only marginally hindered by the coupe-inspired rear end.
Reviews for Audi Q3 Sportback's top 3 rivals
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Audi Q3 Sportback handling and engines
- Engines range from 45 TFSIe to 45 TFSI quattro S tronic
2.0TDI diesels are comfortable and steer well enough. But, left to its own devices, the DQ500 box is not as settled in its ways or as good as picking the right gear as PSA’s EAT8 in the 3008, CX Aircross and Rifter, or Vauxhall’s new 9-speed automatic in the Astra. More surprising was the slightly lumpen way it followed a first-generation Citroen C4 Picasso through the bends. The Citroen driver kept his speed down to around 80km in 100km zones, but didn’t brake for the corners. Keeping up in the Q3 Sportback was close to the edge of discomfort.
However, we can recommend the Audi Q3 Sportback ‘35’ mild hybrid with no hesitation at all. (By which we mean none of the gaps in response that readers have been reporting with the 1.5TSI in other VAG cars.) Quite simply, the 50Nm torque added by the mild hybrid system masks all of that, ensuring drive is always available, whatever the circumstances.
And it’s quite good fun to paddle along in ‘Dynamic’ mode, responding much better than when left to its own devices. No quattro 4WD, but decent power delivery for what is, after all, quite a small engine in a substantial amount of car. (The 48v Mild Hybrid system also gives it an extra 12PS of power.)
Full road test and specs here.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 TDI | - | 9.4 s | 135–139 g/km |
| 35 TDI quattro | 50–51 mpg | 9.3 s | 146–151 g/km |
| 35 TDI quattro S tronic | - | 9.3–9.4 s | 153–190 g/km |
| 35 TDI S tronic | 58–60 mpg | 9.3 s | 124–129 g/km |
| 35 TFSI | 38–49 mpg | 6.5–9.5 s | 146–171 g/km |
| 35 TFSI MHEV quattro S tronic | - | 9.5 s | - |
| 35 TFSI S tronic | 46–48 mpg | 9.5 s | 134–139 g/km |
| 40 TDI quattro S tronic | - | 7.3 s | 146–180 g/km |
| 40 TFSI quattro S tronic | - | 7.3–7.4 s | 199–207 g/km |
| 45 TFSI quattro S tronic | 37 mpg | 5.8–6.5 s | 174–204 g/km |
| 45 TFSIe | - | 7.3 s | - |
Audi Q3 Sportback interior
- Boot space is 410–1525 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4484–4680 mm |
| Width | 2022–2024 mm |
| Height | 170–1616 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm |
The Sportback doesn’t look like it would be particularly roomy inside, yet it is, with plenty of headroom, and a 530-litre load deck.
In front of you is Audi’s ‘virtual cockpit’ configurable to however the driver likes it. And on top models, Amazon Alexa integrated into the MMI system so if your home is compatible you can even control your domestic lights, heating or air conditioning from the car.
Audi Q3 Sportback models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4484–4680 mm |
| Width | 2022–2024 mm |
| Height | 170–1616 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1450–1660 kg |
| Boot Space | 410–1525 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000–12000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £35,620–£48,645 |
| Insurance Groups | 25–38 |
| Road Tax Bands | D–K |
| Official MPG | 36.7–60.1 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
On sale until April 2021
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 45 TFSI Quattro 230 Vorsprung S tronic 5dr | £48,765 | 36.7 mpg | 6.5 s |
| 45 TFSI Quattro 230ps Edition 1 S tronic 5dr | £44,870 | 36.7 mpg | 6.5 s |
| 45 TFSI Quattro 230ps S Line S tronic 5dr | £40,875 | 37.7 mpg | 6.5 s |
| Black Edition 45 TFSi 230 Quattro S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
On sale until December 2020
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 40 TDI Quattro 190 Sport S tronic 5dr | - | - | - |
| 40 TDI Quattro 190 Vorsprung S tronic 5dr | - | - | - |
| 40 TDI Quattro 190ps Edition 1 S tronic 5dr | - | - | - |
| 40 TDI Quattro 190ps S Line S tronic 5dr | - | - | - |
Model History
- July 2019: Audi Q3 Sportback announced
- August 2019: Audi A3 Sportback UK prices confirmed and road test completed.
- December 2020: Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid announced
July 2019
Audi Q3 Sportback announced
The Audi Q3 Sportback measures 4500mm in length, stands 1567mm tall (including the roof antenna), and is 1843mm wide. This makes the SUV coupé 16mm longer, 49mm lower and 6mm slimmer than the standard Audi Q3.
The new Q3 Sportback will be available in a choice of 11 paint colours, all of which are combined with contrasting bumpers and arches in a Manhattan Grey paint finish. 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and dynamic rear indicators are standard Sport features. The S line trim line brings larger 19-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and an exclusive design for the bumpers, sill trims and diffuser, and also adds S line-specific interior detailing.
Above it, the Edition 1 and Vorsprung models go a step further by upsizing to a 20-inch wheel and adding a black styling pack colouring elements such as the grille surround and window cappings. They also upgrade to Matrix LED lighting technology for maximum illumination through dimming of individual segments of the headlamp unit to divert the beam around leading and oncoming traffic.
As with the standard Q3, the focal point of the interior is a two-level instrument panel incorporating the new 10.1-inch high resolution MMI touch display giving access to the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus system which is standard for all UK Q3 Sportback models. The various functions are displayed on the MMI Touch display and in the Audi virtual cockpit with its 10.25-inch screen in the instrument binnacle, which is also standard.
An even more panoramic version with additional functions - the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus – is fitted to Edition 1 and Vorsprung models. Function control is possible via the central touch screen or the multi-function steering wheel, and all UK Q3 models are also equipped with new natural-language voice control, which responds to enquiries not only with the benefit of information stored onboard, but also with detailed knowledge from the cloud.
The SUV coupé has been designed as a fully-fledged five seater. The front sports seats are upholstered in either full cloth in Sport models, a combination of cloth and Twin leather in the S line, full Twin leather in the Edition 1 or an Alcantara and Twin leather blend in the Vorsprung. The front seats are also electrically adjustable and heated as standard in Edition 1 and Vorsprung models.
The rear seats can be moved 130mm longitudinally as standard; their backrests are divided into three sections, and their inclination can be adjusted in seven stages. Behind the rear seats, the luggage compartment can accommodate 530 litres, and when they are folded down up to 1400 litres is liberated. A standard powered tailgate makes gaining access to this space easy, and for added convenience the loading floor can be used at various levels.
UK buyers will initially be able to choose from two engines - one TFSI petrol and one TDI diesel. The 2.0 TDI provides 150PS in the Q3 Sportback 35 TDI while the 2.0 TFSI in the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro offers 230PS. Soon after launch a 190PS version of the 2.0 TDI will join the range exclusively in conjunction with quattro drive in the Q3 Sportback 40 TDI quattro.
Another notable post-launch introduction will be the 1.5-litre TFSI engine which will follow in the Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI. It provides 150PS and is aided by cylinder-on-demand technology, which at low and medium loads deactivates the second and third cylinders to reduce consumption.
It also features mild-hybrid drivetrain (MHEV), which uses a 48V on-board electrical system. This further reduces fuel consumption by recovering up to 12kW of power during deceleration via its belt alternator starter (BAS) and feeding this into a compact lithium-ion battery. If the driver lifts off the throttle at speeds of between 24mph and 99mph, the Q3 Sportback 1.5 TFSI MHEV rolls in neutral or coasts with the engine switched off. The engine management system selects one of these functions depending on the driving situation and the operating state. As soon as the driver accelerates, the belt alternator starter restarts the 1.5 TFSI quickly and smoothly. When accelerating from low speeds, it supports the driver. The start-stop range begins as low as 13mph.
The seven-speed S tronic transmission is the conduit for the power in all versions. The 35 TFSI is also available with a six-speed manual transmission, while the 35 TDI is offered either in front-wheel-drive form with S tronic or with quattro all-wheel- drive and manual transmission. The quattro system is a standard feature of 40 TDI quattro and 45 TFSI quattro versions.
Vorsprung models come with standard electronically controlled adaptive dampers, the settings for which can be adjusted via the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system with its Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency, Auto and Individual modes. For off-road use, an additional Offroad mode is also available, and the standard hill descent control can help to maintain a preset speed on inclines away from the beaten track. All versions also benefit from standard progressive steering, the ratio of which becomes gradually more direct as the steering angle increases.
August 2019
Audi A3 Sportback UK prices confirmed and road test completed.
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TSI Sport 6-speed man: £32,440
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TSI Sport 7-speed S tronic: £34,100
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TSI S line 6-speed man: £34,240
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TSI S line 7-speed S tronic: £35,850
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TSI Edition 1 6-speed man: £38,235
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TSI Edition 1 7-speed S tronic: £39,800
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TSI Vorsprung 7-speed S tronic: £TBA
Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TSI S line S tronic quattro: £40,875
Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TSI Edition 1 S tronic quattro: £44,870
Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TSI Vorsprung S tronic quattro: £48,755
Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TDI Sport S tronic quattro: £37,950
Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TDI S line S tronic quattro: £39,750
Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TDI Edition 1 S tronic quattro: £43,745
Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TDI Vorsprung S tronic quattro: £47,640
45 TSI petrol and 35 TDI diesel arriving UK in autumn 2019
35 TSI petrol and 40TDI diesel arriving later
Performance figures:
35 TDI 1,968cc belt cam turbo 7-speed DQ381 S tronic: 0-60 TBA seconds; top speed TBAmph; fuel consumption TBAmpg NEDC combined (18-inch wheels); CO2 TBAg/km NEDC combined.
35 TFSI COD 1,498cc belt cam turbo 6-speed manual: 0-60 9.3 seconds; top speed 126mph; fuel consumption 41.5-40.4mpg NEDC combined (18-inch wheels); CO2 132g/km NEDC combined.
35 TFSI COD 1,498cc belt cam turbo 7-speed DQ381 S tronic: 0-60 TBA seconds; top speed TBAmph; fuel consumption TBAmpg NEDC combined (18-inch wheels); CO2 TBAg/km; NEDC combined.
45 TFSI 1,984cc chain cam EA888 turbo 7-speed DQ381 S tronic: 0-60 6.3 seconds; top speed 144mph; fuel consumption 32.1-31.4mpg NEDC combined (19-inch wheels); CO2 171g/km NEDC combined.
40 TDI 1,968cc belt cam turbo 7-speed DQ500 S tronic: 0-60 8.0 seconds; top speed 134mph; fuel consumption 50.4mpg NEDC combined (19-inch wheels); CO2 148g/km NEDC combined.
December 2020
Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid announced
Available to order in the UK from spring 2021 featuring S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung specification options. A 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and an 85kW electric motor generate a system output of 245PS to enable travel without tailpipe emisions for up to 31 miles between charges. UK prices and specifications to be confirmed.
