Audi Q3 Sportback 2019 Review – International

Audi has BMW in its gunsights, with not only a new Audi Q3 arriving in Australia before the end of the year, but also the new Audi Q3 Sportback due here less than six months later.

These two cars between them threaten to take sales away from BMW's X1 and X2 models. Other cars in the segment, including the Volvo XC40 and Lexus UX, are also put on notice.

Initially, the Q3 Sportback – scheduled for launch in April of next year – will be introduced in base-grade 35 TFSI form with front-wheel drive, but a larger-engined quattro model will follow a few months later. Audi offers two quattro models in the Q3 Sportback range and although we may see both in Australia, one is more likely.

According to Audi Australia, the entry-level Q3 Sportback will be priced about $5000 higher than the conventional Q3 in the same specification. Like the quattro models, there's some doubt concerning the specification of the Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI for Australia. We may see a standard car without the mild-hybrid 48-Volt system and the car for Australia may be just the basic model without the fuel-saving technology.

For the international launch of the Q3 Sportback, we tested the 35 TFSI mild-hybrid variant and the 45 TFSI quattro model to provide a taste of what the low-roof SUV will be like.

While the Q3 Sportback will be mechanically familiar to those who have driven the Q3, the two models share no sheet metal other than the front quarter panels and bonnet.

For sheer performance, the 45 TFSI variant has the urge the 35 TFSI lacks, but the cheaper, front-wheel drive model does have some charm of its own. The smaller four-cylinder engine – turbocharged like the quattro model – is fun to drive in its own way. When driven more sedately, the 35 TFSI has enough torque for maintaining speed on hills and gently pulling away from traffic lights without needing a heavy hoof on the right pedal. There's very little turbo lag present and the 1.5-litre powerplant goes about its business with a sporty note at higher revs.

After an extended drive along the roads threading their way through the Black Forest, the Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI posted a fuel consumption figure of 7.7L/100km. That doesn't sound all that impressive, but the vehicle was receiving a flogging from a couple of motoring journalists at the time. Audi claims that the mild-hybrid system, with its 'Belt/Alternator Starter' only saves around 0.4L/100km, but it also supplements the available power and torque from the petrol engine with 9kW and 50Nm from the electric motor. That might explain why the 35 TFSI model didn't seem bereft.

The quattro model was also given some stick, but didn't need to be worked as hard for the same engine output, and consequently posted a figure little worse – 8.6L/100km. While the 2.0-litre engine in the quattro model does go harder, it feels held back by the extra weight and drag of the extra components for the all-wheel drive system.

Both cars tested featured the S tronic transmission – Audi's dual-clutch 'box with seven forward speeds. In the smaller-engined car the S tronic unit didn't put a foot wrong, but the 'box in the 45 TFSI model did occasionally shift down a little aggressively.

With such smooth roads it was difficult to assess how composed the ride quality was and how well noise was suppressed, but the powertrains were inaudible at open-road speeds. There was no wind noise present either. All indications are that the 255/40 R20 Bridgestone Potenza tyres fitted to the two cars produced little road noise, but the Q3 Sportback will have to wait for testing in Australia to receive a conclusive thumbs up. That could be the point that makes or breaks the Audi, because we've found the BMW's tyres to be pretty noisy.

Ride comfort felt up to the job and body control was fine in bends and corners, but the quattro model was a little more secure. All the same, the front-wheel drive model felt nimble and its handling was close to neutral, with measured turn-in that's slightly quicker than the quattro model's.

Steering was lightly weighted in the default automatic mode, but weight and feel improve with Dynamic mode chosen from the Audi Drive Select menu.

The Audi Q3 Sportback, irrespective of the variant driven, features a great driving position. Audi's controls were simple to find and use, being located correctly. The front seats were well shaped for comfort and support.

Both vehicles were fitted with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and the Virtual Cockpit option, which was typically easy to use and read. BMW's latest infotainment/instrumentation ultimately provides a higher level of flexibility, as the Audi system didn't come with a head-up display in the Q3 Sportback models tested, but the BMW system is yet to find its way into the X2, the principal rival to the Audi.

In the rear, the kids occupy raised seating ('stadium seating') for a better view to the front and out the sides. Rear-seat occupants are also privy to adjustable vents and the centre armrest folds down for the two outboard passengers in the rear to access cupholders. The rear seats slide forward and back in separate 60 per cent and 40 per cent sections, providing added flexibility for accommodating a mix of passengers and goods.

Headroom is fine for adults up to about 180cm tall, but not much more. Throw in a sunroof and headroom would be further compromised. Rear legroom, however, is fairly generous. While the Q3 Sportback is 29mm lower than the standard Q3 and 16mm longer, the boot space is essentially the same – 530 litres.

The quality of fit and finish was up to the usual standard we've come to expect from Audi, although hard plastic was found sporadically throughout the cabin.

Audi has a reputation for filling microfilm-thin niches in the market and the Q3 Sportback is merely the latest example of that, but it's attractive and functional. With the promise of affordable pricing as well, it's hard to picture it failing in the local market.

How much does the 2019 Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line cost?
Price: From low $50,000 mark, plus on-road costs
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (as tested)
CO2: TBA
Safety rating: TBA

How much does the 2019 Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro S line cost?
Price: A price premium of $5000 more than Q3, plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 169kW/350Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 8.6L/100km (as tested)
CO2: TBA
Safety rating: TBA