Audi Q3 40 TFSI QUATTRO 2020 Review

Audi already had a Q3 SUV, but needed a Q3 Sportback to keep up with BMW and Mercedes. Why? Just because. 67% of Audi sales are SUVs, so it stands to reason to offer buyers as big a choice as possible, even if to outsiders, the huge range seems bonkers.

If you haven’t seen one around, think of a normal Q3 with a sloppier back. n other words, it is slightly less space efficient.

There are 3 models, plus the hot RS Q3 Sportback.

• Q3 35 TFSI S tronic 110kW $46,400
• Q3 40 TFSI quattro 132kW $53,900
• Q3 40 TFSI quattro S line 132kW $59,400

Our Mid-range car still had plenty of bang for the buck, but a lot of the good stuff still costs many extra shekels. For full details of the specifications, see Audi’s website HERE

Outside:

Q3 Sportback is as handsome as its regular Q3 sister. 19” wheels look smart and have a range of other options, for a price of course.

Headlights are LED, with a further option of 19” and 20” wheels depending on model.

The rear hatch is electric, with kick-to-open function. Rear seats go down 40/40/20 split but as mentioned earlier, the sloping rear windows make for less internal space.

None the less, Q3 Sportback is priced on par with the Q3 sister, so the buyer just has to pick what kind of person they want to be seen as, sporty, or practical

Inside:

The cabin is as delicious as any other Audi.

The new infotainment system includes a hi-resolution 10.1” touch screen with DAB and Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. The centre stack is trimmed with a combination of metal and piano black and houses the dual zone climate controls, as well as the drive mode and auto-parking selectors.

Seating, covered in leather, is power operated. The leather “appointed” (which some actually is vinyl) is a trifle too tough for my liking. It feels more like 100% vinyl than something in a top Euro Sports car.

There is a plethora of USB and power outlets, a cornucopia of cupholders, and enough airbags (6) to sink a battleship.

Safety Gadgets:

Safety is a big issue for most people, and we all want the latest gear. Audi includes: active cruise control, active lane control, active blind spot monitoring, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, 360° parking camera, automated parking, parking sensors, hill hold assist, rear cross traffic alert, and stability control.

The Drive:

The 2.0L, turbo-petrol 4 cylinder has an adequate 132kw and 320Nm. The QUATTRO AWD system has a 7 speed S-Tronic gearbox, with Start/Stop does reasonable economy with 8.0L/100k. While the power isn’t neck-snapping, a 0-100 time of 7.8 seconds is more than respectable.

Ride is firm, yet comfortable. Cornering is claimed to be sporty, but there is far too much body roll. Instead, comfortable handling is best done at sane speeds rather than warp 10.

Our drive through the national park took in the sights such as the Sea Cliff bridge, the Royal National Park, and the “Shire”. These are some of the best driving roads in the country, and this is how a buyer is going to use a Q3 Sportback. You’re unlikely to want to do a roadtrip, but you certainly could, if so inclined.

Q3 Sportback Quattro 40 TFSI Conclusion:

Audi is known for conservative, well-made, sporty vehicles. Q3 and Q3 Sportback are certainly aimed at those with an active lifestyle, rather than being sporty itself. Fair enough.

There is room for gear in the back, and a couple of extra people in the back.

Sure, there will be well-heeled P platers wanting one, but I suspect the school run will be a big draw.

Q3 Sportback does what it says on the box. In such a tightly contested segment, let’s wait and see how it goes.

Q3 Sportback Quattro 40 TFSI

• Engine – 2.0 Turbo Turbo Petrol
• Power – 132 kW and 320 Nm, 0-100 7.8 sec
• Econ -8.3 L/100k
• CO2- 188gm/k
• Weight – 1695kg

Packages

• Style Package $1,900
• Comfort Package $2,600
• Premium Package $2,250
• Premium Package $3,900

Plus

• Adaptive Dampers $1,700
• B&O Audio $900
• Metallic paint 1,250
• Sunroof 2,250