Audi was late to the crossover coupe game, but
they’re making up for lost time by introducing the 2020 Q3 Sportback. Based on the standard Q3, the
Sportback features a sportier appearance as it adopts a black Singleframe
grille and trapezoidal air intakes. The crossover also has a sculpted hood and
optional Matrix LED headlights.
The sporty styling continues further back as the
designers gave the model chiseled bodywork which is contrasted by flowing lines
above the wheel arches. Of course, the biggest changes are the sloping roofline
and upward sweeping beltline. This helps to give the model a more dynamic
appearance and Audi says it helps to make the crossover look longer than the
standard Q3.
Other notable styling features include plastic body
cladding, a rakish rear window and a stylish rear bumper with an integrated
diffuser. There’s also a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a hidden exhaust and
wraparound taillights.
The cabin largely carries over from the Q3 and
drivers will find a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch
infotainment system which is surrounded by black accents. The crossover also
has a flat-bottomed steering wheel, metallic trim and controls than are angled
towards the driver’s seat.
The rear seat recline and can slide up to 130 mm to either maximize legroom or cargo space. Speaking of the latter, the
boot holds 530 liters of luggage but can be expanded to 1,400 liters by folding the rear seats down.
An assortment of options will be available including
a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a motion activated tailgate and sport
seats with contrast stitching as well as colored stripes. Customers will also be able to order heated
seats and an ambient lighting system with 30 selectable colors.
In Europe, the model will be launched with two
different engines. The Q3 Sportback 35
TDI S tronic features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel that develops 148 hp and 340 Nm of torque. It is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch
transmission that sends power to the front wheels. This setup enables the crossover to
accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, before hitting a top
speed of 205 km/h.
Customers can also opt for the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI
quattro s-tronic which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine with 227 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It too has a seven-speed dual-clutch
transmission, but it’s paired to a quattro all-wheel drive system. Thanks to the extra power and grip, the 0-100 km/h time drops to 6.5 seconds while the top speed increases to 233 km/h. Shortly after launch, Audi will offer a version with a manual
transmission and all-wheel drive. Additional
engines will follow including an entry-level petrol and a more powerful diesel.
As with most new vehicles, the Q3 Sportback comes
with an assortment of driver assistance systems. Standard features include pre sense front,
lane change warning and lane departure warning.
Customers can also order adaptive cruise control, park assist, rear
cross traffic alert and a 360 degree camera system.
The Q3 Sportback will be launched in Europe this
fall and German pricing will start at € 40,200 for the 35 TDI S tronic and
€ 46,200 for the 45 TFSI quattro S tronic.
To help promote the model, Audi will offer two special editions called
the Edition One Dew Silver and the Edition One Mythos Black.
Named after the exterior paint job, the special
editions will be based on the Q3 Sportback S line and come equipped with the
black styling package. The models will
also have Matrix LED headlights, 20-inch wheels and special interior trimmings.
