Audi has unveiled a sporty new version of its Q3 SUV – the Q3 Sportback.
In UK showrooms in the Autumn, the Q3 Sportback will target coupe-style premium SUVs such as BMW‘s X4.
The Sportback shares its underpinnings with the regular Q3, but with a 3cm lower roof height and just under 2cm more exterior length. It is slightly narrower than the regular car, though a newly-designed grille gives an impression of more width.
The sloping roofline puts some restriction on rear-seat headroom, but the seats slide to maintain the same 530-litre boot space as the standard Q3.
Three engines will be available at launch; a 230hp four-cylinder petrol and a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel with the choice of 150hp and 190hp. Both the petrol and the higher-output diesel will use a seven-speed automatic gearbox, while the lower-powered diesel is fitted with a six-speed manual.
The cabin will appear familiar to anyone who has sat in the current Q3. The same ten-inch infotainment screen dominates the centre of the cabin, giving access to features such as satellite navigation and media functions.
There are, however, some changes to the tech on offer compared to the standard Q3. Amazon Alexa is now fully integrated into the system, while Audi has also installed its new Car-to-X services – these allow the car to receive information from a city’s traffic computer, enabling it to tell the driver when traffic lights ahead will turn green.
No prices for the new Audi Q3 Sportback have been announced, but they are likely to start at around £35,000.
