The economy of India, as we know, has seen tremendous growth in the recent years and hence the disposable income of individuals has also increased. This growing trend means that more and more Indians are now looking to buy a luxury vehicle and one of the easiest ways to achieve this is by entering the entry level luxury SUV segment. With such high interest, the segment is flooded with a lot of options. To break this monotony and launch something exciting, German luxury car maker Audi launched the Audi Q3 Sportback, which is not only a luxury SUV but also a luxury SUV coupe, adding another layer to its personality. We drove the Audi Q3 Sportback to understand whether you should put your money on this SUV.
Audi Q3 Sportback: video review
Audi Q3 Sportback: Design
First things first, we have to start this review with the design of the SUV coupe as this is the main difference between the Q3 SUV and the Q3 Sportback. The first time I saw this car, I could feel how amazing it looks! The body profile along with the sloping roofline and Turbo Blue color scheme make this car stand out among the rivals. You get LED headlights and LED rear combination lamps with dynamic turn signals along with R 18 5-spoke V-style alloy wheels.
The looks are further enhanced by the use of the S-Line exterior package where the silver shade frame on the grille, air vents on the front bumper and the diffuser are used. The sport of black, silver and blue shade adds a sporty appeal to the Audi Q3 Sportback. To me, the rear profile is the standout angle to look at the car. Overall, the Audi Q3 Sportback is undoubtedly one of the better looking cars in India.
Audi Q3 Sportback: Cabin
The Audi Q3 Sportback is a luxury car and that is quite evident when you are inside the cabin of this SUV. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus with a 31.24 cm display, a driver-focused digital touchscreen with a 25.65 cm display and a panoramic sunroof add to the feeling of luxury and space at the same time. The Audi Q3 Sportback comes in a variety of trims and the one we were driving was in Okapi Brown shade which further ups the luxury factor.
You get MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch, Audi Smartphone Interface, Audi Phone Box with wireless charging system, Audi Sound System with 10 speakers, Ambient Lighting Package Plus with 30 colors and 2-zone climate control system, among others. Are. However, it misses out on key features like parking aid or self parking, which many rivals are offering. There is no ADAS system, again, a common feature these days. Even the key fob is basic and nothing too fancy.
The comfort level is also top notch and the use of leather / leatherette combination upholstery adds to the comfort. You also get electrically adjustable front seats, comfort center armrest at the front and adjustable rear seats. In fact, it is quite spacious at the rear with ample headroom, legroom. But the shoulder room isn’t enough for three full grown adults. That being said, the boot is deep and wide enough to pack your weekend belongings, despite the SUV having a sloping roofline.
Audi Q3 Sportback: Performance
The Audi Q3 Sportback is powered by only one engine option, which is a 2.0-litre petrol engine with outputs of 190 HP and 320 Nm. While on paper, these numbers may not sound like much when compared to rivals, they provide an impressive performance for an SUV as heavy as the Sportback. It would not be wrong to say that the new Audi Q3 Sportback is a complete driver’s car.
Further supporting the driving dynamics is Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel drive technology, and Audi Drive Select with modes such as Efficiency, Dynamic, Comfort that alter engine, transmission and steering inputs according to your driving preferences. The car has a 0-100 kmph acceleration of 7.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 220 kmph. We drove the SUV mostly in the city and some parts on the highway, and the SUV behaved with agility in city conditions and felt engaged at higher speeds.
NVH levels were under control, justifying the luxury tag. Worth noting here is that the Audi Q3 Sportback offers great ride quality and the suspension absorbs all the bumps and bumps with ease, which is a boon for the Indian roads. I found the steering feedback a bit heavy for my liking, while the ergonomics are best in the segment. Overall, the Audi Q3 Sportback matches the dynamics of the Q3, but with an added flair.
Audi Q3 Sportback: Verdict
The Audi Q3 entry level luxury SUV has been a successful car in India and the Audi Q3 Sportback continues its success story. The highlight of the Sportback has to be its attractive design, but then, it is also packed with features, gets the Audi brand name and moreover, Audi’s impressive driving dynamics. Basically, it gives you all the reasons to consider it your first luxury car, if you are willing to shell out Rs 52 lakh.
