The first coupé-styled compact Audi crossover has been added to the Q3 range in Sportback form with quattro drive available on the flagship 40 TFSI variant.

The Audi Q3 Sportback features a black grille inside the octagonal Singleframe along with trapezoidal air inlets and the flat blade bumper. The low roofline gives way to flat D-pillars and ends in a roof edge spoiler.

As a result, the Audi Q3 Sportback appears much longer than its sister model Q3. In addition, the SUV-coupé is almost three centimetres flatter and thus has a sportier appearance.

Audi supplies lighting options in two versions on this model. LED headlights and rear lights are standard on the vehicle with an option to upgrade to Matrix LED technology.

It features progressive steering as standard, whose gear ratio becomes increasingly direct as the steering angle increases, along with the sport suspension (also standard) coming into play. Depending on the driving situation, road condition and personal preferences, the driver can vary the car’s characteristics via the standard dynamic handling system, Audi drive select. In six profiles, from markedly comfortable, highly efficient through to sporty and off-road mode.

For the Audi Q3 Sportback, two petrol engines are available on offer in South Africa. These two engine options are also offered across the Audi Q3 model range.

The 1.4 TFSI in the Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque from a four-cylinder direct injection unit with turbo-charging. It uses a six speed S tronic transmission and produces a 0-100 km claim of 9,3 seconds.

The Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S line is fitted with a 2.0 TFSI engine producing 132 kW, 320 Nm of torque and a seven speed S tronic transmission which allows it to sprint from 0-100km/h in 7,8 seconds.

It is 4 500 mm long, 1 556 mm tall (without roof antenna), and 1 843 mm wide. This makes the SUV coupé 16 mm longer, 29 mm flatter, and 6 mm thinner than the Audi Q3. The wheelbase is exactly 2 680 mm in both models and forms the basis for a generous space offering.

The Audi Q3 Sportback has been designed as a fully-fledged five seater. It offers comfortable entry, a good overview and a sporty seat position for the driver and front passenger. The rear seats offer space for three people. They can be moved 130 mm longitudinally as standard; their backrests are divided into three sections, and their inclination can be adjusted in seven stages.

The volume of the luggage compartment ranges from 530-litres to 1 400-litres. The loading floor can be adjusted to two levels, while the storage and luggage compartment package is a further available option. It includes nets on the backs of the front seats, a compartment under the front passenger seat, a luggage compartment net and LED spotlights in the tailgate.

As part of the optionally selected Comfort Package, Audi will deliver an electric tailgate that can also be opened and closed with a foot motion. Included in this package, the front seats – electrically adjustable and heated – offer a sporty position and a high level of comfort. Depending on the equipment, there are sport seats with contrasting stitching and coloured stripes (orange or grey steel are options for colour choices) along the side panels.

A digital instrument cluster (digital cockpit) with an 8,8-inch screen diagonal, which the driver operates via the multifunction steering wheel, comes with the integrated MMI touch radio plus as standard. Customers have the option of replacing the digital instrument cluster with the Audi virtual cockpit, which allows them to switch between many information levels and multiple views.

In the top-of-the-line system, whichforms part of the Technology Package, the Audi virtual cockpit plus comes with a 12,3-inch screen diagonal along with MMI Navigation Plus. The driver can select from three different displays in the MMI, including a particularly dynamic layout with red graphics elements.

The standard Audi smartphone interface ensures interconnectivity between the car and smartphone. This integrates Android and iOS cell phones into the on-board infotainment system. The content of the smartphone is shown on the MMI display via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and no cables are required if the top infotainment system (MMI navigation plus) is used with an iPhone.

The Audi Q3 Sportback will offer the package concept as introduced on other new models launched in South Africa. The concept aims to reduce complexity when ordering a new vehicle, considering that a customer is generally faced with a long list of options to choose from. It classifies key options according to a specific customer need and offers a straight-forward value proposition that is easy for a customer to understand.

These packages have been defined by a combination of customer preferences as well as strategic options which aim to highlight Audi’s uniqueness or technology enhancements.

The packages include:

•            Comfort

•            Technology

•            Sport

•            Parking

•            S line interior

•            Black styling

Pricing

• Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic:  R 693 000
• Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S tronic:  R 737 000

Both models come standard with the 5 year / 100 000km Audi Freeway plan, inclusive of all taxes.