Calculate your EMI
EMI Calculator
With the return of the Q3 after a hiatus of a couple of years, Audi India decided to launch its Sportback version just a few weeks later. The Q3 Sportback is the smallest, most affordable, and the proper ‘coupe-SUV’ you can buy in India right now — adding to the appeal of owning such a distinctive body style. However, can the sloping roofline alone entice buyers who would otherwise be considering the standard Q3? Let’s take a look.
Appearance-wise, the Sportback doesn’t look very different from the front. Keen-eyed purists would notice the sportier-looking mesh grille instead of the vertical louvres you get in the standard Q3. Even the bumper design – both fore and aft – is more stylish, thanks to the silver-finished inserts. Audi cleverly saved the S-Line trim for the Sportback, which features silver and aluminium inlays along with a body kit, a blacked-out roof, and a spoiler at the back.
Move to the side and the sloping roofline manages to turn a casual glance into a fixed glare. Above the waistline, the roofline and glasswork remain faithful to the coupe body style. The execution at the tailgate might not be the finest but it’s forgivable, thanks to the tail lamp design and the butch-looking haunch creases which make the Q3 Sportback much more attractive in the flesh. Also, the Turbo Blue paint makes it stand out, but there’s also the choice of usual (albeit dull in comparison) colours like white, grey, black, and the classic Navara Blue. If we were to nitpick, the silver-finished 18-inch V-design alloy wheels look pale on such a stylish body style.
While the older Q3’s cabin started to look more than two decades old, the cabin you get here keeps up with time. It's thoroughly modern, but the most appealing part about it is that it shares its design and many elements with more expensive Audis. For instance, the driver-focused cockpit style is very similar to what you get in the Q7 and the Q8. We liked the simple and conventional round-ball gear lever design, but some buyers would love one of those fancy designs for the gear lever that is offered in the more expensive Four Rings.
In addition to the space and comfort up front, the quality, fit, and finish are excellent as well. The steering and digital driver’s display is straight from the Q7, which means it also has configurable screens with 3D navigation. Similarly, the interface of the 10-inch touchscreen is shared across the entire line-up and offers a black theme, a smooth and intuitive touch, and a simple-to-understand UI. It's a letdown that there's no 360-degree camera at this price point, and the rearview camera's quality could have been improved as well. Otherwise, the cabin is practical and all the buttons are easy to reach and access, including the wireless charging pad, two cup holders, and large door pads. Both front passenger seats are power-adjustable (including lumbar), thus offering plenty of support. However, seat memory and ventilation would have sealed the deal.
Moving on to the most crucial question, which is, the space at the back. To get in, you’d have to duck a bit more than usual, but it isn't uncomfortable at all. Once inside, the huge scoop on the roof is instantly visible. It liberated some unexpected space for my frame (I am 5.5’). In fact, the scoop is so thin, there’s barely any gap between the roofliner and the actual metallic roof. However, in exchange for the unique styling, the headroom is slightly reduced from the standard Q3.
What’s not compromised is the boot space, which, at 530 litres, is the same as the standard Q3 and more than sufficient. It has usable nets and hooks as well and the spare wheel is stored underneath, not eating up the precious cargo space.
Speaking of features, the Sportback doesn’t offer the larger dual-pane panoramic sunroof, but the electric sunroof (with UV-tinted glass) is large enough by any standard. We liked the LED headlamp setup too, which not only has a cornering function but also intelligently illuminates 180 degrees ahead of the car. Other creature comforts include two-zone climate control, leather/leatherette combination upholstery, a 180Watt 10-speaker sound system, smartphone integration, and 30-colour ambient lighting which also lights up the 'Quattro' badge on the dashboard.
To match its fastback look, the Q3 SB has a potent engine under the hood. Audi claims a 0-100kmph time of just over seven seconds, which is apparent once behind the wheel. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine is paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission that is among the best available today. Moreover, the Q3 Sportback comes with the acclaimed Quattro AWD hardware, making it a thrilling ride.
To belt out the 187bhp available on tap, the engine needs to be revved past 4,000rpm. Below it, the going is smooth and unhurried while the gearbox seamlessly rows into higher gears with some early shifting. But go heavy on the throttle and the DSG briskly drops a couple of cogs in a lightning-quick fashion and sends the Q3 flying. Also, at this point, the orchestrated exhaust tune is just too enjoyable to miss. Be it city commutes or highway jaunts, the engine and gearbox combination offered here is usable and tractable while also fun to drive.
Audi’s Drive Select program offers Eco, Comfort, and Dynamic drive modes along with the Individual setting. It’s only the Dynamic mode which stands out, thanks to its sharp throttle response and added weight to the steering. Apart from that, there’s also an off-road mode, which turns off the traction control, allowing the Quattro to do its magic when the terrain gets rough.
Pull the gear lever once more after it’s in D and it activates the S mode, which holds the gear for longer to let the revs build up, thus making the petrol engine more responsive and feel livelier. And you can have S mode in both Eco and Comfort modes. Moreover, there are brushed-aluminium paddle shifters, when the driver wants more control over the engine.
Like any other modern-day Audi, the Q3 Sportback shines in the ride and handling department as well. When riding over rough patches of road, the pliant ride absorbs every irregularity with fine European finesse. It remained well-balanced over anything we managed to throw its way and didn’t scrape over any of the speed breakers either.
Show it some corners and the Q3 Sportback’s quick steering and balanced ride ensures minimal body movement. It’s further helped by grippier Michelin tyres holding on to the line quite nicely. Barely going two turns lock-to-lock, the steering feedback is quick, well-weighted, and predictive, although it could do with slightly more feel. Overall, the Q3 Sportback is best enjoyed behind the steering wheel.
At Rs. 51.43 lakh (ex-showroom), the Q3 Sportback, which is exclusively offered in the S-Line trim, is just Rs. 1 lakh more than the standard Q3 Technology (which retails at Rs. 50.39 lakh). There’s no diesel, and the rear headroom is somewhat of a trade-off for the Sportback’s handsome styling.
But most passengers won’t complain, thanks to the clever roof scoop. Then, behind the wheel, the Q3 is almost like a hot hatch on stilts aimed at younger buyers (or those young at heart) who are stepping into the big league; the Q3 Sportback is going to grab more attention than the standard Q3 in the showrooms. While it’s equally good to drive compared to the standard Q3, offers all the features, and is quite practical as well, the Sportback indeed is much better looking.
Pictures by Kapil Angane
Engine & Transmission
Time the car takes to reach 100kmph from a standstill
Timely services will keep a motor efficient and in top shape.
The official title given by the manufacturer in terms of the name of the engine, the displacement and the number of cylinders.
A bigger displacement and more than four-cylinders generally indicate a performance-oriented engine.
All cars in India either run on petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG or electric power.
Gives a good idea of the performance of the vehicle under full thrust. A higher figure here usually means a higher top speed as well.
Higher the power, the peppier the engine but it can also affect fuel economy.
Relates to in-gear acceleration. A higher figure here means better roll-on acceleration, fewer gear shifts, and possibly better fuel efficiency.
The more torque at low RPM range makes the engine feel more responsive. It also allows the engine to run smoothly without too many gear changes.
Cars come with different drivetrain configurations depending on the segment.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is most common in mainstream cars while expensive cars or SUVs come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Type of transmission used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels
A manually operated transmission is the most popular type, thanks to its simplicity and low cost. Varied types of automatic transmissions are also available.
Set by the Indian Government, this governs the amount of air pollutants released by cars to make the atmosphere safer for humans.
Manufacturers today offer turbochargers to boost engine power without affecting its fuel economy. Superchargers are found in more expensive cars but on the downside, they are not very efficient.
Turbochargers are more effective but require plenty of heat management. Superchargers, meanwhile, offer linear bump in power but they are comparatively more complex.
Dimensions & Weight
The length of the car decides its segment. In India, cars that are less than 4 metres in length enjoy reduced excise duties.
Longer length results in more cabin space. It also adds to straight line stability.
A car's width is defined as its widest point without its mirrors.
Although more width gives you more lateral space inside the cabin, it makes the car more difficult to park in narrow spots.
The height of the car denotes the highest point of the vehicle from the ground.
Taller the car, the more headroom there is on offer inside the cabin. However, a tall boy stance also affect the car’s centre of gravity which can cause more body roll.
The space between the center of the front and rear wheels.
The longer the wheelbase, the more space there is inside the cabin.
The total weight of the vehicle with all the standard equipment and all the required fluids.
A lightweight car will always be more efficient and easier to manoeuvre whereas a heavy car would give you a sense of solidity while driving.
Capacity
The number of doors define the category of car. For example – four door means sedan, two-door means coupe while five-doors usually refer to a hatchback, MPV or an SUV.
The number of people that can be seated comfortably in the car, which has also been mandated by the car manufacturer.
Smaller cars usually have two rows which can seat five, but some SUVs and MPVs have three rows and can seat around 7-8 passengers.
Boot space defines how practical the car is with respect to how much luggage it can carry.
A boot with a large and wide opening is ideal for loading heavy items. Additionally, a lower loading height also makes it easy to put in luggage.
The official volume of the fuel tank of a car, usually denoted in litres.
If a car has a large fuel tank, it can cover long distances without refuelling.
Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres
Almost all cars in India use an independent front suspension which is usually the MacPherson Strut type.
The rear suspension can either be non-independent or independent.
Most of the budget cars have non-independent suspension while the more expensive ones get independent rear suspension which offers better bump absorption.
Most of the vehicles sold in India get ventilated or non-ventilated disc brakes upfront.
- The ventilated discs are more popular thanks to them providing better stopping power and it also works well in hot conditions.
In affordable cars, drums brakes are fitted at the rear as they are cost effective.
Disc setup at the rear is now getting more popular as cars are getting faster in the real world.
The official kerb-to-kerb minimum radius a car takes to complete a 180-degree turn.
Shorter the turning radius, the lesser space you need to make a tight turn or to take a U-turn.
Almost all steering systems in cars today have an assist to help park them better at low speeds - these can be hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or electric.
The wheels used on cars are either steel rims with plastic wheel cover hub or alloy wheels on higher spec models or expensive cars.
Razor cut, or diamond cut alloy wheel design are not getting more popular. Manufacturers usually offer these in top-end trim of their car models.
Important in a country with varying quality of roads, spare wheels ensure one doesn’t get stranded when one of the main tyres gets damaged.
Select premium car models feature space savers (smaller than the stock wheels) to save on boot space.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the front wheels.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the rear wheels.
Safety
Mandatory safety system for cars sold in India, a single beep is emitted after 80kmph and continuous ones after 120kmph
The brake lights flash in a quick intermittent fashion to indicate to the following vehicles to slow down quicker than usual
This feature spots oncoming vehicles at night to shift the headlight between high and low beam
The official crash test safety rating given to a car by one of the many testing agencies around the world
Safer three-point seatbelts for passengers seated in the middle of the second row of seats.
Budget cars are usually fitted with more economical lap belts for the middle-occupant.
A headrest for the middle occupant of the second-row of seats.
Budget cars are usually not offered with headrests for the middle occupant of the second-row to save on costs. Headrests are instrumental in reducing whiplash injuries in case of an accident
A digital gauge that provides the live status of the air pressure in every tyre of a car.
For accurate readings, ensure that the sensors on the rim are not tampered with during any wheel/tyre repairs
Anchor points or strap systems built into car seats to keep child seats in place, especially during a crash
ISOFIX is an international standard for child seat anchor points, but not all car manufacturers follow this standard
Mandatory fitment in cars sold in India, emits loud beeps when it detects that occupants are not wearing their seatbelts.
Seat belt warning is mandatory for front-seat occupants, but it is recommended that all occupants wear seat belts.
Braking & Traction
An electronic system that prevents the tyres from locking and skidding in emergency braking situations by pulsing the brakes (quickly releasing and reapplying the brakes)
ABS is a great accident prevention technology, allowing drivers to steer while braking hard
An electronic system that redirects braking forces among the four brakes to stop the car as quickly and stably as possible
A system that increases brake pressure to help the car stop quicker
Even when emergency braking, it is observed that drivers don’t apply maximum brake pressure through the pedal, the BA system provides additional pressure to help stop the car quicker
System designed to improve car stability and control, especially when the car is accelerating.
ESP or ESC cannot increase traction but rather improve control or help regain control in slippery conditions.
A system that sends the car's power to all the four wheels at the same time
A feature that prevents the car from rolling backwards when stopped on a slope
This system cuts power to those wheels that are spinning without grip/traction
Given the option, keep traction control on all the time.
A feature that allows the user to alter the ride height of the car
Be it driving over tall obstacles or unloading heavy baggage from the boot; a helpful feature indeed
A feature that limits the car's speed without any driver input while traversing down descents
Locking differentials split power/torque evenly among both tyres on an axle.
In off-road vehicles, locking differentials allows for better traction when one of the wheels is in the air, in FWD/AWD cars allows for better corner traction and in RWD sports cars allows for drifting around corners.
Locks & Security
A security device that prevents the engine from being started unless the key is present
This feature let's one unlock all the doors remotely or with a key
This feature automatically locks the car's doors when it reaches a preset speed
A convenient feature for those who can't remember to lock the doors
Such locks are built into the rear doors to prevent rear seat occupants from opening the doors
Comfort & Convenience
The different types of air-conditioning systems used to cool the cabin
Maintaining the lowest temperature and first blower speed offers the best results.
This feature allows warm air to pass through the air-con vents for heating the cabin
Compact mirrors fitted to the inside of the sunvisor
The option of being able to access the boot space while sitting inside the car
These mirrors negate the glare from headlight beams of cars behind you
Since a large chunk of people love driving around in their high beam, these mirrors come in handy
A feature that aids drivers park with ease and greater precision using sensors/cameras
It comes as a boon for drivers who are not used to parking in tight spots
Sensors that are usually located on the bumpers of a car to assist/alert the driver while parking
It takes the stress out of manoeuvring in confined spaces
A system that automatically controls the speed of the car
An alert that warns one from leaving the car with the headlight and ignition switched on
When fitted, this system allows the car to be switched on without removing the key from the driver’s pocket or vicinity.
Keyless entry and start/stop (KESS) systems in some cars also include operation via a smartphone.
A function where the steering wheel moves up/down, in/out as per the driver's requirement
When both rake and reach adjustments are incorporated, it makes for a tailormade driving position
This socket provides current to a cigarette lighter style 12 volt plug
It helps charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, rechargeable batteries and other USB chargers. It also powers a compressor that inflates tyres and the humble cigarette lighter!
Seats & Upholstery
Rear seat adjustments make for an enlarged luggage space when there's lots of baggage to haul.
When it's time to replace, use a fabric that grips and are inherently cool to the touch
Leather not only grips your palms well, but it also offers a premium feel
The armrest located between the front passengers which helps comfort the driver's arm while driving
Depicts if the cabin comes with a single or dual-tone colour scheme
The various color shades used within the cabin
Some rear seats have the option to be be folded to offer more practicality
Sections of the rear seat are capable of being folded down separately
This function bumps up practicality as the boot space increases when required.
The pockets behind the front seats which help rear seat occupants store their stuff
The portion extending from or fixed to the seat that supports the head
Storage
The storage space within the armrest that's located between the front passengers
A feature where cool air from the air-conditioner is diverted to the glovebox
Doors, Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
Mirrors that are placed on the car's exterior, around the door, to aid the driver see behind the vehicle
Placing/sticking wide-angle mirrors on the ORVMs can enhance the rear view tremendously.
This is fitted where the door meets the frame to protect it from scratches and dust
Not using scuff plates may result in the door sill giving away prematurely.
When the car's windows can be raised/lowered by pressing a button/switch
In emergencies where the power window electronics have jammed, exit the vehicle by kicking out the windscreen
This feature allows a user to roll down the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
This feature allows a user to roll up the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
Different ways of adjusting the door mirror to suit the driver's requirement
Tremendously aids driving judgement in a variety of tight situations.
Turn indicators are fitted to the door mirrors for improved visibility
A feature that removes condensed water droplets from the rear windscreen to improve visibility
Turning air recirculation off helps gain faster results.
Although a seemingly minuscule feature, it negates the hatchback's/SUV's inherent ability to retain dirt/water on the rear windscreen.
When the system detects water droplets on the windshield, it activates the wipers to improve driver visibility
This feature can be intrusive especially while you are negotiating a tricky bend at a higher speed
The various methods of opening the boot lid
Exterior
Ensure the sunroof is closed before exiting the vehicle to prevent dirt/rain from entering the cabin
The compactness of the roof-mounted antenna prevents its damage in certain situations
Having parking sensors will save your bumper paint if it brushes by obstacles
Functional or purely aesthetic parts added to the car's body such as side skirts and roof/bonnet scoops
A strip of rubber fitted to the sides of the car's doors or bumpers to prevent dents and dings
Opt for quality strips because the cheaper ones tend to come off too soon/look shabby.
Lighting
Such headlights automatically switch on and off when they sense bright or dark driving conditions
Keeping them switched on at all times gives the user the best results
The headlamps remain lit for sometime when the car is locked/unlocked to aid user visibility in dark surroundings
These lights turn left and right based on steering inputs to illuminate the sides of the car
Inspect tail lamp bulbs at periodic intervals for optimum safety.
Lights that automatically switch on during the day for increased visibility
A type of lamp that improves driver visibility while driving through fog
The yellow/amber fog lights are preferable as they are warm to the eyes and do not reflect from the fog.
Additional lighting apart from the roof-mounted courtesy/map lamps. These are added for a sense of style and luxury rather than utility.
Incorporated into the bottom section of a car's door mirrors, they light up the ground underneath the front door when the door is unlocked
A lamp that's located around the vanity mirror behind the sun visor
Allows adjustment to the height of the headlight beams via a switch on the dashboard
Instrumentation
It indicates how much fuel is being used that very instant your car is moving
A screen situated mostly behind the steering wheel displaying information and warning lights regarding the car's various vitals
The amount of fuel consumed by the engine (kmpl) is displayed on the instrument cluster in real time
A glance will help you maintain better fuel efficiency and save money
The total distance traveled divided by the time taken to cover that distance
The higher the average speed, the quicker you were on that journey/trip
The approximate distance a car will run with the amount of fuel remaining in the tank
This alert should be taken as a final warning to head straight to the fuel pump
A warning light that pops up on the instrument cluster when the doors are not shut properly
The brightness of the instrument cluster can be adjusted via controls
It comes in handy to improve instrumentation visibility between day and night by toggling brightness.
It notifies the driver about which gear the car is being driven in and can also suggest down- or upshifting to improve efficiency
Notifies the driver about the optimum instances to shift gears
It comes in handy to derive the best fuel efficiency and engine component longevity
This function allows specific data like 'speed' to reflect/project on the windscreen in the driver's line-of-sight
An instrument that measures engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (rpm)
Ideally, the tachometer helps a driver know when to shift gears in a manual gearbox.
Entertainment, Information & Communication
The ability to connect to the internet and communicate with smart devices to perform various functions
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
The music player that comes factory fitted
Number of speaker units as part of a car’s surround-sound system
The widely-used controls are placed on the steering wheel to ease driver usage
When the car's system responds to the occupant's voice to perform certain features
A system that uses satellite signals to help the driver with directions to reach a destination
Allows devices with bluetooth functionality connect wirelessly to the car's infotainment system
Using Bluetooth functionality offers a cable-free experience
The car's music player can play tracks off a portable device via an aux cable
Bluetooth can make AUX cables look ancient, but unlike the former, there's hardly any loss in sound quality
Is the music system's capability of playing broadcasted radio channels
If radio signals are weak, one can stream music
When tracks can be played from a USB/pen drive
These pads can charge equipped smartphones without using a cable
Given the option, opt for fast wireless charging.
The size of the music system fitted to a car. Traditionally 1-DIN or 2-DIN, are being replaced by touchscreen units of varying sizes.
Manufacturer Warranty
The number of kilometres the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the kilometres, the better
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
Variants | Price | Specifications | Specifications | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 54.22 Lakh | 5 Person, AWD, 320 Nm, 1705 kg, 530 litres, 7 Gears, 2.0L TFSI Turbocharged I4, Panoramic Sunroof, 62.4 litres, No, No, Front & Rear, 7.3 seconds, 220 Kmph, 5 Star (Euro NCAP), 4518 mm, 1843 mm, 1558 mm, 2680 mm, 320 Nm @ 1500-4100 rpm, 193 bhp @ 4200-6000 rpm, Remote, Yes (Automatic Dual Zone), Front & Rear, 1, Reverse Camera, Yes, Yes, 0, Yes, Yes, Full-time, Yes, 1, BS 6, 5 Doors, Petrol, Automatic (DCT), 193 bhp | Get Offers from Dealers |
4.8/5
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase New | Driven forFew hundred kilometers |
Get in touch with Authorized Audi Dealership on call for best buying options like:
Doorstep Demo
Offers & Discounts
Lowest EMI
Exchange Benefits
Get The Best Deal