![]() ![]() In the middle of the rev range the 35 TFSI has a greater deal of punch, however it is still relatively slow off the line, as evidenced by its 9.3-second 0-100km/h sprint time. ![]() Performance from the 1.4-litre mill is appropriate but modest, and is better suited as a regular daily driver as opposed to a small family car that can pull double duty as a fun hot-hatch-like SUV. ![]() The entry-level 35 TFSI uses a powertrain that should by now be familiar to those who know Volkswagen Group products – a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder developing 110kW/250Nm, driving the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With its sloping roofline, headroom for rear occupants over 6ft tall is marginal, however the Q3 does offer comfortable lateral room.Īudi has done a good job of retaining the same amount of load space below the tonneau cover in the Sportback (530L), however with the rear seats folded, it does sacrifice 125L. This level of spec is generous for an entry-level offering, while the 40 TFSI adds quality features such as comfortable heated and electric front seats with side bolstering and leather/Alcantara trim, the S-line sports steering wheel with paddle shifters which sits perfectly in the hands, a 10-speaker premium sound system and a larger 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster display.ĭespite being one of the first brands to offer a digital instrument cluster, Audi’s display remains a benchmark thanks to its extensive customisation, which surpasses anything Mercedes or BMW can offer.Īudi’s MMI infotainment system features slick graphics and a relatively easy interface to navigate, however the move to integrate controls into the touchscreen – a trend multiple car-makers have jumped on in order to declutter the cabin – has made the process of navigating the MMI more fiddly and difficult.Īudi models previously offered a button/dial set-up placed on the centre console similar to BMW’s iDrive controller, which took up some space but generally meant you could spend far more time with your eyes on the road while navigating the system. Inside, the stylish theme continues, with Audi living up to its reputation as one of the best brands in the business when it comes to a clean and sophisticated interior layout.īoth the 35 TFSI and 40 TFSI feature a comfortable and well-specified cabin, with generous standard specification including dual digital infotainment and instrument cluster, leather upholstery, wireless phone charging and dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning for the 35 TFSI. The sloped-back silhouette, larger alloy wheels and S-line exterior styling enhancements make for one of the most stylish small SUVs on the market, clearly fitting the bill of a visually enhanced Q3. The biggest distinguishing factor of the Q3 Sportback is its exterior styling, which in the flesh makes for a far more dynamic and sportier look than the regular Q3. Variant choice mirrors that in the Q3, with the entry-level 35 TFSI, more potent 40 TFSI quattro and exclusive 35 TFSI Launch Edition being offered out of the gate, which will be followed by the hi-po RS Q3 around August. The Q3 Sportback range largely mirrors that of the regular Q3, with the same choice of variants and a slightly enhanced level of specification, which results in a roughly $3000 premium over the wagon body. With a sportier overall design and some minor spec changes, has the Sportback emerged as the most desirable iteration of the new-generation Q3? Expect to see the Q3 in South Africa during the second quarter of 2012.ONE of the most unexpectedly popular automotive trends of the past decade has to be the coupe-style SUV, giving customers the option of a sportier look for their SUV, which has been slowly surpassing passenger cars as Australia’s favourite vehicle type.įirst kicked off by BMW with the X6, other brands have jumped on the coupe-style SUV bandwagon with models like the Mercedes GLC and GLE Coupes, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and the Audi Q8.Īudi wasn’t satisfied with having the top-spec Q8 as its only slope-backed SUV, and as such has introduced the Sportback body style to its popular Q3 small SUV, which arrived in new-generation guise late last year. These pictures of the most compact Audi SUV to date were taken on the international launch in Switzerland see our driving impressions in the Latest Launches section of IOL Motoring. ![]()
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