Audi Q3 Sportback Review & Prices

Audi's SUV model range is expansive these days, and the swoopy, coupe-SUV side of the family tree kicks off with the Q3 Sportback. It’s a sleeker-looking version of the regular (already handsome) Q3, with the same engine options too, but it’s even more expensive and not as practical.

Like the middle of a Russian nesting doll, the Q3 Sportback really is a mini-me version of the larger Q5 Sportback and Q6 e-tron Sportback models - though it’s even better looking than its larger counterparts.

Sleek alternatives include the BMW X2 and Cupra Formentor, while the boxier Mercedes GLB and Range Rover Evoque are also worth considering. If an EV is on the cards, check out the Volvo EC40 or even the Audi Q4 e-tron, in SUV or Sportback guise.

Though few are quite as head-turning as the Audi. The X2 is a bit of a beast, to be honest, and the Q4 e-tron isn’t as proportionally balanced as the Q3 Sportback. With pronounced wheel arches, slender headlights and attractive taillights, the new model is a far cry from its gawky, awkward predecessor.

The same can’t quite be said about the cabin, because Audi’s insistence on cramming screens into its current crop of interiors is jarring as ever. While the driver and infotainment two-in-one display is generally attractive – bar the chunky plastic bezel around the instruments, which looks cheap – it feels a bit too big for the dashboard.

Expect a similarly spacious front seat experience as you get in the Q3 SUV, but the sloping roofline in the Q3 Sportback eats away at headroom by comparison. The sliding rear seats mean bootspace varies between 488 litres and 575 litres, or 375 litres in the plug-in hybrid model, which is the same as the regular car.

Engines vary from a 1.5-litre petrol and diesel - which feel slow in the regular Q3 - as well as sportier petrols and a plug-in hybrid with an impressive 72-mile electric range.

Again, if it's anything like the Q3 SUV is to drive (it will be) then the Q3 Sportback should be comfortable in town, quiet on the motorway and surprisingly fun on a twisty road, but we’ll confirm once we get behind the wheel.

Browse our Audi Q3 Sportback deals here, as well as Q3 Sportback lease deals, or find a great deal on a used Q3 Sportback instead. You can also search for other used Audis for sale, and remember, Carwow can even help you to sell your old car when the time comes.

The Q3 Sportback is about £1,500 more expensive than a like-for-like Q3 SUV, which is a lot of money for an ultimately less practical car, but it’s hard to put a price on desirability.

It is, however, cheaper than the BMW X2 and Mercedes GLA. It’s more expensive, but the BMW is generously-equipped, fairly quick and features a higher-quality interior than the Audi, but the Mercedes now feels dated by comparison.

The Q3 Sportback Sport kicks off the range, and features a back-up camera, keyless entry-and go, ambient interior lighting, electric boot lid, LED lights at both ends and heated front seats as standard

S Line models get sportier bumpers, higher-tech headlights, an illuminated badge at the rear (which we’d rather it didn’t, it’s rather ugly), sports seats and privacy glass, while the Edition 1 gets a black styling pack, Matrix LED lights and sports suspension. Wheel size goes up from 18 to 20 inches as you climb the range.