Summarize

Bespoke-styled German rival

With its bespoke-styled exterior, Audi’s new model is set to rival the niche-filling Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé and BMW X4 when it enters the fray later this year.

Sharing the same mechanicals and interior as the standard Q3, the Sportback adopts a more striking coupé-cum-SUV exterior look, along with a raft of specific design elements - including a 29mm drop in roof height and a slight, 16mm increase in external length. Slightly narrower than the Q3, it gets distinct styling lines, aimed at creating the illusion of increased width.

Although the new model keeps the same ride height as the Q3, it comes with different surfacing to lower the car’s hip point, including a new 3D-profile grille, large roof spoiler, unique bumpers and a standard gloss black trim package. LED headlights are standard, with full-matrix LEDs available as an option.

The interior is largely unchanged from the regular Q3’s, but the new model gets a few new technology features, including a ‘car-to-x’ system that can tell you when traffic lights ahead will turn green and integration of Amazon Alexa voice control. Rear head room is reduced by the sloping roofline, but adjustable backrests and sliding rear seats allow the same claimed 530-litre boot capacity as the Q3.

Three engine options are expected at launch; a 170kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI, along with two 2.0-litre diesels, producing 110 and 140 kW respectively. The most powerful two engines are each mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive, while the intermediate diesel is a six-speed manual with front-wheel drive.

A mild-hybrid petrol engined variant will be added to the range next year, with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit. It will continue featuring Audi’s cylinder-on-demand tech, using a 48V mild-hybrid system. The integrated starter/generator feeds a compact lithium ion battery, recuperating power during deceleration to allow engine-off coasting and more stop/start activation.