A new rival for BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Audi has launched a rival for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and BMW X4 in the form of the new Q3 Sportback.
It's a compact SUV Coupe arriving in the fall and shares its mechanical and interior with the standard Q3.
The rear stands out with a 29 mm drop in roof height and a 16 mm increase in external length. The front sports the familiar Singleframe grille and LED headlights as standard, with full-matrix LED available as an option.
The interior is similar with the regular Audi Q3, but gets some new technology including the integration of Amazon Alexa voice control.
Head room is slightly reduced in the back due to the sloping roofline. The space in the boot is 530 liters.
The standard suspension set-up is the same as the Q3 with an optional sport suspension available.
At the launch, the Audi Q3 Sportback will be available with three engine options. One petrol engine will be the 230 hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI. Two 2.0-litre diesels will be available, one with 150 hp, the other with 190 hp. The most powerful engines are mated with a seven-speed automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive, while the 150 hp diesel is available with a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive.
Next year, Audi will add a mild-hybrid petrol engine: a 1.5-liter unit featuring cylinder-on-demand tech and, when mated with an automatic gearbox will use a 48V mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter/generator that feeds a li-ion battery by recuperating power during deceleration.