Audi Q3 Sportback

Inside the Audi virtual cockpit, you get a combination of elegance, luxury, and high-tech features. Noteworthy interior features include a nice three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles, frameless auto-dimming rear-view mirror, aluminium decorative trimmings, dual-zone climate control system (with centre rear vents), and power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support. You get all the relevant driver information on the 10.25-inch HD display that shows razor-sharp animations. The intuitive MMI infotainment system can be used through an 8.8-inch display in the centre console. You can connect your mobile devices to the vehicle via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, thanks to the smartphone interface. At the rear, there's adequate space for three adults, and the seats can be moved horizontally by 130 millimetres as standard; its triple-divided backrests can be tilted in seven positions. The boot space ranges between 530 to 1,400 litres, depending upon the seat adjustments.

The Q3 Sportback looks more like a coupe owing to its sloping roofline. At the front, an octagonal Singleframe grille with LED headlights and flared wheel arches with black cladding adds to the SUV's stylish looks. A set of 19 inches Audi Sport alloys in a five-twin arms design, finished in Matte Titanium, makes the car look more menacing and athletic, especially with a brighter, contrasting colour tone. The long, elegant shoulder line creates the dynamic shape of the vehicle and highlights the sportiness. Distinctive rear features include the flowing sloping roofline, the sharply cut rear lights, and the low rear window. It measures 4500 mm from front to back and spreads 1567 mm sideways. The Q3 Sportback comes standard with an electric tailgate, which, in combination with the comfort key, can be opened comfortably with your foot.

To offer an impeccable driving experience, Audi has equipped the Q3 Sportback with some technologies that increase the dynamics on the road. Progressive, electromechanical power steering offers a direct steering response on curving country roads and sharp turns. The Audi Drive Select driving dynamics system allows you to drive the vehicle in six different modes, based on the road conditions. Moreover, the electronically adjustable MacPherson strut with aluminium wishbones at the front and 4-link axle with separate springs and dampers at the rear do away with road bumps and potholes.

The Q3 Sportback gets power from the 2.0 TFSI, 1984cc, 4-cylinder petrol engine, with Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, that produces 180 hp of max power and 320 Nm of peak torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels using the 7 Speed Audi S Tronic transmission setup. Audi claims it can reach a top speed of 220 kmph and touch 100 kmph from still in just 7.8 seconds. The start/stop energy recovery system helps in improving fuel efficiency; claimed fuel consumption is 8.1 litres per 100 km.

The Q3 Sportback comes fitted with ventilated disc brakes at both ends, supported by ABS. Other notable safety features include electrically actuated child safety lock, electronic immobiliser, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ISOFIX and top tether for outer rear seats, side airbags in front, curtain airbag system, hill start assist, and hold assist. Unfortunately, it doesn't get autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which is a key feature in this range of SUVs.

With the progressive design, high-tech features, comfortable seating and a top-draw driving experience, the Audi Q3 Sportback checks all the essential boxes. This Audi SUV is a bang for the buck at this price point.