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• Audi South Africa extends the Q3 line-up with new Sportback model.
• The Q3 Sportback will be offered with two petrol engines in South Africa.
• The ultra-sporty RSQ3 will further bolster this range in the first quarter of 2021.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
Audi South Africa has added a compact SUV in coupe shape to its model range, the Q3 Sportback. This new model combines the everyday convenience of an SUV with the sporty elegance of a coupe.
The all-new Q3 Sportback enters the Q3 model range as a halo and design vehicle, emphasising a sporty, practical and elegant position in the compact SUV segment of the premium passenger car market. Great design is a big drawcard to the Audi brand, and this new model continues that tradition.
The coupe-like passenger cabin acts as a contrast to the distinctive attachments, which are painted in contrasting silver and emphasise the SUV character. The low roofline gives way to flat D-pillars and ends in a roof edge spoiler. As a result, the Q3 Sportback appears much longer than the regular Q3. LED headlights and rear lights are standard on the vehicle with an option to upgrade to Matrix LED technology, whose adaptive high beam intelligently illuminates the road as best suits the driving situation.
What's under the bonnet?
The Q3 Sportback will be offered with two petrol engines in South Africa. The 1.4 TFSI in the 35TFSI model delivers 110kW and 250Nm of torque from a four-cylinder direct-injection unit with turbocharging and utilises a six-speed S-tronic transmission to get from 0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds.
The 40 TFSI Quattro S line model is fitted with a 2.0 TFSI engine producing 132kW and 320Nm, utilising a seven-speed S-tronic transmission it can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
What is it like inside?
The Q3 Sportback has been designed as a fully-fledged five-seater while the volume of the luggage compartment ranges from 530 litres to 1 400 litres. The seat upholstery is available in a combination of leather and leatherette as standard while Alcantara is available as an option.
A digital instrument cluster with an 8.8-inch screen, which the driver operates via the multifunction steering wheel, allows the switching between many information levels and multiple views.
Technology galore
Assist systems include lane departure warning and the lane change warning. The Audi pre sense basic system basic system outputs a visual, acoustic and haptic warning to the driver in the case of a collision. In an emergency, it causes full braking and initiates the Audi pre sense basic safety measures.
Ultra-modern optional extra systems such as the 360-degree cameras offer assistance with parking and manoeuvring.
The Q3 Sportback will be offered with the package concept as introduced on other new Audi models launched in SA. Grouping various options together in predefined packages aims to reduce complexity when ordering a new vehicle, considering that a customer is generally faced with a long list of options to choose from. It classifies key options according to a specific customer to understand. The packages include; comfort, technology, sport, parking, S line interior and black styling.
Summary
The Audi Q3 Sportback is a great all-round package, the engines are frugal and good performers, the technology offered is the latest available on the market today, and the styling and finishes are top-notch. This does all come at a price, though.
Pricing
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic - R693 000
Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI Quattro S-tronic - R737 000
The ultra-sporty RSQ3 will further bolster this range in the first quarter of 2021.
