Final report: Smart, compact and luxurious, the Q3 Sportback ticks all the right boxes with very little to complain about. This one will be missed in our garage.
Spending an extended period with the Audi Q3 Sportback helped me explore its true character – a car that effortlessly blends luxury, sportiness and everyday usability. The journey has been a delightful one, filled with scenic drives, moments of pure driving pleasure, and a few quirks that add personality to the ownership experience. Whether it’s cruising on smooth highways or taking detours down lesser-known inner roads, the Q3 Sportback has proven to be a capable and stylish companion.
For someone like me, who constantly seeks out beautiful and less-travelled roads, the Audi Q3 Sportback feels like the perfect partner. One of my favourite drives has been the route from Mumbai to Nashik. While most travellers stick to the straightforward National Highway 3, I find joy in exploring alternate paths that weave through the serene landscapes of the Sahyadri mountain ranges of the Western Ghats.
It’s versatile enough to explore uncharted territory while keeping its occupants comfy.
On one such adventure, I veered off NH-3 near Kasara and took a quieter road connecting to the Trimbakeshwar highway. The Audi Q3 Sportback handled the varied terrain with ease, delivering a smooth and composed ride. Whether it was cruising on flat stretches or navigating twists and turns through scenic hills, the Q3 Sportback maintained a perfect balance of comfort and control.
I must say I really like the way the Q3 Sportback looks. One of the most striking bits about it is its Turbo Blue exterior, which grabs attention wherever it goes. The sleek, coupé profile, accentuated by aluminium inserts, gives the car a sporty and premium look. Though the sloping roofline does contribute to its striking design, it comes at the cost of rear-seat headroom.
Knurled knobs for the air-con and volume control have a tactile feel.
The cabin exudes a futuristic vibe thanks to its sharp dashboard design and high-quality materials. One of my favourite elements is the manual air-conditioning controls, with knurled knobs that operate with a satisfying click. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that enhances the tactile experience of the driver’s seat. The 530-litre boot capacity, which matches that of the regular Q3, offers ample storage space. Whether it’s luggage for a weekend getaway or daily errands, the boot has always been sufficient. The rear seat is fairly comfortable; taller passengers might find it a bit cramped in the back, but it’s not a deal-breaker for someone like me, who spends most of the time behind the wheel.
Under the hood, the Q3 Sportback is powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI engine that perfectly complements its sporty demeanour. The engine’s versatility is one of its highlights – it’s equally at ease cruising at low speeds as it is revving up to its 6,000rpm redline for a spirited drive. The silky-smooth performance ensures a stress-free drive during long-distance trips, while the engine’s eagerness adds a fun factor when the road opens up.
The 2.0 TFSI engine is very refined; it loves to be revved to the redline, especially in manual mode.
The suspension setup deserves special mention, too. While it leans slightly more towards comfort, it doesn’t compromise on handling. This dual character makes the Q3 Sportback a pleasure to drive across different types of roads. It absorbs bumps well on uneven stretches while offering stability and confidence when cornering.
While my overall experience has been positive, a few minor issues popped up during the long-term stint. One notable instance was when the key fob battery ran low, triggering a warning message on the instrument cluster. Fortunately, replacing the battery was a simple task that only required popping the key open with a screwdriver. Small quirks like these are part and parcel of long-term ownership, but they didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of driving the Q3 Sportback.
The reversing camera is not very sharp and doesn’t offer a 360-degree view.
Living with the Audi Q3 Sportback has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It’s a car that excels in multiple areas, offering a great mix of luxury, practicality and driving pleasure. Whether it’s the excitement of exploring lesser-known routes or the convenience of urban commuting, the Q3 Sportback handles it all with poise. Its stylish design, comfortable interior and capable engine make it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a premium compact SUV with a sporty edge.
As I look back on my time with the Q3 Sportback, I can confidently say it has been a reliable and fun companion. Now that this long-termer has been handed back, Audi has been kind enough to replace it with its bigger sibling, the Q8. More exploration coming soon!
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