Audi carved out a new niche for itself in the small luxury SUV market in 2020 with the release of the Q3 Sportback.
Poised to be a standout contender with its sleek, sloped silhouette in a world where SUVs have become ubiquitous, the updated 2024 Q3 Sportback continues to stand apart with a tantalising blend of style, practicality, and performance.
2024 Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI: Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Output: 132kW@4000-6200rpm / 370Nm@1400-3900rpm
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×8.5, 255/40
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1477kg
Power-to-weight: 13.25:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.2L/100km
Our consumption: 7.8L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 60L/95 RONPower efficiency: 16.09kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.57 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.22 seconds*
60-110km/h: 6.18 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.04 seconds at 141.4km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.778g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.94m in 3.14 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.257g*
Decibel at idle: 43*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 75*
Starting price: $70,800*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI: How much does it cost?
In Australia, buyers can choose from two Q3 Sportback powertrains; the 35 TFSI, featuring a front-wheel drive 1.4L turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine producing 110kW/250Nm; and the 40 TFSI that gains a bigger 2.0L turbo-petrol that harvests 132kW/320Nm with all four wheels.
In terms of trim specs, both setups can be chosen in an unnamed base variant, Dynamic Black, or S Line guise. Prices range from $54,600 and top out at $70,800 for the top-spec 40 TFSI S Line we are focussing on here (excluding on-road costs).
For those looking to inject a bit of luxury into their daily commute, luxury does come at a price. Nonetheless, given the high-quality design and craftsmanship that Audi pours into its vehicles, the Q3 Sportback offers a compelling case of prestige.
Its price point is a bit lower to similar rivals like the BMW X2 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Their equivalent variants retail for $75,900 and $79,700, respectively (excluding the M Performance and AMG variants).
The Cupra Formentor VZx retails for a near identical $70,790. Though, it does come with a more powerful engine. Be prepared on one thing with Audi; the costs can climb quickly when you start to tick boxes on the options list. Unless you appreciate finer details and want your SUV to reflect your personality, you might see a worthwhile investment.
Shining light on those hidden ongoing costs, all Audis come with the industry average five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and five years of free road-side assistance. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km. You can pre-purchase a five-year service plan for $3330 and an additional two-year warranty, and services for $3250 under the Audi Advantage plan.
2024 Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI: Interior & packaging
Step inside the Q3 Sportback, and you’re immediately greeted by an environment that exudes quality and sophistication, ensuring that every journey feels special. The interior features an exquisite combination of suede areas and polished chrome highlights, with bright LED lighting that also glows from under the seats, creating a welcoming ambiance.
It’s the little touches that elevate the experience, such as the frameless centre rear-view mirror, door sill backlighting, and the vivid LED mood lighting that extends to the rear doors. Even the door handles are ergonomically designed, pointing downwards in an intuitive and stylish manner.
At the centre of attention are two crisp display screens. The digital instrument cluster is 12.3 inches, and the centre touch-screen is 10.1 inches. We appreciate how air-con adjustments are still separated out of the centre screen with dedicated physical buttons. It makes adjusting while driving much less attention-draining. The centre screen connects to wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and optionally, a Sonos-branded 15-speaker 3D sound system with a subwoofer that packs the bass. Otherwise, the standard is a 10-speaker 180-Watt system.
Practicality has not been overlooked either. The spacious interior boasts supportive partially Alcantara leather seats with many electric adjustments, generously-sized door pockets, ample bottle and cup holders, and a tilt-and-slide adjustable centre armrest console lid that doubles as a wireless charger and a mobile phone vertical slot.
For those longer journeys, rear passengers will find reasonable space, comfortably accommodating four adults – provided the front occupants are not overly tall. The rear seats adjust tilt-wise and slide on rails. However, the sporty swooping roofline does necessitate a bit of ducking when entering and exiting. A small trade-off for that sporty aesthetic. The rear also offers air vents for added comfort, though it’s worth noting that there are no dedicated rear controls like you find in other Volkswagen Group models.
Further back, and the boot is wide and long, but the hatch’s cut design means you’ll sacrifice some height compared to the upright Q3 wagon. Nevertheless, the practical features – like a handy floor net for securing items, two boot lights, and near-completely flat folding rear seats – make it a functional choice for everyday use. It can squeeze in 530 litres of cargo, or 1400 litres if you fold the rear row down (regular Q3 AWD offers 530L/1525L).
From an external standpoint, Audi gets it spot on. The design beautifully presents a sporty intent with a classy focus. That is largely thanks to sharp design cues and panelling creases, contrasting front and rear fenders that are embellished with a black and body coloured design, a huge glossy black and spotted chrome front grille, jagged and vivid LED lights, crisp progressive-type indicators, glossy black lower bumpers, and sharp 20-inch alloys that sit in wheel arches that are puffed out with contrasting black surrounds.
All the important safety tech and features are inclusive. Crash avoidance control, 360-degree cameras, telematics, blind-spot sensors, driver attention detection, adaptive cruise, and tyre pressure sensors are all standard. But it misses out on some features we would expect to be included. For example, there is no key proximity sensor for remote-less locking/unlocking, side door exit warning, automated steering parking assistance, a heated steering wheel or heated seats.
And as previously mentioned, Audi likes to have you pay more for some extras. Ones that would typically be included in non-luxury brands. Like customisable ambient interior lighting, a sunroof, active cornering and shadowing headlights, and coloured door mirrors.
2024 Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI: Powertrain & handling
The heart of the Q3 Sportback lies in its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering smooth and refined acceleration with its 132kW and 320Nm. It can launch from 0-100km/h in a fairly average 7.8 seconds. Our tests saw a best of 8.22 seconds with the Vbox.
Because the engine responds eagerly, with minimal delay, it feels like it has more power than the figures state. At least initially. In the top end it starts to run out of grunt, which means overtaking on a highway uphill isn’t achieved as quick as you might expect.
It feels free to rev without any harshness. Even the engine start/stop at the lights has the Q3 jumping to the chase hastily. Power is enough in the city and suburbs, but given it is branded as an S Line model, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more. Especially considering Audi’s connection to Volkswagen Group’s more powerful offerings. At least the sound of this four-cylinder is reasonably engaging for a non-performance model, adding to the driving experience. Otherwise, there is always the 294kW RS Q3, with its five-cylinder howl.
Complementing the engine is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that changes gears with a zippy precision, enhancing the sporty feel behind the wheel. The typical hesitancy under light acceleration in dual-clutch gearboxes has been improved in this case, which helps navigate precarious parking movements.
Since the 40 TFSI is no spectacular outlier in terms of performance, we were expecting slightly better fuel economy. Especially as it needs the higher quality 95 RON petrol. The official average rates it at 8.2L/100km. Our week with the Q3 saw a lower average of 7.8L/100km. Even so, neither of these figures are a standout for something with 132kW. The ‘power-efficiency’ ratio is 16.09kW:L/100km (anything above 20 usually means decent efficiency in our opinion).
Whether navigating city streets or tackling winding country roads, the suspension is superb for offering agile cornering. Every twist and turn is a joy, aided by tight and direct steering. However, the suspension can feel a tad abrupt over bumps – a small compromise for that flat and agile handling. You can also add on electronic dampers that adjust with the selectable driving modes.
While behind the wheel, the smart cruise control system is a highlight. Unlike some others on the market, this system feels tried and tested with a commendable level of intuitiveness. It reacts smoothly to changes to distances of proceeding cars, and handles lane changes seamlessly.
2024 Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Unambiguously ‘Audi’ design: The German brand certainly knows how to illustrate sophistication in a car. And it is only enhanced further by this unique Sportsback shape with the S line trim.
- Interior layout: We acquainted ourselves easily in the Q3. Generous door pockets and bottle holders, adjustable armrest, physical air-con buttons, strong and crisp lighting; all make the Q3 a practical choice.
- Quality build: From the refined engine, to the intuitiveness of the adaptive cruise, to the brushed chrome downward-facing door handles, you know you’re getting a quality-made SUV here.
- Sporty dynamics: Even with the higher SUV platform, the Q3 Sportsback is a fun drive behind the wheel, thanks to tight and direct steering and firm suspension for agile cornering.
2024 Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI: Key considerations before you buy
- Missing features or more money required for some: A lack of a key proximity sensor, side door exit warning, automated steering parking assistance, and heated seats. And some options are quite expensive.
- Fuel consumption: It’s nothing terrible, but given the lower power outputs, we expect slightly lower fuel averages.
- Coupe-like SUV design trade-off: If boot space is an important requirement for you, the Sportback’s boot tallness has been compromised for its unique design. The standard Q3 wagon offers more when the seats are folded down.
2024 Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI: Key considerations before you buy
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The 2024 Audi Q3 Sportback 140 TFSI combines stylish design, a high-quality interior, and engaging driving dynamics. And its coupe-like sporty shape steps up that design edge further. Though, added luxury comes at a higher price, with lots of optional extras available – some that should be standard.
