Audi Q3 Sportback After 23500km : Time-driven with the Audi Q3 Sportback meant that I had a chance to find out its true identity – a car that seamlessly combines luxury, sportiness and everyday usability. It has been a great journey so far, with drives through the countryside, the simple pleasure of driving and some quirks that make ownership more interesting. From gliding along well-known highways to getting off the beaten path on backroad detours, the Q3 Sportback has held up as a stylish – and more importantly – competent partner on the roads thus far.
For someone like me who has always been for the beautiful roads less travelled, the Audi Q3 Sportback is the right partner. The Mumbai to Nashik route was one of my favourite drives. Though many take the direct NH-3, I love to take a detour through the peaceful countryside trails in the spectacular Sahyadri mountain ranges of Western Ghats.
One such instance, I decided to leave NH-3 before Kasara and take the quieter roads that merge with the Trimbakeshwar highway. The Audi Q3 Sportback glided over all of them effortlessly, offering a smooth ride that never felt unsettled. When the road opened up into stretches of flat highway or fun twists through scenic hills, the Q3 Sportback never lost its poise or comfort.
I really love how the Q3 Sportback looks, I have to say. Nothing more eye-catching than its Turbo Blue exterior, the bits of which turn heads at every corner. The design is topped off with additional aluminium inserts to continue that sporty yet premium design with a sleek, coupé aesthetic. However, while that sloping roofline is a big part of what makes the car look so cool, it has its practicality impact on rear-seat head space.
A sharp dashboard design and high-quality materials give the cabin a futuristic vibe. One of my favourite details is the manual air-conditioning controls, featuring knurled knobs actuated with a delightful click. It’s a minor, but still thoughtful touch that improves the tactile feel of the driver’s seat. Back to rearend, the 530-litre boot space matches the regular Q3 and it’s quite a big addition. Whether it’s for weekend getaway luggage or daily errands, the boot has always been more than sufficient. The rear seat is pretty comfortable; taller passengers might feel a bit cramped in the back, but that’s not a deal breaker for someone like me, who’s spending most of the time behind the wheel.
Under the skin, the Q3 Sportback is fitted with a 2.0-litre TFSI engine that marries pleasingly to its sprightly disposition. One of the highlights of the engine is its versatility — it’ll happily shuffle around at a low speed just as easily as it will rev up to its 6,000rpm redline for some spirited driving. It offers silky-smooth performance and a lack of stress on long-distance drives, while the eagerness of the engine, once the road finally opens up, adds an element of fun.