Driving Experience of the 2020 Audi Q3 Sportback
Initial Impressions
We traveled to Basel with Audi Middle East to test drive the 2020 Audi Q3 Sportback. This model is part of Audi's growing SUV lineup and is expected to arrive in the Middle East early next year, competing against vehicles such as:
While all its competitors are currently available in the GCC countries, I recommend waiting for it to hit showrooms, as this vehicle promises to bring significant features to this highly competitive segment—unless you're in a hurry. If you want to learn more about it, keep reading for our initial impressions and the story behind the all-new 2020 Audi Q3 Sportback.
Audi Q3 Sportback Design
While beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder, it's hard to deny that the Q3 Sportback is a stunning vehicle. Some say it resembles a grown-up Q3, while others refer to it as a younger sibling of the Q8. In my opinion, given that it adopts much of the Q8's design language, I would say it is more like the younger brother of Audi's flagship SUV, the Q8.
During our drive, we had the opportunity to meet the exterior designer of this beautiful car, Sarah Park. She is the first woman to join Audi's exterior design team and is responsible for the entire vehicle. Once we publish the video, you'll be able to learn more about the design process and where she drew inspiration for this creation. I had the honor of meeting her and spending a full day learning how she transformed this concept from sketches in 2014 into a real car in 2019. Imagine the excitement she felt seeing the fruits of five years of work on the road.
Interior Details and Technology
The Q3 Sportback features a vibrant, dynamic, and modern design that stands out from the competition. With 12 color options available, my personal favorite is the black.
Upon entering the cabin, you'll notice there aren't many significant differences between it and the standard Q3 interior. It has been designed to feel spacious and sporty without compromising on the finer details you would expect from a vehicle in this class. You can easily access all functions through the neat center console, which houses a user-friendly 10.1-inch touchscreen. This screen comes with Audi's voice response system, making navigation more precise.
I won’t delve into Audi's exceptional entertainment system here, but among all the cars I’ve driven, this one stands out significantly. The positioning and angle are excellent, the clarity is high, and the functionality meets all your needs, while connectivity is superb. Most importantly, the user experience is top-notch.
Key Features
Although we will need to wait for its arrival in the Middle East to fully understand the features it will offer, some advanced "core" features are already confirmed. For instance, the 2020 Q3 Sportback will come equipped with a fully-featured entertainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a premium sound system from Bang & Olufsen. You will also be able to connect your phone with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a navigation system. Additionally, there’s a wireless charger and USB ports.
Assistance and Safety Systems
As for the assistance and safety systems, the vehicle will provide:
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot detection
- 360-degree cameras around the vehicle
- Adaptive cruise control
- Parking assistance
- Airbags
- And many other features
Engine Performance
The Q3 Sportback will be available with two engine options: a 1.5-liter TFSI and a 2.0-liter TFSI, both turbocharged. A hybrid version with a 48-volt battery will also be available later, helping to save fuel by 0.4 liters per 100 km. All options will come with different driving modes:
- Comfort
- Dynamic
- Efficiency
- Off-road
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're planning to purchase a vehicle in this category, consider giving the Audi Q3 Sportback a chance when it arrives in the Middle East. It truly is a car with a distinctive design, exceptional driving experience, and all the impressive technological specifications you need.
