Audi Q3 Sportback review

Despite the more rakish roof-line, Audi claims the Sportback is just as practical as the regular Q3. Indeed, changes to the rear seats (which slide backwards and forwards by 130mm in a 60/40 split) mean head- and legroom remain entirely reasonable for actual adults. If you’re 6ft tall, your head won’t touch the roof even if you’re sat up straight, and your knees probably won’t touch the back of the front-seat. 

The boot is decent too - bigger than the BMW X2 and Mercedes GLA’s, but smaller (with the rear seats in-place) than the Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar E-Pace or Volvo XC40’s. 

The Q3S’s dashboard is identical to the regular Q3’s, meaning quality isn’t quite up to normal Audi standards. It’s an odd mix in here of brittle plastics and the more tactile soft-touch stuff. High-spec cars get bits of contrast Alcantara - bit weird, but does brighten up the place somewhat. 

Analogue dials are a thing of the past - all Q3Ss get the excellent Virtual Cockpit, though lesser specs make do with a 10.25in display, while pricier ones get the full 12.3in screen. They all get the 10.1in MMI infotainment screen though, which gives you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the option to subscribe to services like Amazon Alexa. 

For a touchscreen-based system it’s easy enough to use, though we still miss the old clickwheel. Happily here the climate controls are still physical knobs, rather than the second screen you get in bigger Audis.

Many of the main display’s functions are replicated in the instrument cluster. Handy, given it’s mounted quite low and thus out of the driver’s eye-line (though this does mean the vents above it do at least point at your face). 

Visibility is naturally compromised, but it’s not too bad. The driving position and seats are comfortable enough.