Audi has extended the Sportback shape and nomenclature normally reserved for its A1, A2, A5 and A7 to the Q3.
Like other Sportback models, the 'coupe' body shape refers to the sloping roof and not the number of doors. In this instance, the design takes some cues from the Q8. This includes accentuated wheel arches, large wheels and a wide, squat design.
For the Audi Q3 Sportback, two petrol engines are available on offer in South Africa. These two engine options are also offered across the Audi Q3 model range.
The 1.4 TFSI in the Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm matched to a six speed S tronic transmission and produces a 0-100 km/h claim figure of 9.3 seconds.
The Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S line is fitted with a 2.0 TFSI engine producing 132 kW, 320 Nm and a seven speed S tronic transmission which allows it to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The Q3 Sportback has been designed as a fully-fledged five seater. The volume of the luggage compartment ranges from 530 l to 1,400 l with the rear seats folded down.
The Audi Q3 Sportback will offer the "Package Concept" as introduced on other new models launched in South Africa. The concept aims to reduce complexity when ordering a new vehicle, considering that a customer is generally faced with a long list of options. It classifies key options according to a specific customer need and offers a straight-forward value proposition that is easy to understand.
Competitors are BMW’s X1 and X2 and Mercedes-Benz’s GLA and GLB ranges.
Prices (August 2020):
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic (R693 000)
Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S tronic (R737 000)
The South African motor industry has lost one of its longstanding business figures following the passing of Jebb McIntosh, the group chief executive of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), on Monday, 2 November 2026.
“South Africa’s automotive industry has been AGOA’s largest user, but for the sector the preference has already been largely overridden by the 25% Section 232 tariffs applied on vehicles and components. Losing AGOA adds a further cost to an industry that has already absorbed a significant shock.”
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
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