Audi Q3 Sportback, second generation debuts: everything you need to know. Engines, features and prices

At the rear is the sporty extractor and the new light band that seamlessly connects the light clusters, with the four illuminated rings. The aerodynamic coefficient also improves, down from 0.30 instead of 0.3q as in the past. Acoustic insulation is also improved, thanks to solutions such as front side acoustic glass fitted for the first time on an Audi compact model and details from optimised seals to more generous thicknesses of sound-absorbing materials. Available in 11 colours, including the new Malpelo blue and Madeira brown paints, the latter exclusively matt, it is fitted with 17 to 20-inch wheels.

Nothing changes on board compared to the normal Q3 version: you are greeted by the multimedia and infotainment system christened Digital Stage by Audi. It is a system already seen on other four-ring models and is standard from the first trim level - consisting of the 11.9" digital instrumentation, the 12.8" screen of the curved MMI system from which to manage infotainment with the Android Automotive operating system, the voice assistant with ChatGpt and the head-up display. The steering wheel controls have undergone a radical evolution, with the steering column integrating a brand new satellite with the gear selector on the right-hand side and the light and windscreen wiper control elements on the left-hand side.

Moving the transmission selector from the console to the steering wheel provides additional space for two cup holders and the 15 watt, refrigerated inductive charging system for portable devices. Turning to load capacity, it starts at 488 litres expandable to 575 litres by folding down the rear seats to the maximum, while folding down the bench seat brings it up to 1,289 litres.

The range opens with the four-cylinder 1.5 Tfsi with 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology, seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and cylinder-on-demand system. Taking it a step further is the 2.0 TFSI with quattro all-wheel drive and 204 hp and 320 Nm or 265 hp and 400 Nm, while the 2.0 Tdi with 150 hp front-wheel drive and dual-clutch transmission will be offered at launch.

Based on the 1.5-litre Tfsi Evo Miller-cycle engine, the Q3 Sportback e-hybrid reaches 272 hp (+27 hp) with a 25.7 kWh battery (19.7 kWh effective). Thanks to almost doubling the size of the accumulator and a charging capacity of up to 50 kW DC, the Audi Q3 e-Hybrid travels up to 118 kilometres in electric with Wltp approval (more than twice as fast as before) and takes less than 30 minutes to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent battery. At the same time, it is possible to recharge in alternating current (AC) with power up to 11 kW (previously up to 3.6 kW). The complete refuelling process, in this case, takes 2.5 hours.

The increased sportiness compared to the past comes not only from the aesthetics but also from the equipment and dynamic qualities, starting with the progressive steering offered as standard. Available with standard set-up or sports suspension, the Q3 Sportback can be fitted with adaptive twin-valve dampers. In the latter case, the two-stage activation strategy varies the flow of oil in the stalks according to the parameters detected by multiple sensors, road conditions, driving style and the programme activated through the Audi drive select driving dynamics control, where the 'balanced' mode - replacing the 'auto' programme - can be configured according to individual preferences and activated every time the car is started up, and the 'offroad+' setting, reserved for the four-wheel drive versions. The Adas package is complete: among the optional predictive technologies is the advanced adaptive driving assistant that supports the driver by automatically adjusting the distance from the vehicle in front and helping, through slight corrective steering interventions, to maintain directionality and centrality within the lane, even in the event of narrowing of the carriageway, up to a speed of 210 km/h. Thanks to integration with online data, the advanced adaptive driving assistant is able to act regardless of the presence of a lane limit. The system also includes an assisted lane change function: on the motorway, at speeds above 90 km/h, it indicates whether and in which direction it is possible to change lanes by means of white arrows in the instrument cluster and the head-up display. By initiating the manoeuvre via the direction indicator, the system actively assists the driver in steering.

But how much does the new Audi Q3 Sportback cost? Produced jointly at Audi's plants in Győr, Hungary, and Ingolstadt, Germany, it will arrive in Italian dealerships by the end of 2025 starting at 44,500 euros. Prices start at 45,800 euro for the 2.0 Tdi 150 hp S tronic variant and 51,800 euro for the plug-in e-hybrid 272 hp variant. At launch it will be offered in the Business - not available for the previous generation - Business Advanced and S line editions.