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By Jonathan Crouch

Audi's Q3 small crossover gets sharper looks in this sleeker Sportback form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the second generation version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 70

Audi continues to offer a second, more stylised body shape in the compact SUV sector in the form of this Q3 Sportback model. This second generation design, like its predecessor, is aimed most precisely at BMW's similarly-sized X2, but potential buyers may also be looking at premium small crossovers like the Range Rover Evoque. There's mild hybrid electrification, trendy media connectivity and a cool Audi cabin. Just as you'd want.

Backgroundword count: 171

Generally when it comes to a compact Audi these days, the term 'Sportback' means whatever Ingolstadt wants it to mean. The A3 Sportback is a conventional boxy family hatch with premium packaging. But when it comes to the Q3 small SUV that model shares its engineering with, 'Sportback' designates a separate, sleeker more coupe-like body style that sells at a £1,500 premium over the equivalent standard SUV version, even though it offers slightly less rear head room and a chunk less boot space. Paying more and apparently getting less has always been part and parcel of coupe ownership. It certainly was for the original F3N-era Q3 Sportback model that launched in 2019 - a body style preferred by large proportion of owners of that F3B-generation Q3 model. This replacement second generation Q3 Sportback, which went on sale here in Autumn 2025 plays to the same audience, like its predecessor most directly targeting the only other car in the segment that directly replicates is approach, BMW's X2. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 248

As you'd expect, the Q3 Sportback drives exactly like the SUV model. Audi has committed to put a bit more effort into its combustion powertrains for the remainder of this decade. But that switch away from an EV-only engineering focus came too late to benefit this second generation Q3 Sportback, which persists with a similar set of combustion drivetrains to those used by last versions of its predecessor. These even include the brand's usual 150PS 2.0 TDI diesel, which still sells alongside the 150PS 1.5 TFSI mild hybrid petrol unit most customers will choose. Auto transmission is now mandatory - the usual dual clutch seven-speed s tronic set-up for conventionally-engined models. This Q3 doesn't get the advanced 2.0-litre e-hybrid PHEV drivetrain we've seen in the larger Q5. Just a further developed version of the previous Plug-in Hybrid petrol set-up borrowed from the A3, which sees the TFSI model's 1.5-litre four cylinder unit mated with six-speed dual clutch transmission and a 25.7kWh battery offering a (much increased) EV range of up to 72 miles. The Q3 e-hybrid's peak power is 272PS, with 400Nm of torque. A pair of conventional 2.0 TFSI petrol units round out the range, with 204PS or 265PS - both with quattro 4WD. All other Q3 Sportbacks are front-driven, with all models based on the same MQB platform as the A3 Sportback. There are three suspension set-ups; standard steel springs; firmer passive sport suspension for top models; and an optional adaptive set-up with twin valve dampers.

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