2026 (26) Audi Q3 1.5 TFSI Edition 1 5dr S Tronic

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 Review

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.

Background

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.

Driving Experience

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.

Design and Build

Not for Audi rather heavy-handed aesthetics of the other small Coupe-SUV in this segment, BMW's X2. This second generation Q3 Sportback is much easier on the eye with its swept-back curves and muscular rear 'quattro blisters'. As you'd expect, differences over the ordinary Q3 start from the A-pillar backwards, from which the roof line sweeps downwards creating stance that sits 29mm lower. It isn't only the roof that's bespoke; the side windows are smaller and there's a reshaped raked-back rear screen topped by a subtle rear spoiler. Creating a faster silhouette set off by large wheels between 18 and 20-inches in size. The front-of-cabin experience is of course as with the ordinary Q3 SUV. Which means you get two screens of course - an 11.9-inch display for the driver and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the centre. But the real talking point is a deletion of the usual steering wheel column stalks. Instead, a static wraparound panel behind the wheel houses what Audi calls a 'steering wheel control unit'. On the left end of this, you'll find rocker panels for the indicators and a scroll wheel for the wipers. The right side of that panel is the gear selector, freeing up space on the centre console. High-end materials are liberally used, with perforated ambient lighting in the doors; and the three-dimensional base for the centre screen can be specified in various different finishes. One of things we were surprised about with this model's predecessor was how little the swept-back shape affected rear headroom. Here again, though compromises over the SUV will have to be made by really tall folk, they're less than you might expect. You might be surprised by how little boot space is affected by the sporty body shape too, rated at 488-litres (87-litres less than the SUV) for conventional versions; and 375-litres for the e-hybrid. With the rear bench folded, it's 1,289-litres (97-litres less than the SUV) or 1,196-litres for the e-hybrid.

Market and Model

The Q3 Sportback commands a £1,500 price premium over the SUV version. Which means that prices from launch started at £39,800 - that's for the base 1.5-litre mild hybrid TFSI petrol model. You'll need from £41,500 to get yourself the 2.0 TDI; and from £47,300 for the e-hybrid petrol PHEV. For the UK, there are three trim lines - the usual 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Edition 1' options. A standard, all models get the brand's latest panoramic curved interactive dashboard display with its 11.9-inch 'Audi virtual cockpit plus' screen and 12.8-inch 'MMI touch' monitor. Most variants also offer ambient multi-coloured interior lighting and three-zone deluxe climate control. As you'd expect, a wide range of different trimming and material choices are available depending on the model and spec you choose, including perforated ambient lighting in the door cards. And your Q3 Sportback can be had with customisable digital LED lighting that uses micro-LEDs for animated effects. There's a high-end stereo system option made by Sonos, available as part of an optional 'Sound & Vision' pack (which also includes a Head-up display and more powerful USB charging ports). The alternative 'Sound & Vision Pack Pro' package adds to this with adaptive cruise assist, surround view cameras, progressive steering, red brake calipers, suspension with damper control and some extra safety kit - proactive occupant protection (front, side and rear); and 'emergency assist' (which brings the car to a controlled stop should you get taken ill at the wheel).

Cost of Ownership

The Q3 model line has always been pretty efficient and this current generation model doesn't deviate too far from that script. The volume 1.5-litre four cylinder TFSI mild hybrid petrol engine manages up to 46.3mpg on the combined cycle and 138g/km of CO2. The front driven 2.0-litre TDI diesel is rated at up to 52.3mpg on the combined cycle and 140g/km of CO2. For the 2.0 TFSI 204PS model, it 36.2mpg and 178g/km. For the 2.0 TFSI 265PS version, it's 33.2mpg and 194g/km. As we told you in our 'Driving' section, the e-hybrid Plug-in variant has a range of up to 72 miles (over double what it was before) and can be charged via an AC wallbox in around 4 hours. Obviously, there are big savings on Benefit-in-Kind tax by going the e-hybrid route. But you'll need to work out whether these justify the substantially greater up-front purchase price. the e-Hybrid is rated at up to 166.2mpg on the combined cycle and up to 40g/km of CO2. As for maintenance, well servicing your Q3 Sportback should be no more taxing than is the case with one of the company's larger cars. As usual with Audi models, there's a choice of either a 'Fixed' or a 'Flexible' servicing regime, the choice between the two depending on the extent of your likely annual mileage. There's the usual unremarkable three year 60,000 mile Audi warranty. You can expect residual values, as usual with a Q3, to be very strong.

Summary

Like its predecessor, the second generation Q3 Sportback doesn't do anything fundamentally better than the standard SUV model upon which it's based, but it looks significantly more desirable. Enough to justify its price premium? We think most potential buyers will think so. These people probably won't care that there's slightly less rear seat and boot space than in a normal Q3. They may not even be bothered that, in truth, this Audi isn't quite as good to drive as rival BMW X2 and Range Rover Evoque models. What's important is that this car comes with an added dose of that cool charisma that Ingolstadt does so well. If for you the ordinary Q3 is a bit, well, vanilla, this version serves up that confection rather differently. With a flake if you like. We can all identify with that.