2021 (71) Audi Q3 35 TFSI Black Edition 5dr [Comfort+Sound Pack]

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

In 2019, Audi extended its Sportback franchise into the SUV sector with this compact stylised Q3 Sportback model. It's aimed most precisely at BMW's similarly-sized X2, but potential buyers will also be looking at upper-spec versions of premium small crossovers like the Range Rover Evoque, the Mercedes GLA and the Lexus UX. There's mild hybrid electrification, trendy media connectivity and a cool Audi cabin. Just as you'd want.

History

Pay more, get less. Coupe models have always unblushingly offered this curious proposition and this one continued the tradition, Audi's Q3 Sportback, considered here in its F3 (2019-2025-era) form. This was one of those 'coupe-style' compact SUV models, a sub-niche of the market largely originated by the first generation version of BMW's X2. This fashion-led Audi Q3 derivative had a roofline 49mm lower than that of its standard sibling and virtually all the bodywork panels were different, only the front wings being shared with the standard Q3. Plus mild hybrid petrol engine technology featured at the foot of the range. The F3-era Q3 Sportback sold until mid-2025, when it was replaced by a third generation FJ-series design.

What You Get

The Q3 Sportback measures 4,500mm in length, stands 1,567mm tall and is 1,843mm wide, which makes this SUV coupe 16mm longer, 49mm lower and 6mm slimmer than an ordinary Audi Q3. The wheelbase is exactly the same with both model variants but this Sportback model's lower roof curvature and elegant shoulder line makes it look a slightly bigger car. At the rear, a long roof edge spoiler sits above the slim window to emphasise the width of this crossover. Inside, it's pretty much as in any other Q3. The focal point is a reductive two-level instrument panel incorporating the brand's 10.1-inch high resolution MMI touch display, giving access to the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus system. Audi says that this SUV coupe was designed as a fully-fledged five seater. The rear seats can be moved 130mm longitudinally as standard; their backrests are divided into three sections, and their inclination can be adjusted in seven stages. What about boot space? Well a standard powered tailgate makes gaining access to this space easy, and for added convenience the loading floor can be used at various levels. Behind the rear seats, the luggage compartment can accommodate 530-litres (the same as the Q3 SUV), and when they're folded down, up to 1,400-litres can be liberated.

What to Look For

Most owners in our survey seemed happy, but there are various things you need to look out for. A common issue with the F3 generation Q3 relates to water leaking through the sunroof. It might pay to put the car through a car wash and check that this isn't an issue. We also had a lot of reports of unresponsive touchscreens, flickering dashboard warnings or infotainment freezes. Software updates often resolve these, but persistent issues might require expert diagnostics. We've heard that automatic DSG transmissions in the F3 generation Q3 can sometimes feel jerky or hesitate throughout gearshifts. This is often down to low transmission fluid or software glitches; look out for this issue on your test drive. We've also heard of start/stop system failures - and squeaks and rattles from worn shock absorbers or tie-rod ends, which you'll notice particularly on rough roads. Look out for a bumpier-than-normal standard of ride quality on your test drive. We've heard of high mileage petrol Q3s burning oil faster than expected or developing leaks from the engine or transmission. And some owners have reported faster-than-expected brake pad and rotor wear, sometimes needing replacements within 20,000 miles. Older diesels can sometimes suffer from diesel particulate filter clogging. We've heard of issues with disabled rear view cameras, caused by software bugs or damaged wiring. A recall throughout 2021 and 2022 flagged up damaged fuel tank vent pipes which could cause spills during refuelling. Check if the car you are looking at was affected. If the Q3 you're inspecting is upholstered in Alcantara or leather, this may show premature wear, like peeling trim or fading. Otherwise it's just the usual things. Check the alloy wheels for scuffs, the interior for child damage and make sure you insist on a fully stamped-up service history.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI 2020 - Ex Vat - autodoc.co.uk) An oil filter costs in the £5-£43 bracket. An air filter's in the £8-£53 bracket. Front brake pads sit in the £22 to £57 bracket for a set; for a rear set, it's around £22-£58. Front brake discs sit in the £26-£51 bracket; for a rear pair, you're looking at around £20-£51. Starter motor prices vary widely - from £144-£488, depending on brand. As do costs for an alternator (anywhere in the £144-£510 bracket we found).

On the Road

Even with big wheels fitted, this Q3 Sportback cushions the bumps really effectively in a much more sophisticated way than its predecessor. Few other class rivals from this period better it in this regard. To the point where you may not feel it necessary to seek out a model whose original owner paid extra for the adaptive suspension that was optional on most variants. Combine that with exceptionally good refinement and you get an extremely accomplished cruiser. There were significant handling enhancements with the F3 design too over earlier Q3s, but they came with a typical Audi caveat: somewhat lifeless steering. Which is a pity because if you can work through that, this F3 model Q3 is surprisingly responsive if you want to start pushing it along a bit through the corners. Body roll is well controlled for an SUV and (aided by the stiff MQB chassis and torque vectoring) there's plenty of grip and traction, even without the quattro 4WD system - which you can't have on the 150PS variants that most Q3 Sportback customers will buy. There are two, the 1.5-litre 35 TFSI petrol variant, which in manual guise on 18-inch wheels is able to return up to 46.3mpg on the combined cycle and up to 140g/km of CO2. The alternative is a 2.0-litre 35 TDI diesel. Both models were usually bought with smooth 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch auto gearbox. The other minority-interest engines in the range have to have four driven wheels and S tronic transmission. There's a 40TDI derivative that gets a more potent 190PS version of the 2.0-litre diesel. And a larger 2.0-litre petrol unit available in 190 and 230PS states of tune in the 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI variants. At the top of the range was the petrol 400PS RS Q3 Sportback, which used Audi's classic 2.5-litre five cylinder turbo powerplant.

Overall

This F3-era Q3 Sportback doesn't do anything fundamentally better than the standard 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 from this era. 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.