Audi’s trendy, effectively designed new Q3 Sportback Hybrid

The mannequin I’m highway testing this week is the brand new Q3 hybrid Sportback claiming to supply as much as 50km of electro motoring on a full cost.

Now I have to set out my stall right here.

These hybrids are solely any good in case you are disciplined sufficient to plug in each the place you’ll be able to to get the max 50km or so of EV motoring.

Sadly proof reveals individuals are shopping for these PHEV vehicles for the cheaper highway tax, benefiting from the federal government grant after which not bothering to plug in as usually as they need to.

On this case PHEV’s are a catastrophe truly emitting extra C02 and burning extra gas than its equal sibling due the massive additional weight of the battery and motor.

So the message is obvious solely purchase a PHEV if you’ll plug in at each alternative which shall be lots because the vary is so quick.

So has it any road cred?

The model is daring and muscular with that coupe-like sloping rear roofline giving the Q3 a robust presence on the highway.
As well as some sturdy new colors which implies you gained’t go unnoticed if thats your factor!
I appreciated it. Its distinctive and boasts an actual air of sophistication about it.

What’s it like inside?

The brand new Q3 Sportback total feels prime quality boasting on this automotive Audi’s elective digital cockpit as normal, a big 25cm central touchscreen and fortunately some buttons to function capabilities as effectively.

The inside of the S-Line mannequin is upholstered in synthetic leather-based (learn vinyl) and fabric and on this automotive an elective sporty trying flat-bottomed steering wheel.

I like the general design and significantly the truth that the touchscreen is neatly built-in into the dashboard design.
There are although some bland trying plastics on the door panels.

There may be sufficient normal tools to please and a wealth of choices to select from must you want.

However beware, gleefully ticking the choices record will rapidly bump up the bottom worth. Choices on my check automotive got here to over €7,699.
The cabin is roomy up entrance however the rear is cramped and that sloping roofline additional reduces headroom. The 530 litre boot is kind of good with a big tailgate for straightforward entry.

What’s below the bonnet?

My check automotive was powered by Audi’s 1.4 litre TFSI 4 cylinder petrol turbo mixed with an electrical motor and battery producing some 245bhp and mated to the S-Tronic auto gearbox.

That mixture works effectively however I by no means managed 50km reaching a mean of 40km on a full cost.
Over my check it burned on common 6.8 litres per 100km and it’ll price you €140.00 to tax for a yr.

What’s it prefer to drive?

The S-Line model examined has the marginally firmer sports activities suspension and it rides the highway very effectively absorbing undulations and imperfections with ease.

The dealing with is surefooted and provides loads of grip whether or not on moist or dry roads.
Noise ranges are typically effectively suppressed. On twisty nation roads it doesn’t roll an excessive amount of and on motorways it cruises quietly, however regardless of its sporty overtones it’s not a sporty SUV to drive.

So what’s the Verdict?

Total I appreciated the brand new Audi Q3. Its trendy, effectively designed, superbly put collectively and boasts the very newest in automotive excessive tech.

Frankly although I don’t suppose I’d pay the premium for the hybrid and the Sportback will not be as sensible because the common Q3 due its form.

So horses for programs I suppose. The Audi Q3 Sportback hybrid prices from €53,910 however with choices my check automotive got here in at €62,507.