• The first Audi Q3 Sportback is set for local arrival in March
• Sansom: "The very first Q3 Sportback expands Audi's presence in the premium compact SUV segment"
• The Q3 Sportback starts from $49,900*, with a very high level of standard equipment

Zetland, January 24, 2020 – Audi is adding a compact SUV with distinctive coupé styling to its model range, with the Audi Q3 Sportback. The new model is set to extend the success of the popular Q3, with the sporty elegance and agile handling of a coupé.

The all-new Audi Q3 Sportback offers a progressive new exterior design, combining the sleek attributes of a coupe' with the modern compact SUV. It's both longer and lower than the Q3 SUV, with pronounced wheel arch blisters, offering a subtle nod to the iconic 'quattro' motorsport heritage that Audi is renowned for. Its striking design is enhanced on all Australian vehicles, which come standard with S line exterior styling, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels in dynamic designs.

The Q3 Sportback has been engineered to provide a dynamic driving experience. Its progressive steering offers a more direct response for winding roads or when turning sharp corners. Audi drive select allows driving characteristics to be altered with a selection of various modes through its intuitive MMI controls.

The intelligent, contemporary interior design of the Audi Q3 Sportback offers class-leading versatility, with 530 litres of luggage space – the same as its Q3 sibling. This can be increased up to 1400 litres, with ease, thanks to rear seats that slide fore/aft and split fold 40:20:40.

"The very first Q3 Sportback expands Audi's presence in the premium compact SUV segment," said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

"In a single generation, the Audi Q3 established itself as the benchmark in its class, underlined by its enduring popularity throughout its lifetime.

"The new model is stronger in every conceivable area, and the very first Q3 Sportback offers an even more expressive alternative for buyers. The growing share of the premium compact SUV segment shows no sign of slowing down, and so the Q3 Sportback is absolutely the right car at the right time for the Australian market," said Mr Sansom.

Like the Q3, infotainment and connectivity are real strengths of the Q3 Sportback, with several innovations that set it apart in the segment. Prominent Audi features like the virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, DAB+ digital radio, natural language voice control and a combination of USB-A and USB-C charging points in the front and rear are just the start.

The new Q3 Sportback is equipped with wireless Apple Carplay technology as standard, as well as Audi phone box light with wireless smartphone charging, dual simultaneous Bluetooth phone connection and also the innovative convenience of Audi connect plus.

Through high-speed internet access, Audi connect plus offers a suite of features including: real-time traffic information and avoidance options, check petrol station fuel prices, weather updates and availability of spaces at a parking station.

The interior of the Q3 Sportback meets expectations of luxury, with leather-appointed upholstery, multi-function leather steering wheel, 2-zone climate control and ambient interior coloured lighting, all accessed via convenient keyless entry.

The all-new Audi Q3 Sportback has been awarded a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and comes equipped with an extensive array of driver assistance safety systems, like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane change warning, rear cross-traffic assist, tyre pressure monitors, hill descent control, as well as a comprehensive suite of parking sensors and rear view camera. The Q3 Sportback is equipped with six airbags.

The 35 TFSI S line model is the entry point into the Q3 Sportback range, powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged TFSI petrol engine that produces 110kW and 250Nm. Mated to the smooth-shifting six-speed S tronic transmission that delivers to the front wheels, strong performance is assured. The Q3 Sportback reaches 100km/h from rest in 9.3 seconds, returning 7.3 litres per 100km. CO2 emissions are 167 grams per km.

The 40 TFSI quattro S line model will join the line-up soon after, powered by a 132kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI petrol engine. It will be matched to a seven-speed S tronic transmission, driving all four wheels.

In addition, a special Launch Edition is available at market launch, including additional equipment highlights like metallic paint, privacy glass, black exterior styling package, folding/heated exterior mirrors, high-output Audi sound system, auto dimming interior mirror, colour interior lighting package, electric front seats with electric lumbar support, heated front seats, a 360-degree parking camera, as well as Adaptive cruise assist, with active lane assist and emergency assist.

Comfort and Style option packages are also available, with details to be found attached to this release.

The all-new Audi Q3 Sportback is expected to arrive in March, when first customer deliveries will take place.

Pricing*

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

– ENDS –

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 18 locations in 13 countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).

In 2019, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.845 million automobiles of the Audi brand. In the 2018 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €59.2 billion and an operating profit before special items of €4.7 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.