• A compact SUV coupé with an expressive design and highly dynamic handling
• Sport suspension, progressive steering, and Audi drive select as standard
• All headlights in LED technology, networking at the full-size model level

Low roofline, muscular body: the design
The Audi Q3 Sportback stands for strength and precision to an equal degree, and reflects this in all design details. The black grille of the octagonal Singleframe is strongly three-dimensional in design making it particularly sporty. The same applies to the trapezoidal air inlets and the expressive bumper with its flat blade. The coupé-like cabin acts as a contrast to the distinctive attachments, which are painted in contrasting colours and emphasise the SUV character. The low roofline gives way to flat D-pillars and ends in a roof edge spoiler. As a result, the Audi Q3 Sportback appears much longer than its sister model Q3. In addition, the SUV-coupé is almost three centimetres flatter, and thus has a more muscular appearance. Above the wheels, strong contours draw attention to the quattro drive, which comes as standard with most engines. Many light and shadow effects arise on the plastic-formed rear. The low window, flanked by aero trims and the sporty bumper, which takes up the look of the air inlets, emphasise the width of the Audi Q3 Sportback. The reversing lights contribute to this as well, running inwards in a tapered shape, just like the flat headlights. Audi supplies the latter in three versions up to Matrix LED technology, whose adaptive high beam intelligently illuminates the road as best suits the driving situation.

Sporty on and off the road: the suspension
The Audi Q3 Sportback offers engaging driving on various terrains – whether that be in the city, on long-haul routes, or on easy terrain – the compact crossover is a dynamic all-rounder. It features progressive steering as standard, whose gear ratio becomes increasingly direct as the steering angle increases, and the sport suspension.

On request, the suspension is available with damper control, which further increases the range between dynamism and comfort. Depending on the driving situation, road condition and personal preferences, the driver can vary the car's characteristics via the standard dynamic handling system, Audi drive select, in six profiles, including the offroad mode. In addition to the engine and transmission set-up, this system also influences the electronically adjustable shock absorbers and the steering assistance. As an option, the hill descent control can offer support, keeping the speed selected by the driver constant on an incline greater than 6 percent.

TFSI, TDI, S tronic, quattro: the drive
For the market launch in Europe, a petrolk and a diesel engine are available for selection for the Audi Q3 Sportback. With 169kW, the 2.0 TFSI in the Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro S tronic is the most powerful engine. The 2.0 TDI in the Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TDI S tronic has an output of 110kW. Shortly after market launch, it will also be available as a manual transmission with a quattro drive. Additional engines will follow in the course of the year, including a more powerful diesel and an entry-level petrol engine, which works together with a 48 V mild-hybrid system. During deceleration, it recovers energy; during acceleration from low speeds, it supports the engine. In real-life driving, it can save up to 0.4l of fuel per 100km.

In the top engines, the quattro all-wheel drive takes is standard – its central component a hydraulic multi-plate clutch on the rear axle. Its electronic management combines outstanding stability and strong traction with a high level of driving enjoyment. At the limits of performance, the quattro drive works closely with the wheel-selective torque control. It makes handling even more dynamic and stable by means of gentle brake interventions on the inside wheels with the quattro drive and the inside front wheel with the front drive.

Variable comfort: Interior and space concept
The Audi Q3 Sportback is 4.50m long, 1.84m wide and 1.56m high, its wheelbase measuring 2.68m. This results in a large and highly variable interior. The rear seats offer space for three people and can be moved 130mm longitudinally as standard. Their backrests are divided into three sections and their inclination can be adjusted in seven stages. The volume of the luggage compartment ranges from 530l to 1400l. The loading floor can be adjusted to two levels and the rear shelf is located beneath it. As an option, Audi will deliver an electric tailgate that can also be opened and closed with a foot motion. The front seats – electrically adjustable and heated on request – offer a sporty position and a high level of comfort. Depending on the equipment, there are sport seats with contrasting stitching and coloured stripes along the side panels.

In addition, Alcantara surfaces on the instrument panel and the armrests emphasise the progressive design philosophy. In the dark, the optional contour/ambient lighting package sets lighting accents with its 30 selectable colours.

Digital world: Displays and operation
The operating and display concept proves how Audi is pushing ahead with digitalisation. Even the basic equipment includes a digital instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch screen diagonal, which the driver operates using the multifunction steering wheel. In the top-of-the-line system, MMI navigation plus, the displays appear in the Audi virtual cockpit, which offers many additional functions. A touch display measuring 10.1 inches is positioned in the centre of the instrument panel. When a function is selected, it emits acoustic feedback. Just like in the brand's full-size models, it is surrounded by wide, high-gloss black trim. Together with the air-conditioning control unit located beneath it, the display is ergonomically tilted
10 degrees towards the driver. On request, the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus is available with three selectable layouts, including a particularly dynamic view.

The flat menu structure is complemented by a control unit that uses natural language and can also understand everyday speech. Navigation destinations entered into the MMI search are based on free text input, with the system recognising the driver's most frequent destinations based on previous journeys, allowing it to generate suitable suggestions. When doing so, it takes into consideration statistical empirical values regarding the traffic load and time of day.

Comprehensive networking: Infotainment and Audi connect
Together with MMI navigation plus, the online services of Audi connect are made available on board at LTE Advanced speed via a permanently installed SIM card. This includes, for example, online traffic information and the online points of interest service, which complements route guidance with photos, opening hours, and user evaluations. Thanks to the inter-connectivity of the Audi fleet, the Q3 Sportback receives and provides information about parking spaces on the roadside, hazard areas and speed limits, which are detected via the on-board camera and vehicle sensors. Traffic light information is a new feature among the Car-to-X services, where the car receives data from a city's traffic computer, giving the driver information about traffic light phases in the Audi virtual cockpit. This allows drivers to adjust their speed pre-emptively, which increases efficiency and improves traffic flow. This offering is initially available in individual European cities and will be gradually extended depending on the infrastructure in the urban area.

Another new feature is the cloud-based Amazon voice service Alexa, which streams music and audio books and also offers access to more than 80,000 Alexa Skills. Navigation with Google Earth™ and the hybrid radio, which automatically switches between FM, DAB and online streaming depending on the reception conditions, also forms part of the Audi connect navigation & infotainment plus package. The voice control system uses the detailed knowledge in the cloud to answer the driver's questions and commands.

The free myAudi App and the Audi smartphone interface ensure interconnectivity between the car and smartphone. This integrates Android and iOS smartphones into the on-board infotainment system. The content of the smartphone is shown in the MMI display via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and no cables are required if the top infotainment system is used with an iPhone. The Audi phone box and the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with virtual 3D sound round off this comprehensive offer.

Outstanding in any situation: the assist systems
In the Audi Q3 Sportback, four standard systems are used for safety. These include the lane departure warning and the lane change warning. While the former helps the driver to remain in the lane, the latter points out critical situations when changing lanes, such as if there is a vehicle in the blind spot. The series scope in Germany also includes Audi pre sense front. If a head-on collision is imminent, it outputs a visual, acoustic, and haptic warning to the driver. In an emergency, it causes full braking and initiates the Audi pre sense basic safety measures. This involves tightening the front seat belts, closing the windows and the optional sliding roof, and activating the hazard warning lights.

The adaptive cruise assist is a highlight of the optional systems, taking the burden off the driver during longitudinal and lateral guidance. Ultra-modern systems such as the 360 degree cameras offer assistance with parking and manoeuvring. They show the direct surroundings of the SUV coupé on the MMI display,and the driver can choose from several perspectives. The park assist automatically guides the car into and out of parking spaces. If, for example, the driver wants to back out of an entrance, the rear cross traffic assist warns about approaching vehicles that the system classifies as critical.

Australian Information
The all-new Audi Q3 Sportback is expected to arrive in Australia in the first-half of 2020. Further details on the model line-up, pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.

– ENDS –

NOTE TO EDITORS: This MediaInfo is intended for a global audience, and elements of it may not accurately reflect Australian features, specifications or timeframes unless specifically stated otherwise.

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 16 locations in twelve 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 2017, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.878 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,815 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 55,900 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2017 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €60.1 billion and an operating profit of €5.1 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.