The slant-backed version of Audi’s small urban SUV is more efficient than ever.

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SINGAPORE

If you’re a regular reader of CarBuyer Singapore, then you’ve already seen this car before. It was featured in our epic drive from Singapore to Thailand and back at the end of 2022, and is mechanically identical to the ‘standard-shaped’ Audi Q3 1.5 that was also on the same trip.

This means that you could refer back to the earlier review of the Audi Q3 1.5 and it would read exactly the same. Or mostly would, because there are differences here. 

The Sportback series of Audi’s Q cars, which are its SUVs, are essentially coupe-SUVs. The silhouettes get tucked in a little bit at the front and the rear ends feature a more dramatic plunge downwards. The idea is to make the cars look more sporty and exuberant, while giving them a slight edge in aerodynamic efficiency. The minus side is that these styling decisions often leave the rear seat passengers with a lot less headroom.

The Audi Q3 Sportback of this present generation has been through a few engine updates including one with a 2.0-litre engine, yet this new 1.5-litre mild hybrid drive version is the most efficient one we’ve driven to date. How efficient? How does a range that comfortably exceeds 800km per tank of fuel sound like to you? 

With this update, it’s also mildly electrified. It’s not a full hybrid like a Lexus RX350h, but the Q3 Sportback gets the same mild-hybrid drivetrain that we first saw in the Audi A3. A small motor and tiny battery only adds its power to the main engine’s, or occasionally during coasting at high-speed/low load situations. What it can also do quite smoothly is also coast along with the engine off for quite some time, like the Volkswagen Golf. Incidentally, the Golf and Q3 share the same VW Group platform and similar components under the sheet metal.

Power output is also identical to the VW Golf with 150hp, which places it as a Category B COE car.

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The 1.5-litre engine actually has a lively but muted engine note, which is a nice change from all the near-silent EVs that we’ve been driving and reviewing lately. It’s not a quick car but it’s punchy enough with a tractable engine that pulls without fuss or strain. Fuel economy is impressive, and without difficulty the car averaged 7.1l/100km over three days. If you are really light with your right foot and choose your driving routes with care a 6.5l/100km average is entirely within reach. On paper it’s a tiny bit more fuel-efficient than its box-shaped SUV sibling thanks to better aerodynamics, but in real world use there’s very little difference.

Anyway that means, yes, the car can cover 800km between fill-ups even though it’s only a mild hybrid. No one likes waiting and queuing at petrol stations, so if the car lets you go further on less fuel, it’s a win. 

As expected the interior is identical to the regular Q3 SUV, but rear headroom and window size is compromised by the sloping roof. That can be a good thing though, because there’s still enough visibility out the back for rear seat passengers to not feel claustrophobic, yet the sloping roof makes the car feel quite a cosy place to ride in compared to the wide-open feel of a standard SUV body. 

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The real highlight of the car is its handling prowess. Despite it not being all that fast in a straight line, its corner carving ability is quite something. Steering input is razor-sharp, the car holds its lines through fast curves and gives you confidence to get on the throttle early for a fast, smooth run out. There’s absolutely nothing to complain about how accurately the front-wheel-driven Q3 Sportback tracks on the road.

Another thing we discovered is that the car has a very small reversing circle, which means it can slot neatly into tight spaces in narrow street easily.

Small luxury SUVs are big business in Singapore now and with cars like the new BMW X1 attempting to claw its way back into the space, buyers with the money to spend are spoiled for choice. The Audi Q3 Sportback is for all intents and purposes identical to its standard Q3 sibling, but if you fancy the swoopy coupe-type silhouette then it’s just under S$10k extra to pay for.

 

2023 Audi Q3 Sportback 1.5 

Drivetrain type	Petrol-electric mild hybrid
Engine	1,498cc, inline 4, turbocharged
Power	150hp at 5700rpm
Torque	250Nm at 1500-3500rpm
Gearbox	7-speed dual-clutch
Electric Motor	12hp/50Nm
Battery	Lithium Ion, Unknown kWh
System Power	Not stated
System Torque	Not stated
0-100km/h	9.4 seconds
Top Speed	206km/h
Fuel Efficiency	6.7 L/100km
VES Band	B / Neutral
Agent	Premium Motors
Price	S$261,661 with COE and VES
Availability	Now
Verdict	The same confident and efficient drive as the standard Q3 mild hybrid, with a sportier body style and extra cost

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