Following intensive research into the options and features South African buyers prefer to specify on their new Audis, the Ingolstadt-based brand has rolled out Black Edition variants of its most popular models. We review the Q3 Sportback 35TFSI iteration.
We like: Good looks inside and out, build quality, ride quality, good value, comfort
We don’t like: A wireless charging pad ought to be standard
FAST FACTS
- Model: Audi Q3 Sportback 35TFSI Black Edition
- Price: R893 650 (May 2024, before options)
- Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol
- Power/Torque: 110 kW/250 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
- 0–100 kph: 9.3 sec (claimed)
- Fuel consumption: 7.3 L/100 km (claimed)
- Load-bay capacity: 410–1 280 litres
RECENT CARS.CO.ZA CONSUMER AWARDS PERFORMANCE
2023/2024 Premium Crossover category finalist (Top 3)
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What is an Audi Q3 Sportback Black Edition?
The Q3 is one of the most popular models in Audi’s stable, but the competition in the premium crossover segment of the new-car market is hotting up. There is a glut of new models; from traditional rivals (such as the new BMW X2) to feature-packed Chinese offerings such as the Jaecoo J7 and Haval H6 GT.
To offer a more attractive proposition at a reasonable price, Audi South Africa (SA) recently launched a handful of so-called “Black Edition” variants, specified with the features that local buyers often choose. In doing so, Audi SA has managed to negotiate better pricing for these new variants and, priced at just under R900 000, this Q3 Sportback 35TFSI variant offers a tantalisingly long list of standard features.
Furthermore, a key aspect of the special edition roll-out has been the finetuning of the financial offers that Audi SA can present to prospective customers. “That’s where the specially crafted Audi Assured offers for these models are really compelling,” an Audi South Africa spokesperson said recently.
Of course, even before the recent spec changes, the Q3 Sportback was an attractive and acclaimed offering. It was a finalist in the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – sponsored by Absa programme.
How the Audi Q3 Sportback fares in terms of…
Design and Features
Launched in Mzansi as long ago as 2020, the Audi Q3 Sportback is hardly a new model, but it still looks fresh. Indeed, our “Black Edition” test unit turned many heads during its tenure in our fleet. The premium crossover’s coupe-inspired lines are stretched tight over the large (standard 19-inch) “Graphite Gray” 20-spoke wheels, and the colour (Dew Silver Metallic, a R2 620 option) also drew favourable comments.
The Black Edition exterior treatment further includes generous gloss-black accenting (including Audi’s 4-ringed logo) and a panoramic sunroof. The model doesn’t appear dated at all, quite the contrary.
The cabin design has aged remarkably well too. Although the shape of Q3 Sportback’s instrument binnacle is traditional, it houses a crisp digital display (Virtual Cockpit), while the infotainment screen has high-resolution graphics and an easy-to-use menu system. Build quality is top-notch – all the trims and fittings have a reassuring solid feel. The car emitted neither rattles nor squeaks while in our custody.
Over and above the premium design features you would expect in a car such as this, the Black Edition trim includes a headliner in black fabric, a flat-bottom sports multifunction steering wheel, sports seats at the front and attractive upholstery (a combination of “Dynamic” microfibre and black leatherette).
The sports seats are superbly comfortable (the side bolsters are not overly firm) and offer electric adjustment, heating and 4-way lumbar support. Dual-zone climate control is standard, of course, and the infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An oversight in our view is the lack of a wireless charging pad. You do, however, get to USB-C ports in front of the transmission lever.
Move to the back and the sloping roof does impinge on headroom; a 1.8-metre-tall passenger’s head will slightly graze the roof lining. Seated behind a driver of similar height, that passenger will, however, have reasonable knee room, but the bench is not ideal for seating 3 adult occupants on long-distance trips.
That said, the Q3 Sportback’s load bay is decently sized. An electric tailgate is standard and the hatch opens to reveal a fairly generous 410 litres of luggage space. The Comfort Package, which is integral to the Black Edition trim level, adds a useful luggage net that stops loose items from rolling around in the load bay. And, if you fold down the rear seats, a claimed 1 280 litres of utility space becomes available.
Performance and Efficiency
The Q3 Sportback 35TFSI is powered by a 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. Based on its quoted performance figures (a 0–100 kph time of 9.3 sec and a top speed of 205 kph), the Audi isn’t the liveliest performer (compared with its fellow German counterparts), but even so, it never feels flat-footed either. The 6-speed dual-clutch auto transmission does a good job of finding sufficient power in most instances. It can be a little clunky when shifting down, however.
The Audi Drive Select system is included as part of the Black Edition package. Therefore, the driver can choose between a number of pre-set drive modes: Comfort-, Auto-, Dynamic-, Individual- and even Offroad. We utilised Auto mode for much of our time behind the Q3 Sportback’s tiller, but when you’re in the mood to drive enthusiastically, Dynamic will indeed make the Audi react to inputs with greater verve.
But suffice it to say that high-performance driving is not the Audi Q3 Sportback raison d’etre. It is fast enough, sure, but for the most part, it is just beautifully refined and relaxed to pilot – a soothing “daily driver” loaded with (almost) all the features you want and exuding a quality, luxurious feel.
It is reasonably fuel efficient, too, although not quite as frugal as its aforementioned fellow Teutons. Audi claims an average fuel consumption figure of 7.3 L/100 km for this derivative, but during the duration of the review period, the Q3 Sportback 35TFSI indicated a more middling average of around 9.2 L/100 km.
Ride and Handling
Considering the Black Edition is fitted with big (19-inch) alloys, you may expect the Audi to have a firm – if not somewhat harsh – ride quality, but thankfully that is not the case; the tyres aren’t too low in profile (235/50) and the Q3 Sportback’s suspension has been tuned to deliver comfort and safety, rather than pin-sharp cornering ability. The result is a relaxed, supple-riding premium crossover with enough ground clearance to comfortably clear most obstacles you may encounter in general urban driving conditions.
Also, while the Audi’s steering setup is largely devoid of feel, at least it is pleasantly weighted. The lasting impression of the Q3 Sportback’s on-road behaviour is one of “refined quality”. Courtesy of excellent sound insulation, the 35TFSI is a relaxed, luxurious cruiser; it soothes, rather than excites, its occupants.
Audi Q3 Sportback’s Price and After-sales support
The Audi Q3 Sportback 35TFSI Black Edition retails for R893 650 before options, but our test car came specified with a non-standard exterior colour (R2 620), as well as S line bumpers in contrasting paint finish (R4 310). A 1-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000km Maintenance Plan are included.
The Black Edition is offered in conjunction with Audi Assured guaranteed future value (GFV) vehicle-finance agreements. The GFV is established at the beginning of the contract term, giving buyers peace of mind in knowing the value they can receive for the vehicle of choice at the end of the contract term.
Review the Q3 Sportback 35TFSI Black Edition’s specs and contact an Audi dealer
Verdict
While a price tag of just about R900k can hardly be described as cheap, we do live in an era in which a premium crossover at this price point can be considered “good value for money”, particularly when it addresses one of the bugbears that have tended to plague German luxury brands’ smaller models…
And that is a paired-back standard spec that “obligates” buyers to splash out on expensive options to make the products feel truly luxurious. But not the Black Edition – the Q3 Sportback remains one of the most convincing models in Audi’s line-up, and this “curated spec” certainly further improves its appeal.
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