On July 24, German automaker Audi announced the Audi Q3 Sportback, a new compact SUV with a coupe-like silhouette.

The Audi Q3 Sportback is described as Audi's first compact crossover model, based on the brand's compact SUV, the Q3. It combines a sporty coupe style with the powerful presence and practicality characteristic of an SUV.

Its body dimensions are 4,500mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,560mm high, making it 15mm longer and 25mm lower than its sibling model, the Q3. The wheelbase remains the same at 2,680mm.

The exterior's most distinctive features are the three-dimensional, black-finished octagonal Singleframe grille and the coupe-like roofline of the cabin. The trapezoidal front air inlets, also finished in black like the grille, the blister-style fenders front and rear evoking quattro all-wheel drive, and the sporty bumper design with a roof-edge spoiler all contribute to its powerful impression.

The interior is the same as the Q3's. Standard models are equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Selecting the top-tier MMI Navigation Plus system integrates it with the Audi Virtual Cockpit, offering numerous additional functions. On some models, a 10.1-inch touchscreen can be combined with the larger 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus.

The three-seater rear bench is split 40:20:40, features seven recline positions, and can slide fore and aft by 130mm. The luggage compartment offers a standard capacity of 530 liters, expandable to a maximum of 1,400 liters by folding down the rear seats (compared to a maximum of 1,525 liters in the Q3). The load floor can be adjusted in two stages, and an electric tailgate that opens with a kick action is also available.

The powertrain options available at launch in Europe include gasoline and diesel engines. The 2.0 TFSI gasoline turbo in the "Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro S tronic" produces a maximum output of 230 ps (169 kW), while the 2.0 TDI diesel turbo in the "Q3 Sportback 35 TDI S tronic" delivers a maximum output of 150 ps (110 kW). Models combining the quattro system with a manual transmission are also planned. Furthermore, Audi intends to introduce powertrains with a more powerful diesel engine and a 48V mild-hybrid system for the entry-level gasoline engine within the year.

In terms of connectivity, Audi connect online services provide traffic information and search capabilities. The my Audi app allows for the integration of Android and Apple smartphones into the car's infotainment system.

Safety features include standard lane departure warning and lane change warning systems. The Audi pre sense front system (on German market models) provides visual, acoustic, and haptic warnings to the driver if a frontal collision is imminent. An adaptive driving assistant, which uses a 360-degree camera to aid in parking and steering, is available as an option.

The Q3 Sportback will go on sale in Europe starting this autumn, with prices announced at €40,200 for the 35 TDI S tronic and €46,200 for the 45 TFSI quattro S tronic.